Acquired and Infused Contemplation of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross

Dr. Cristóbal Serrán-Pagán y Fuentes, PhD 

Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross are two of the greatest mystical saints and scholars in the Catholic Church. Both Spanish mystics gave spiritual advice to many nuns, friars, and lay people seeking ways to connect with the Divine. Cristobal Serrán-Pagán, PhD will share his insights via Zoom using mystical theology as the medium of communication. After distinguishing acquired contemplation from infused contemplation, he will provide examples from both Teresa's and John's lives and writings on how they addressed this double movement towards God.

Cristobal is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Valdosta State University in Georgia. His PhD is in religious studies and he specializes in world religions and the history of philosophy. He is a widely recognized expert on the Spanish mystics and Thomas Merton. His recent book, Saint John of the Cross: His Prophetic Mysticism in the Historical Context of Sixteenth-Century Spain is available in our library. Cristobal has followed the footsteps of Teresa and John for decades, having been born and raised in Spain himself.