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The Christian Mysticism Podcast
Exploring Christian mysticism with Dr. Carlos Eire
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7. Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection: In constant contact with God
53:09||Season 4, Ep. 7Brother Lawrence (c. 1614–1691) survived the horrors of the Thirty Years' War, lived with chronic pain, and yet discovered how to transform an ordinary monastery kitchen into holy ground. In this episode, we explore how an uneducated Carmelite lay brother became one of Christianity's most beloved mystics by achieving a deep union with God not with extraordinary visions, but through the quiet faithfulness of washing dishes, mending sandals, and performing every task with love. Discover why The Practice of the Presence of God has inspired Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians for centuries, including Pope Leo XIV.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).
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6. Maria Simma: The mystic who spoke to souls in purgatory
49:33||Season 4, Ep. 6Maria Simma (1915–2004) spent more than six decades speaking with souls in Purgatory who visited her pleading for prayers, Masses, and sacrifices to hasten their journey to Heaven. In this episode, we explore her astonishing encounters, vivid descriptions, and the spiritual lessons the suffering souls revealed to her. Simma’s extraordinary testimony offers a haunting glimpse into one of Christianity’s most mysterious realms.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).
5. St. Peter of Alcantara: The extreme mystic
50:40||Season 4, Ep. 5Saint Peter of Alcantara (1499–1562) was so extreme in his pursuit of God that even other saints were stunned by his austerity. In this episode, we dive into the shocking life of the emaciated Franciscan reformer who slept only ninety minutes a night, wore heavy iron chains for years, fasted relentlessly, and became known for his mystical ecstasies and levitations.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).
4. St. Bridget of Sweden: Mystic, noblewoman, and mother of eight
51:07||Season 4, Ep. 4St. Bridget of Sweden (c. 1303–1373) was a noblewoman, mother of eight, and mystic whose extraordinary visions challenged popes and captivated Europe. From childhood revelations of Christ’s Passion to bold calls for reform during a time of deep Church crisis, her life was anything but ordinary. Known as both the “patroness of failures” and the "patroness of Europe," her mission unfolded in tension between divine insight and unfinished earthly struggles. In this episode, we explore the powerful visions, spiritual legacy, and enduring mystery of a woman who communicated with heaven itself.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).
3. St. John Bosco: The dreaming mystic
50:43||Season 4, Ep. 3St. John Bosco (1815–1888) was a mystic who received visions in his dreams so vivid they shaped the future of souls and nations. From prophetic encounters and chilling glimpses of hell to a revolutionary approach to educating troubled youth, in this episode, we explore how one mystic's dreams became a divine blueprint for transforming lives.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.You can visit our podcast website HERE.
2. Thomas Merton: A controversial mystic
54:45||Season 4, Ep. 2Thomas Merton (1915–1968) was a Trappist monk, bestselling author, and mystic whose life bridged cloistered silence and global controversy. From a restless, scandal-marked youth to a dramatic conversion and controversial activism. Merton sought hiddenness yet became one of the most influential Christian voices of the twentieth century.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.You can visit our podcast website HERE.
1. Anne Catherine Emmerich: A visionary mystic
52:37||Season 4, Ep. 1Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) was an Augustinian Canoness born in Flamschen bei Coesfeld, Westphalia, in northwest Germany in 1774. One of nine children, her family was very poor but faith-filled. She is best known for her visions of Christ and the stunning details recorded of those visions that served as one of the primary sources for the portrayal of the Passion of Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's epic film, The Passion of Christ.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.You can visit our podcast website HERE.