The Carmelite Institute Malta has announced a comprehensive formation programme to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the canonisation of St John of the Cross, running from November 2025 to April 2026.
Titled “In the Silent Flame: The Carmelite Mysticism of St John of the Cross,” the six-session seminar offers participants the opportunity to delve deeply into the saint’s mystical theology, his Carmelite roots, and his lasting influence on Christian spirituality.
The programme features a full line-up of respected scholars and Carmelite friars, each guiding participants through different dimensions of the saint’s life and writings. Scheduled sessions include Carmelite foundations by Rev. Alexander Vella, O.Carm. (November 22nd), the life and times of the saint with Pia Attard Yeon (December 20th), the Ascent of Mount Carmel with Rev. Kurt Mizzi, O.Carm. (January 31st), and The Dark Night led by Dr Christopher Bezzina (February 28th).
The final two sessions will be delivered by Rev. Prof. Charló Camilleri, O.Carm., exploring mystical love, the Spiritual Canticle, and mature mysticism in the Living Flame of Love.
All sessions will be held at the Ċentru Spiritwalità Tereżjana in Birkirkara.
A second initiative forming part of the tricentenary commemorations is a May retreat titled “On the Spiritual Summit: Journey to the Heart of God,” inspired by the teachings of St John of the Cross. Taking place from 15–17 May at the Dar tat-Talb Lunzjata in Rabat, the retreat will be led by Rita Grima and will offer participants a quiet space for prayer, silence and spiritual reflection.
Drawing on the saint’s doctrine of inner transformation and detachment, the retreat invites individuals to engage deeply with Carmelite spirituality in a reflective and contemplative environment.
The Carmelite Institute has also announced a special pilgrimage to Spain planned for June and July, inviting participants to walk in the footsteps of St John of the Cross. The journey will include visits to sacred sites where the saint lived, prayed and wrote, offering insights into the landscapes and communities that shaped his spiritual legacy.
Pilgrims will explore monasteries, churches and locations central to his life of contemplation, while also experiencing Spain’s rich cultural and religious heritage. The Institute describes the pilgrimage as an opportunity not only to deepen one’s understanding of the saint, but also to strengthen personal faith through direct engagement with Carmelite history.
Who Is St John of the Cross?
St John of the Cross (1542–1591) was a Spanish Carmelite friar, priest and Doctor of the Church, internationally recognised as one of Christianity’s greatest mystics and poets. A central figure in the Carmelite Reform alongside St Teresa of Ávila, he dedicated his life to deep contemplative prayer and the spiritual renewal of religious life. His major works — The Dark Night, The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Spiritual Canticle and The Living Flame of Love — offer a profound theological roadmap of the soul’s journey toward union with God. His writings remain foundational in Christian spirituality and mystical theology.
Those wishing to attend the courses, retreat or pilgrimage are invited to register online via the following form: https://forms.gle/b5cwkZtcrM4jMVCPA.
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