Day 8: Conclusion: Advice for What Comes After SF000
On the Importance of Solid Foundations 000
Having completed the Prayer of the Heart, we find an infinite horizon unfolding before us. As St. Teresa of Avila tells us, our prayer journey will expand immensely. We begin with the first supernatural Prayer of Quiet, and may even progress to the Prayer of Union, which acts upon our conscious faculties. It’s crucial to note that this is an extraordinary grace bestowed upon our faculties, not a necessity. What truly matters is the growth of our communion of love with the Lord. The initial challenges we face in offering ourselves will diminish over time, and we will find ourselves more readily and simply surrendering to Him, or rather, to the hands of Mary. Our love for the Lord will deepen and evolve through various stages. As this course serves as a solid foundation, further courses will delve into the stages of growth in greater detail. Its purpose is to equip us with the essential knowledge to navigate our initial spiritual journey, as discussed above.
The School views Solid Foundations 000 as the essential gateway to spiritual formation. We will reiterate some of the key reasons for this. Additionally, the question that naturally arises after completing the course is: “What comes next?” It is important to highlight that the majority of the teaching in SF000 is practical in nature—designed to be actively applied in daily life to foster the growth of divine life within the student. This practical approach aims to initiate a genuine and, hopefully, consistent journey of spiritual growth. However, the success of this journey ultimately depends on how effectively the teachings are implemented, as outlined below:
1- God’s love for us
Deepening our understanding, meditation and contemplation of God’s love for us. Constantly going back to this starting point of our day and life: God the Father saying to us: “I love you with all my heart, with all my strength, all my mind”. Drawing enormous strength from it. From this love, Jesus’ call to follow Him blossoms.
2- Act of Hope: Union with Christ
Feeding spiritual life with the real object of the Act of Hope: Union with Christ. It becomes the main drive and the only goal. (First lesson + lesson on the Act of Hope)
3- Spiritual Anthropology
Deepening spiritual anthropology, Jesus as our Temple, the place where we pray the Father in the Spirit, entering more deeply into what Jesus achieved on the Cross to bring us back to God (a new contemplation of the Cross)
4- The Vital Role of Our Lady
Mary should be present in our mind and hearts throughout our whole spiritual journey, from our very first stumbling steps, just as she guided Jesus as a child, to the heights of the mystical life we are called to in union with Christ.
Whilst St. Paul called Abraham our Father in Faith, St. Luke shows us that it is only in Mary that this faith bears fruit. The only fruit worth bearing which is Christ. We are given Mary as our Mother by Jesus at the foot of the Cross and it is her faith we receive in baptism. She is the Good Soil in which that seed of faith can grow to its fullest realisation – that likeness to His Son to which God has called us all.
She is the model of humility for us so let us imitate her, lean on her and use her eyes of faith to see and believe in Jesus and her heart to love Him. Let us direct all our efforts in prayer to her and always approach the Lord through her. She told us at the Wedding of Cana to do as Jesus says, so in listening to Jesus and putting His word into practice let us come to Him with her by our side, and in all our prayers let us offer her our hearts as little children in total abandon and trust.
We must take on board the clearer teaching on Mary and putting it into practice as taught. (see the practical advice given after the second lesson on Our Lady in Spiritual Life).
5- The Importance of Practising Lectio Divina
The practice of Lectio Divina cannot be emphasized enough—it is vital and decisive for our spiritual growth. We must employ all means to pursue this goal, with few exceptions. Daily engagement in Lectio Divina is the most potent catalyst for our spiritual lives. It challenges us profoundly, requiring our full energy and teaching us authentic love for God. The importance of Lectio Divina cannot be overstated. Referencing the chapter/article on The Stages of Implementation of Lectio Divina reveals that one phase involves personal verification through a one-on-one session from time to time. Experience demonstrates the necessity of such verification, as crucial aspects are often overlooked.
Numerous courses are available to strengthen one’s practice of Lectio Divina (see the three-year+ formation plan below). These include courses directly focusing on Lectio Divina (ranging from three-day intensives to in-depth teaching sessions) or courses on the Bible that enable us to delve deeper into Scripture (“Bible and Spiritual Life,” “Meditating on the Passion,” “Sermon on the Mount,” “The Gospel of St. Luke,” “The Gospel of John”). Many of us initially struggle with practising Lectio Divina correctly, but it’s essential to approach it with humility, patience, and perseverance, as the rewards are immeasurable. However, it’s crucial to note that many spiritual directors may not fully grasp its significance and supernatural aspects, as taught at the School of Mary. The sacramentality of the Proclamation of the Word during Mass serves as the source and rationale for our practice of Lectio Divina.
