Threads of Grace

Julian of Norwich

c. 1342 – c. 1416

English anchoress whose Revelations of Divine Love is the first book in English known to be written by a woman. Pat turns to Julian for her teaching on God's maternal love, divine intimacy, and her assurance that "all shall be well."

"God is closer to us than our own soul."

See especially: "Nearness", "Realization"

Meister Eckhart

c. 1260 – c. 1328

German Dominican theologian and mystic known for his teachings on detachment, the birth of the Word in the soul, and creation as divine self-expression. Pat draws on his insight that God seeks repose in us.

"God needs nothing more than for us to offer him a quiet heart."

See especially: "Arise, My Love... and Come Away", "Here Is Your God!"

Hildegard of Bingen

1098 – 1179

Benedictine abbess, composer, theologian, and mystic. Pat references her concept of veriditas—the greening power of God in creation—and her image of being "a feather on the breath of God."

See especially: "Realization"

Francis of Assisi

1182 – 1226

Founder of the Franciscan Order, known for his radical poverty, love of creation, and joyful devotion. Pat draws on his example of finding God in simplicity and his prayer "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."

See especially: "Follow in His Steps", "Realization"

Teresa of Ávila

1515 – 1582

Spanish Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church. Her Interior Castle maps the soul's journey toward union with God. Pat references her teaching that "God alone suffices" and her metaphor of the transforming silkworm.

"God has no hands but ours."

See especially: "Realization"

John of the Cross

1542 – 1591

Spanish Carmelite mystic and poet whose Dark Night of the Soul describes the purifying journey toward divine union. Pat draws on his insight that spiritual darkness can be gift rather than punishment.

See especially: "Outer Darkness", "Going and Coming"

Catherine of Siena

1347 – 1380

Dominican tertiary, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. Pat references her experience of divine abandonment and her bold engagement with church and political leaders.

See especially: "Going and Coming"

Mechtild of Magdeburg

c. 1207 – c. 1282

Beguine mystic whose Flowing Light of the Godhead records her visions and spiritual insights in poetic language.

Referenced among Pat's spiritual guides in: "Saints"

Brother Lawrence

c. 1614 – 1691

Carmelite lay brother whose Practice of the Presence of God teaches awareness of God in ordinary tasks. Pat frequently references his insight that he could be "just as aware of God while peeling potatoes in the kitchen as joining his brothers in chapel."

See especially: "Distracted", "Here"

Charles de Foucauld

1858 – 1916

French priest and hermit who lived among the Tuareg people in the Sahara. Canonized in 2022. Pat includes his "Prayer of Abandonment" as a model of complete surrender.

See especially: "Laid Bare"

Thomas Merton

1915 – 1968

Trappist monk whose prolific writings bridge contemplative life and social engagement. Pat draws on his teaching about the true self, the hidden image of God in each person, and contemplation's connection to action in the world.

See especially: "Realization"

Thomas Keating

1923 – 2018

Trappist monk and one of the founders of the Centering Prayer movement. Pat frequently quotes his insight about silence as God's first language and draws on his practical teaching about contemplative prayer.

"Silence is God's first language; everything else is a poor translation."

See especially: "Peace! Be Still!"

Basil Pennington

1931 – 2005

Trappist monk who, with Thomas Keating, developed the Centering Prayer method. Pat references his writings on contemplative practice.

Henri Nouwen

1932 – 1996

Dutch Catholic priest and prolific spiritual writer. Pat draws on his concept of "holy indifference" and his insight that "crushed grapes can produce delicious wine."

See especially: "Make Room", "From Exultation to Desolation"

Macrina Wiederkehr

1939 – 2020

Benedictine nun and spiritual writer. Pat attended her retreat on "Seven Sacred Pauses"—brief moments of awareness punctuating the day with time to "stop what we are doing and breathe, focus on what is going on around us, both within and without, and give thanks for it all."

See especially: "Athirst for God" (June 23, 2019)

Richard Rohr

b. 1943

Franciscan friar and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation. Pat draws on his teaching about the true self, non-dual thinking, and his litany of names for the Holy Spirit.

See especially: "Litany of the Holy Spirit", "Wilderness"

Madeleine L'Engle

1918 – 2007

Novelist and essayist whose spiritual writings helped Pat find words for her own experience. Pat credits L'Engle as one who "first gave me words for what I already knew in my heart."

Referenced in: "Saints"

Matthew Fox

b. 1940

Episcopal priest and theologian known for creation spirituality. Pat references his book One River, Many Wells and his work recovering the mystical traditions.

Referenced in: "Saints"

Francis Thompson

1859 – 1907

English poet best known for "The Hound of Heaven." Pat quotes his mystical insight about cosmic interconnection.

"Thou canst not stir a flower, without troubling of a star."

See especially: "Unity"

Frank Tuoti

Contemplative writer whose book Why Not Be a Mystic? argues that the mystical life is the normal development of Christian life, available to all who desire it.

See especially: "Arise, My Love... and Come Away"