St. Anthony's Tongue Not the Famous Mystics: 5 Catholic Poets Who Taught Me How to Pray
Jan 13, 2026
Dive into the transformative world of mystic poets who illuminate the path to prayer. Explore why poetry is vital in Catholic mysticism and how desire shapes spiritual experiences. Discover John of the Cross's exploration of divine union and Jacopone da Todi's raw, honest approach to prayer. Gain insights into Columba's exile verses and Mechthild's imagery of surrender. This conversation unveils the beauty of longing and love, inviting you into a richer, contemplative spirituality.
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Poetry As A Path To Awe
- Poetry in the Catholic tradition elevates the heart as much as the mind and points beyond words to awe and surrender.
- W. Warning argues that reclaiming poetic mysticism counters a purely intellectual, legalistic faith.
John Of The Cross’s Prison Poems
- John of the Cross wrote much of his poetry during imprisonment and his Spiritual Canticle opens with 'Where have you hidden, my beloved?'.
- W. Warning describes the bride wounded in love who searches, glimpses God everywhere, and is left speechless in awe.
Love That Wounds And Heals
- The Living Flame of Love presents God's love as a fire that wounds, burns, and also heals the soul's veil.
- W. Warning highlights that true prayer undoes the self rather than functioning as self-improvement.