Starting to practise Lectio Divina. When starting to practise Lectio Divina in the manner advocated by the School, and if one were already practising it before, it is important to note the differences between the two. (see the steps of implementation of Lectio Divina where “tuition” has its place. Note: tuition is different from Spiritual Direction.) Learning and deepening how the Fathers of the Church used to read the Scriptures “in the Spirit” helps to enrich Lectio Divina. See the following course: SF 102 Bible and Spiritual Life). See also the bibliography. The following courses are on the Scriptures and help strengthen the practice of Lectio Divina: “SF 102: Bible and Spiritual Life”, “SF 103: Sermon on the Mount”, “104: St. Luke’s Gospel”, “302: St. John’s Gospel and Spiritual Life”, “SF 201: Meditating the Passion”,…
6- Love Our Neighbour
Lectio Divina is listening to Jesus and putting His Word into practice. He often teaches us how to love our neighbour as He loves us. Serving our brothers is a natural development of our spiritual life and the most powerful way to invite Jesus into our hearts.” This aspect is essential in our spiritual life.
Once we experience the goodness of Jesus, His Word, His Love and His grace begin to transform us, and a supernatural urge to share this joy and experience with others often arises. While this is a normal inclination, it’s crucial to recognize that we may still be young in our spiritual journey and in need of strengthening. Engaging in ministry prematurely can overwhelm our spiritual life and unbalance us. Exercise caution. An enlightening study by Bl. Marie Eugene OCD, found at the end of his second volume, “I am a Daughter of the Church,” explores the relationship between Apostolate and the Growth of Love. This chapter is available on the School of Mary website for personal, private use.
7- Act of Faith
Putting into practice the Act of Faith: learning to open our inner eye to see the presence of Christ in our daily life. (The Act of Hope is mentioned in n°1 and Lectio and Prayer of the Heart are acts of Love). Noticing the variations of perception of the presence of God (ups and downs, consolations and aridity) and resisting in Faith.
8- The Art of Spiritual Warfare
Learning the art of warfare and how to understand what God wants from us and what help his grace is offering us.
Spiritual Warfare is very important to help us win and progress at every obstacle we face. When the obstacles present themselves on the one hand, the Lord on the other hand offers us the grace to resist their attraction, to win and overcome them. Learning how to manage this warfare and use all the “spiritual weapons” and “ruses” is very important. It facilitates growth and must not be overlooked. Some of the following articles address different aspects of spiritual warfare: “The Evil One in Spiritual Life”, “Convert and Believe in the Gospel”, “The Anagogical Acts”, “Do Temptations Diminish?”, “A Mysterious Warfare”….
9- The Holy Spirit
Learning to pay attention during the day to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We should considering the Holy Spirit as our Master and Guide and always seek to deepen our study of who He is and how we can correspond to His Promptings.
10- Christ
Learning to enter into Christ more deeply.
We should become increasingly aware that our desire to love and be loved by a human being is a powerful drive in our life, and that Jesus is the real Groom and is asking for this part of our heart, exclusively.
11- Deep Dimensions of Charity
Noticing how our acts, even if of apparent little value and hidden, have ripple effects on our brothers and sisters.
12- The Importance of Practising the Prayer of the Heart
Linked to Lectio Divina – as the Liturgy of the Word is linked to the Liturgy of the Eucharist to form the unity of the Mass – the Prayer of the Heart is here to offer us a prolongation of the Communion we receive. These two practices are the foundation for our journey toward union with God. The Prayer of the Heart enables the Lord to work deeply within us. One cannot seek union with God or pursue holiness while neglecting the Prayer of the Heart. Therefore, it’s crucial to discern among the various forms of prayer within the Church and choose the most potent and fruitful one, closely tied to the power of the Mass itself. The Prayer of the Heart, viewed as an extension of the grace received in communion, provides a space and time for Jesus to transform us through love. The transformative power of daily practice becomes evident quickly, but it’s essential to integrate it with Lectio Divina.
Completing the Solid Foundations course with a grasp of Lectio Divina and the Prayer of the Heart provides participants with the essence of the course and a lifelong invaluable practice.
Starting to practise Prayer of the Heart. Checking up on it from time to time.
