The following is part of an excerpt of a dialogue with a lovely soul of Christ regarding extraordinary phenomenon many a saint has experienced, and some in modern times have questioned or found controversial. This is not a clean, theological treatise, however, the content is generally spot-on. More on this topic and the spiritual life in general to follow soon....
And, actually while it's on my mind, thank you as well for sharing your thoughts on St. Padre Pio and St. Theresa of Avila. Yes, both saints had some incredible and extraordinary spiritual gifts indeed :) And, while some may consider levitation, bi-location, and the like "controversial" - I would humbly submit that, while perhaps well-intentioned, a better understanding of the spiritual life would likely "answer" these concerns. While it is true that "extraordinary" phenomenon such as locutions and visions are NOT essential qualities or "features" of the Mystical Life, levitation, the reading of souls, ecstasy, bi-location etc., are NOT remotely foreign or alien to the advanced stages of the spiritual life. Everything suggests that St. Padre Pio and St. Theresa of Avila clearly progressed to states of union with the Divine, "grades of prayer" etc., that would be completely consistent with these "supernatural" phenomenon. A good reading of St. John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila, etc., would illuminate some of this considerably, as would a substantial study of Christian Spirituality - the Three Ways or Ages of the Spiritual Life, etc. In short, the Mystical Life produces some AMAZING fruits and realities that are very unique to these aspects of the spiritual life. Sadly, even tragically, far to few experience these or know of these first hand and hence remain regrettably unawares of the wonders "His Divine Majesty" works with these most advanced and perfected souls in the Kingdom of God.
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