The Romances: The Poem Written in Prison by St. John of the Cross

In the culminating episode of our Advent retreat with the Carmelite mystics, Sr. Shawn Pauline returns to teach us about "The Romances," a poem by St. John of the Cross on the union of the soul with God. Jess and Sr. Shawn Pauline discuss:

• How John wrote "The Romances", a series of 9 poems that describe the love between the Father and the Son, during Advent while he was imprisoned by his fellow Carmelites
• John's illustration of the theological concept "perichoresis," which is the relationship between the Persons of the Trinity, often described as a dance
• How John's poems can offer insight for those who have struggles around Christmas time, especially those who come from difficult family situations

Sr. Shawn Pauline is a religious sister in the community of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Los Angeles.