13- Discernment
a) Definition: Discernment is the ability to discern God’s will and distinguish it from our own desires or other thoughts. It is essential. It’s not only about differentiating between good and evil but also about discerning what action we should take at any given moment.
b) Development: Discernment unfolds in layers, each building upon the other. 1) The natural layer relies on common sense. All of us are not born with equal common sense. It is true that it can grow and develop. Some of us, using greater vigilance, will still need to abide by the guidance received in Spiritual Direction to compensate for a certain deficiency. 2)The next layer is cultivated at home and in school, developing the natural virtue of prudence. 3) Learning to develop the supernatural virtue of Prudence marks the third layer. 4) Finally, being receptive to the promptings from the gift of Counsel, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, represents the fourth layer.
c) Levels of Discernment: There are at least two levels of discernment during the spiritual journey. The first level involves distinguishing between obvious good and evil. The second level requires discerning between two seemingly good options, one genuinely good and the other only appearing so. The devil often disguises himself as an angel of light (see St. Paul 2 Cor. 11:14).
d) Receiving Discernment: Deeper discernment, especially, is received through spiritual direction and obedience to God through one’s spiritual director.
Seeking advice from wise individuals is also beneficial, demonstrating humility and prudence.
14- Spiritual Direction
After completing an initial practical formation like the Solid Foundations Course, the practice of Lectio Divina and the Prayer of the Heart becomes more pronounced. At this juncture, the need for Spiritual Direction becomes even more apparent. A competent spiritual director will diligently assess our prayer life, ensure proper implementation of Lectio Divina and the Prayer of the Heart, monitor our growth, and address any challenges we encounter. It’s never advisable to embark on this journey alone, especially as God often communicates with us through spiritual direction. Praying to find the right spiritual director is essential, although it can be challenging. Spiritual direction requires humility and faith, similar to confession, and a reasonable rhythm for seeking advice is typically around once a month. Cooperating with a wise spiritual director working, step by step to bring order into our own life, implementing Lectio and Prayer of the Heartand also revising our personal daily schedule will ensure steady spiritual growth.
For further insights, please refer to the article on Spiritual Direction available on the website: “What is Spiritual Direction?”
15- Spiritual Reading
Having a spiritual life is one thing, but safeguarding and nurturing it is another. Cultivating a spiritual culture is vital, especially in a world that often lacks spiritual values and can leave one feeling isolated and vulnerable. The prevailing thoughts, values, and lifestyles in the world can be vastly different and challenging. Without a spiritual culture, one might feel like an outsider. Spiritual reading allows us to connect with other individuals, spiritual authors, who offer insights into the spiritual life and enrich our mental landscape with a multitude of saints and spiritual masters. Their examples and teachings are invaluable, providing support and strength, and making us feel connected to a community of invisible friends. Our spiritual life, akin to the sap within a tree, needs the protective barrier of spiritual culture – like bark—to safeguard it. Dedication to spiritual reading for a few hours each week in order to strengthen our spiritual culture is crucial and should not be neglected, as it will counter the pressure and ignorance of spiritual life of the world in which we live.
16- Study
Building on the importance of spiritual reading, delving into the study of Spiritual Theology further safeguards and nurtures our spiritual life. Additionally, it serves as a potent means of receiving graces. Dedication to study demonstrates our commitment to our spiritual life and allows us to strengthen our faith by engaging our minds. Our faith relies on the collaboration of our intellect, and our spiritual life and actions are guided by our minds. Never underestimate the power of study as a means to receive graces. However, it’s essential to approach study with the guidance and friendship of the Holy Spirit, who reveals God’s presence in what we study and helps us organize knowledge to better serve the Lord.
17- Daily Schedule
Upon completing the Solid Foundations course and discovering the practices of Lectio Divina and the Prayer of the Heart, individuals often feel compelled to begin practising them. One of the initial challenges, as emphasized throughout the course, is finding time to schedule an hour for Lectio Divina and initial time for the Prayer of the Heart. Spiritual Direction can be immensely helpful in navigating this challenge. However, many spiritual directors who haven’t undergone Solid Foundations training may find daily practice of Lectio Divina and the Prayer of the Heart excessive. It’s crucial, therefore, to start gradually, especially concerning the Prayer of the Heart. Regarding Lectio Divina, one should recall the story of the Mathematics Teacher, as discussed in the lessons on Lectio Divina.
