Spiritual Life

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This page is devoted to a presentation of some of the writings on spiritual subjects which have inspired the members of the Order over the years. I hope that those who read these extracts are inspired to understand our common aspiration towards holiness in Christ and see another aspect of the charism of the Founder.

Lessons from Jesus - This was originally a Retreat at our Community of the Holy Ghost in Queensland. Our Lord teaches His children how to practice virtue in the context of Community life.
The Apostolate - of Holy Motherhood (and Fatherhood). This is a new addition soon to be incorporated into the next revision of the Rule and Constitutions of the Order. More on this later.
Special Devotions - of the Order of Saint Charbel in all Communities. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; True Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; the Holy Angels; the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
The Mother of God - True Devotion to Mary as expressed in the writings of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort best typify the spirituality of the Order. The significance of the Apparitions of the Mother of God in the last 200 years is a singular sign of these times. This page offers various items on these subjects including letters, articles, and other writings of interest.
The Saints - and Holy Men and Women. This page offers some of the writings which have so influenced the members of the Order in their personal piety and devotion. Notably, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Maria Valtorta, and Padre Pio. More to be added ...
Rules for Distinguishing Between Different Spiritual Influences - from The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. This extract is the classic treatise on the discernment of spirits. This is a very important document. It is necessary for anyone wanting to understand the role of consolations and tribulation in their life. Seers and Privileged Souls will find much encouragement in this teaching.

The Catholic spirituality lived in the Communities of the Order of Saint Charbel rests upon the rich patrimony of ascetical-mystical theology which was exemplified in the lives of the Saints and taught by the Magisterium. The holy men and women whose lives of heroic virtue have always been the inspiration for the faithful and especially for the many Religious Orders in the world today. The same is true for the Order of Saint Charbel.

For instance, the charism of the Founder's of new and old Religious Institutes have always been centred upon the lived experience of holiness -- the intense love and union with Christ, the Saviour. A wonderful example is Saint Francis of Assisi and his charism to found the Franciscan Order. What began in such simple fashion was the inspiration for many vocations -- many wanted to follow the example of Saint Francis. His followers were just ordinary people, yet like him, they too had a common aspiration -- to love God with all their heart, mind and soul. Saint Francis was the "magnet" which attracted them to his particular charism.

Sacrament of Baptism

But what is the fundamental principle of the spiritual life which inspires all forms of consecrated life? It is our incorporation into Christ through Baptism. Sanctifying Grace is the seed of Glory which introduces us into the "Way, and Truth and Life" of Christ. Padre Pio explained so well, the reality of our Baptism in a wonderful letter to his spiritual child Raffaelina Cerase (see letter 33): "Baptism brings about a real transformation in us. We die to sin and are grafted onto Jesus Christ in such a way as to live by His very Life" (Padre Pio, Vol. 2, Letters, 33). Religious life is built upon the foundation of the Sacrament of Baptism. The way of perfection, for all Religious Orders then is the growth in the virtues of Christian living as revealed by Christ in the Holy Gospels.

The Order of Saint Charbel is no different in this respect. Saint Charbel Makhlouf is the patron of the Order named after him. Saint Benedict, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Therese of Lisieux also figure prominently in the spirituality of the Order.

[ Home ] [ Easter Retreat 2001 ] [ Lessons From Jesus ] [ Special Devotions ] [ Distinguishing Spiritual Influences ] [ Saints Writings ] [ Family Apostolate ]

Lessons from Jesus - This was originally a Retreat at our Community of the Holy Ghost in Queensland. Our Lord teaches His children how to practice virtue in the context of Community life.

The Apostolate - of Holy Motherhood (and Fatherhood). This is a new addition soon to be incorporated into the next revision of the Rule and Constitutions of the Order. More on this later.

Special Devotions - of the Order of Saint Charbel in all Communities. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; True Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; the Holy Angels; the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

The Saints - and Holy Men and Women. This page offers some of the writings which have so influenced the members of the Order in their personal piety and devotion. Notably, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Maria Valtorta, and Padre Pio. More to be added ...

Sacrament of Baptism

The Order of Saint Charbel is no different in this respect. Saint Charbel Makhlouf is the patron of the Order named after him. Saint Benedict, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Therese of Lisieux also figure prominently in the spirituality of the Order.