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Catholic spirituality is the spiritual practice of living a personal act of faith (fides qua creditur) following acceptance faith (Fides quae creditur). Although all Catholics are expected to pray together at Mass, there are many different forms of spirituality and private prayer that have developed over the centuries. Every major religious orders of the Catholic Church and other secular groups have their spirituality and unique – its way of approaching God in prayer and living the Gospel.
Catholic devotional piety
Catholic piety is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Although Jesus with the Father and the Holy Spirit is the subject of Faith Catholic, Jesus was not the founder.
The fundamental relationship of Jesus Christ, Son of God, is with the Father. As Son, Jesus is always in communion with God the Father. Throughout his life, his prayer begins with "Father" and the prayer he taught his disciples begins with "Our Father".
This Catholic Church has developed a devotion that reflects the attitude of Jesus. Mass the central prayer of the Church, also refers to the Father.
The spirituality of the desert
The spirituality of the desert is a way of seeking God, which is characterized by the theology of "desert" of the Old Testament, which is at the heart of the Judeo-Christian namely God keep his people for 40 years wandering in the desert, [1], and also throughout the following centuries, calling on several occasions in the wilderness as a testing ground where they may experience a change of heart, and by proving themselves subject to its orders of human life, to accept to their Creator as their new Lord.
In the New Testament, there is even reason to prove his obedience that Jesus of Nazareth have tested at the desert (cf. Mt 4:1-11 = Mark 1:12-13 = Luke 4:1-13).
The Christian vocation hermit has the same goal, as the name of the hermit applied to those who embrace it indicates.
Among the most known to live a spirituality of the desert during the early Christian centuries is St Anthony of Egypt (251-356). He lived as a hermit for ten years, practiced asceticism for life, and grew its own food food.
In the life of a single person is dedicated to finding God in the desert, which is the oldest form of Christian monasticism, monastic life in community has emerged, although the hermit vocation continues as a distinct way of seeking God even today.
In practical terms, this spiritual quest is pursued through prayer in solitude and asceticism.
Some proponents of spirituality of the desert – as if the monks and monastic hermit, or as faithful Christians outside of religious life – practicing centering prayer. Although severely challenged as anachronistic and modern, Eastern origin, this practice is indeed prominent in Catholic practice (at least) from the 13th century, as evidenced by such works as "The Cloud of Unknowing" – anonymous written in Old English by a Catholic monastery. This meditation on a sacred word that is supposed to draw the believer closer to God by removing the compulsive infatuation particular sensory objects and conceptual constructions.
Benedictine Spirituality
Benedictine spirituality is characterized by community life, order and obedience to their superiors. St. Benedict (480-550) is considered the father of monasticism West. He wrote The Rule and established his first monastery of Monte Cassino, Italy. Lectio divina is a form of prayer based on Benedictine prayer with the Word of God. Lectio Divina has four "moments": Lectio (reading the Bible), Meditation (Reflection on the Word), Oratio (prayer), and Contemplatio (listening silently to God). Key person involved in the 20th and 21st century was Basil Pennington.
Franciscan Spirituality
Franciscan spirituality is characterized by a life of poverty, love of nature, and giving charity to those in need. Saint Francis Assisi (1182-1226) was the son of a wealthy merchant. He rejected all of his possessions and founded a community of Brothers (Brothers) living in poverty and helped the poor. Franciscan Prayer recognizes God's presence in the wonder of creation. This is clearly seen in the Song of St. Francis from the Sun. Franciscan spirituality is centered on the footsteps of Christ, understanding of God by doing what Christ asked, experience and share God rather than talking to God.
About the Author:
T. Michael Claude is Editor-in-Chief of ConfessionGoers.com, an online Catholic Magazine dealing specifically with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The site can be enjoyed by following this link:
http://www.confessiongoers.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Catholic spirituality
Font’s Point in the Anza-Borrego desert. Higher-res version