There’s often a temptation to completely overhaul one’s personal schedule, and even work commitments. Certain types of work can be overwhelming for a balanced spiritual life. It’s imperative to approach any changes with prayer, serious consultation, and avoid drastic measures before proper discernment. Progress should be gradual, focusing on one aspect at a time and striving for consistency. Starting with 20 minutes of Prayer of the Heart for three months may seem modest, but it’s challenging. It’s better to begin with small steps and persevere for three months than to make grand decisions that could destabilise the entire structure.
18- State of Life
There’s often a strong desire, particularly among those who haven’t yet found a calling, to discover one. This desire can be intense and persist for several years. However, it’s important not to prioritize the search for a vocation over spiritual growth and deepening one’s relationship with Jesus. Just as Jesus in us is like a tree, with the state of life or vocation resembling the fruits, nurturing the tree’s growth takes precedence over worrying about which fruits it will bear. Growth allows significant developments to unfold. Please refer to the relevant section in the fifth part of the book on Lectio Divina for further insights (“Lectio and Vocation”).
19- Necessity of Ensuring a Steady Growth
A fundamental concept to keep at the forefront is the continuum of transformation outlined in the first lesson: the journey. This perspective implies that time and age are no longer primary values in our lives; rather, focusing on spiritual growth to achieve the ultimate goal—Union with Jesus—takes precedence. This underscores the paramount importance of “ensuring spiritual growth” in our lives. However, many individuals and leaders in the Church may not prioritize this value, believing that God will take care of our spiritual growth, rendering evaluation unnecessary. Yet, Spiritual Masters like St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross consider steady growth essential. The emphasis isn’t on meticulous analysis but on discerning God’s will for us in our current stage, adapting to His changing interactions with us, and ensuring the quality of our growth—whether it’s slow, sporadic, forced, or harmonious. “Ensuring steady growth” entails learning about growth, receiving appropriate spiritual direction, maintaining vigilance, recognizing turning points, applying the right pressure, fostering spiritual fervour, and spiritual emulation. In the second year, a course titled “Ensuring Steady Growth” is available. Perseverance in spiritual life is crucial, particularly after the initial fervour wanes, as it demonstrates our commitment to the journey even when consolations diminish. Though God provides the initial push and subsequent consolations, the early stages of growth rely significantly on our effort, with the general assistance of God’s grace.
20- Spiritual Friendship
St. Teresa of Avila highlights the importance of “Spiritual Friendship,” which is inherent in monastic life. While we may not live in monasteries, spiritual friendship remains a vital aspect of our spiritual life, as it involves sharing the same journey, goals, and means. It provides mutual encouragement and support, fostering motivation and spiritual emulation, akin to a healthy form of competition. However, choosing spiritual friends wisely is crucial—while emotional challenges may arise, the primary focus should be on mutual help and support. The bonds of friendship should be flexible and if a friendship becomes an obstacle, it’s best to avoid it.
21- Further Courses and Formation
The School of Mary offers a comprehensive three-year+ online formation plan in spiritual life. Following the completion of the Solid Foundations course (SF 000), individuals can choose to pursue the entire syllabus or select specific courses based on their preferences. If assistance is needed in making a decision, please feel free to reach out to us for guidance.
The SF 000 Solid Foundations Course serves as the Entrance-gate Course, providing an initiation into Spiritual Life. The three-year+ formation plan is structured around the first three main stages of spiritual growth:
– Year One: Focuses on Conversion and New Life.
– Year Two: Covers the First Stage of Growth, progressing until the union of will.
– Year Three: Continues from the union of will until the completion of the purification process.
Individualised, one-to-one tuition is available for those completing the courses, ensuring personalised support and guidance throughout the journey.
For further information and detailed insights into the formation plan, please refer to the first article in this handbook: “General Presentation of Formation in the School of Mary”.
First Year SF 1: Implementation
SF 100: Solid Foundations 1 The Call to Holiness & The Spiritual Journey
SF 101: God’s Love for Us
SF 102: Bible & Spiritual Life
SF 103: Sermon on the Mount
SF 104: St Luke’s Gospel
SF 105: Introduction to St. Teresa of Avila
SF 106: Christ in Spiritual Life
SF 107: The Holy Spirit in Spiritual Life
SF 108: Our Lady in Spiritual Life
SF 109: Reading and Studying St. John of the Cross (1): Ascent I; Dark Night I.
