St. Catherine and the Cell of Self-Knowledge | Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, OP
Oct 4, 2024
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Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, a Professor of theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, delves into self-knowledge and its transformative power. She discusses the profound teachings of a 14th-century mystic, revealing how her defiance of societal norms inspired change across gender lines. The concept of a 'cell' for self-discovery is explored, stressing its vital role in humility and wisdom. Through engaging stories and metaphors, she emphasizes the deep connection between understanding oneself and a relationship with God.
Self-knowledge is essential for spiritual growth, intertwining the understanding of oneself with the recognition of God's love and presence.
St. Catherine's concept of the 'cell' of self-knowledge emphasizes the importance of internal reflection for nurturing one's spiritual life amidst societal distractions.
Deep dives
The Necessity of Self-Knowledge
Self-knowledge is not merely a modern psychological concept; it has deep historical roots and is essential for moral and spiritual growth. Figures like Catherine of Siena emphasize the importance of understanding oneself in relation to God, connecting it to ancient teachings such as ‘Know thyself’ from Greek philosophy. This two-fold knowledge includes both an awareness of one's strengths and weaknesses as well as a recognition of God's presence and love. In today’s fast-paced society, where distractions abound, cultivating self-knowledge becomes even more vital for personal development and spiritual grounding.
Catherine of Siena's Spiritual Cell
Catherine of Siena introduces the concept of a 'cell' of self-knowledge, which serves as an internal spiritual space for prayer and personal reflection. This cell is not about physical isolation but rather an inward journey where one can find peace and calm amidst external chaos. Through her experiences, Catherine demonstrates that this cell allows for a continuous dialogue with Christ, wherein one can confront personal challenges and grow in virtue. Despite societal distractions, everyone can cultivate such a space to maintain their connection with God and nourish their spiritual lives.
The Connection of Humility and Magnanimity
Catherine's teachings assert that humility and magnanimity are interconnected virtues essential for spiritual maturity. Humility helps individuals recognize their creatureliness and dependence on God, while magnanimity inspires them to undertake great acts worthy of honor. Through self-knowledge, one can achieve a balance between recognizing personal limitations and embracing the call to greatness in service to others. Both virtues guide individuals to live out their calling authentically, reflecting a genuine relationship with God and a commitment to loving others.
Wisdom and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In the quest for holiness, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly wisdom, play a crucial role in discerning God's will and acting in accordance with it. While infused virtues guide behavior, wisdom allows individuals to see things as God sees them, enabling them to respond appropriately to life's complexities. Catherine encourages us to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in understanding our circumstances and uplifting others in their struggles. The need for wisdom is increasingly relevant in a modern context where ethical dilemmas and challenging societal issues persist.
Sister Catherine Joseph Droste explores St. Catherine of Siena's teaching on the "cell of self-knowledge," emphasizing its importance for spiritual growth and virtue. She explains that this cell is an interior, spiritual space where one gains knowledge of both self and God, highlighting the necessity of entering this cell regularly through prayer and reflection. She also touches on the challenges of self-knowledge and the importance of perseverance.
This lecture was given on July 11th, 2024, at Stonyhurst College.
Sister Catherine Joseph Droste, O.P. is a Professor Straordinaria of theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), where she has also served as Vice Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and Director of Collaboration. Her areas of research include virtues and the moral life, the ecclesiology of religious life, and the theology of St. Catherine of Siena. She is a native of Iowa and a member of the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, Nashville, Tennessee. Her studies include an MA (history – Middle Tennessee State University), M.Ed (Administration – Marymount University), STB, STL, STD (Angelicum).
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