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The Devil in the Castle: St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul by Dan Burke. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, NH, 2021). 192 pp., $21.95.
March 28th marks the birthday of St. Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church and one of its greatest mystics. In his new book, The Devil in the Castle bestselling author Dan Burke guides readers along the seven ways of spiritual progress with the light of St. Teresa’s masterpiece The Interior Castle.
Relevant for our times, this pivotal new book is a “Battle Manual” for spiritual warfare. Souls are often unaware of the battle within and around them. The enemy tries to take our focus away from God even in the most unlikely places, like Church or during our prayers.
Readers will journey through the seven levels of spiritual progress and learn what takes place in the soul at each stage. St. Teresa’s wisdom will guide you on your path to holiness and instruct you in:
· What to do when you’re distracted in prayer
· How to know if you made the right decision
· Understanding the benefits of desolation
· Determining if you are in the “Purgative Way”
· How God uses spiritual dryness to draw us closer to Him
· What is truly meant by contemplative prayer
They will also learn eleven ways to test the authenticity of charismatic gifts.
A timely resource, this book also discusses fear of illness and “Catholic mindfulness.”
Readers will find ways to overcome root sins and how to develop a “rule of life plan” as they advance in holiness. There is also a list of spiritual resources to further assist in spiritual growth.
Other features include a Daily Examination Guide and Confession Guide. Laid out similarly to Dom Chautard’s The Soul of the Apostolate, this book maps out stages of growth, as mentioned in the writings of Saints Teresa, John of the Cross, and Thomas Aquinas.
Each chapter contains reflection questions at the end, which are ideal for individual learning or group discussion.
Dan Burke recently discussed his book on EWTN news and Divine Intimacy Radio.
Superior General of Carmelite Sisters, Mother Gloria Therese, O.C.D. writes of this book “God raised up St. Teresa in the sixteenth century to show the disciples of Christ a way to freedom and maturity in the midst of the tempests of their day. In the twenty-first century, we need St. Teresa’s teachings more than ever. How do we battle bravely in our own day? Dan Burke has masterfully, simply, and clearly shown the followers of Christ how to be vigilant against the devil’s tactics and take up the torch (and the tools!) to become, one again, the prophets and faithful witnesses of our times.”
This book is 192 pages and available in both hardcover and eBook formats.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Publicity Coordinator at kvanuden@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of The Devil in the Castle or to schedule an interview with the author, Dan Burke.
Mary Beth Bracy is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Her books include Behold the Lamb, Bread of Life and The Little Way of Healing Love Through the Passion of Jesus: The Stations of the Cross with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and she is co-author of the book Stories of the Eucharist. She has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks. Mary Beth is also a professional teacher, dual certified in English and Special Education, and the owner of a Catholic book and gift shop online. A proud member of the St. John Paul II generation, and lover of all things St. Thérèse, Mary Beth enjoys spending time in Eucharistic Adoration daily, keeping in touch with her family and friends, as well as, sharing her faith with others.