SF 110: Spiritual Warfare
Second Year SF 2: First Liberation
SF 200: Solid Foundations 2 “Ensuring Steady Growth”
SF 201: Meditating on the Passion
SF 202: Lectio Divina a & b
SF 203: Prayer of the Heart
SF 204: Dogma and Spiritual Life
SF 205: Teaching Lectio Divina
SF 206: Liturgy and Spiritual Life
SF 207: Spiritual Direction (1)
SF 208: The Commandments and Spiritual Life
SF 209: Reading and Studying St. John of the Cross (2): Ascent II, Ascent III.
Third Year SF 3: Deepest Purification
SF 300: Solid Foundations 3
SF 301: St. Therese of the Child Jesus
SF 302: Gospel of St. John
SF 303: St. Elisabeth of the Trinity
SF 304: Introduction to Bl. Fr. M. Eugene OCD
SF 305: Spiritual Direction (2)
SF 306: Contemplation
SF 307: Teaching Prayer of the Heart (See Becoming Spiritual Formator)
SF 308: Ministry and Spiritual Life
SF 309: Reading and Studying St. John of the Cross (3): Dark Night II
After having completed the three years, whoever chooses to continue has two more years: SF4 and SF5. They address the following stages of spiritual life until Christian Death.
Fourth Year SF 4: Fiery Union
SF400: Contents and Meaning of this Stage
SF401: Spiritual Betrothal
SF402: Spiritual Marriage
SF403: Celebrations of Spiritual Marriage
SF404: Act of Oblation: Flares of the Holy Spirit: “Give God to God”
SF405: “Give God to others”. Ms. C and Ms. B
Fifth Year SF 5: Bearing Fruits
SF500: Contents and Meaning of this Stage
SF501: Deep form of Apostolate
SF502: Participation in the Lord’s Passion
SF503: Baptismal Priesthood – Martyrdom
SF504: Suffering of the body
SF505: Suffering of the soul
SF506: Christian Death
If you are interested in learning more, or would like to enrol on a course, please contact us.
In the mind of the Formator, who strives to convey the mind of the Church—Christ’s mind—to the student, it is reasonable to expect the student to begin implementing the practical points outlined above. This is the natural outcome of Solid Foundations 000. However, some students may not yet have reached the stage of a second conversion and could find these expectations overwhelming. Discernment is crucial in such cases. Solid Foundations 000 assumes that the individual is spiritually prepared, having either reached or crossed the threshold of desiring a personal relationship with Jesus as a response to hearing His call to follow Him.
By implementing the above steps gradually, it is fair and reasonable to expect that a steady growth will be set in motion—something that reflects God’s earnest desire for us. Growth is not taboo, nor is it a sinful expression of pride or audacity. Rather, it is the proper generosity of heart that aligns us with God’s ambitious plans for our lives. If He is calling us, He is calling us to union with Him, to the fullness of love. This means these gifts are intended for us in this lifetime, and He ardently desires to bestow them upon us. However, it is not enough merely to accept them; we must actively desire what God desires for us. As St. John of the Cross teaches, it is sinful not to strive for this fullness. To refuse His gift wounds God deeply, for it is a rejection of His infinite love.
This initial phase of growth (see SF1) closely aligns with what St. Teresa of Avila describes as the Fourth Mansions. It also corresponds to the teachings of St. John of the Cross in the first book of Ascent of Mount Carmel, where he explains how to respond to Jesus’ call and love. Additionally, in the first book of the Dark Night, St. John of the Cross illustrates the transformative effects of such effort and growth on the soul.
During this period, we often encounter our own weakness—moments when we go astray, fail to discern correctly, or struggle to understand what is required of us. We fall and rise again. We resist temptations, doubts, and spiritual laziness. At times, we may feel tempted to abandon the practice of Lectio Divina or seek consolations and sensory reassurance during the Prayer of the Heart. We fail to notice how Jesus patiently waits for us in the small, ordinary moments of life—a lesson beautifully taught by St. Thérèse of Lisieux in her letters to her sister Céline from 1888 onward. Our weakness may seem overwhelming, and we may feel as though everything depends solely on our efforts.
Yet, the general grace of God is always available to us—offered and within reach, even if we are not yet accustomed to relying on it. Despite these struggles, we must not be deterred. We are called to arm ourselves with firm and renewed courage, with the determination of one who knows victory is assured—not through our strength, but because it is Jesus who calls us and provides the help we need.
It is indeed challenging to learn the art of spiritual warfare and to grasp that our response to Jesus’ love is decisive. In this effort, let us count on the help, presence, and support of Our Lady. The spiritual life is her domain; she is its guardian and guide. Let us entrust ourselves to her care and continually renew this act of trust.