Fr. Emiel Abalahin, O. Carm. entered the Carmelite Order in 2000. He received his MA in Theology from Seton Hall University, and also completed a certificate in Carmelite Spirituality from the Washington Theological Union. An alumnus of the Pontifical Gregorian University, he returned for further studies and is currently completing his doctorate in spirituality. His doctoral thesis is based on the theme he is presenting for his talk.
The Teresian Concept of Dignity: Its Roots, Development and Impact on Spiritual Growth
In Chapter 1 of the First Mansions in the Interior Castle, Teresa sets the scene in which the work of progressing in the interior life takes place, i.e., the soul. The recognition of its fundamental dignity serves as both the starting point and goal for spiritual development. The origins of this notion of dignity, its conceptualization, and its impact on the various relationships in the spiritual life will be examined.