Contemplative prayer as described by the Saints - Infused Love
Many saints describe this infused love as a dart of fire entering their heart. St. Teresa of Avila said that at times an arrow is thrust into the deepest recess of the heart. It produces extreme pain for it causes the soul to forget itself. Yet she says this pain is so delightful there is no other pleasure that gives greater happiness. It would be wonderful to die of this sickness.
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St. Teresa of Avila, The Book of Her Life, Ch. 29, 10, p. 251.
The Ecstasy of St. Teresa in white marble is located in the Cornaro Chapel of Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome. It was designed and completed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. [click on photo to enlarge]
Many saints describe this infused love as a dart of fire entering their heart. St. Teresa of Avila said that at times an arrow is thrust into the deepest recess of the heart. It produces extreme pain for it causes the soul to forget itself. Yet she says this pain is so delightful there is no other pleasure that gives greater happiness. It would be wonderful to die of this sickness.
_____________________
St. Teresa of Avila, The Book of Her Life, Ch. 29, 10, p. 251.
The Ecstasy of St. Teresa in white marble is located in the Cornaro Chapel of Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome. It was designed and completed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. [click on photo to enlarge]
Four centuries later St. Therese of Lisieux describes that a similar experience happened to her: "I had commenced in the Choir the Way of the Cross, when I felt myself suddenly wounded by a dart of fire so ardent that I thought I must die. . . but oh! What fire! What sweetness."
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Saint Therese of Lisieux, Story of A Soul, The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (1897), Ch XII, p. 127.
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Saint Therese of Lisieux, Story of A Soul, The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (1897), Ch XII, p. 127.
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