About the Author

Marc Foley, OCD, is a Discalced Carmelite priest and member of the Washington Province (U.S.A.) of Discalced Carmelite friars. He is a longtime member and former chair of the Institute of Carmelite Studies. Currently he serves as publisher of ICS Publications and as director of formation at the Carmelite House of Studies located in Washington, D.C. A spiritual director and popular retreat master, Father Marc is the author of ten books, six of them with ICS Publications, on St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

“Marc Foley’s splendid grasp of human nature—enhanced by his training in psychology as well as his keen and extensive reading of literature—makes him a very able guide to John of the Cross’s contemplative wisdom.”

—Dr. Keith J. Egan, T.O.Carm.
Adjunct professor of theology, University of Notre Dame
Aquinas chair in Catholic Theology Emeritus,
Saint Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana

“Father Marc Foley may think he has written a book of 'reflections' (his word) based on the commentary by St. John of the Cross called The Ascent of Mount Carmel. But as I read it I thought over and over, 'This is a Master Class on the spiritual life!' This book is that good.
This is not... devotional or feel-good spirituality. This is heavy-duty, life-reworking spirituality… really deep stuff intended for those who desire to advance really far on the spiritual path.
…. I have never read anything that made St. John of the Cross come so alive.”

—Gregory Houck, O.Carm.
(writing in Carmelite Review)

The Dark Night

Psychological Experience and Spiritual Reality

Marc Foley, OCD
 

Reading St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night can be daunting; living the dark experience of purification it describes can be much more so. The description of the dark nights... SEE FULL DESCRIPTION

The Ascent to Joy

Selected Writings of John of the Cross

Marc Foley, OCD
 

In this concise introduction to and anthology of the works of the great Carmelite mystic, Father Foley leads the reader step-by-step into the very heart of John’s spiritual way... SEE FULL DESCRIPTION

The Context of Holiness

Psychological and Spiritual Reflections on the Life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Marc Foley, OCD
 

This book explores both the psychological and spiritual dimensions of the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The basic premise of this book is that the spiritual life is not an encapsulated sphere... SEE FULL DESCRIPTION

The Book of Her Foundations: A Study Guide

Marc Foley, OCD
 

The Book of Her Foundations is the least read, the least quoted, the least known of St. Teresa's works. Why this is so is probably because people do not think it is a spiritual book. But as you read on, you find that... SEE FULL DESCRIPTION

Story of a Soul: Study Edition

Marc Foley, OCD
 

This study edition is designed to assist contemporary readers to apply the spiritual insights of Story of a Soul to their lives. It provides introductions, reflections... SEE FULL DESCRIPTION

The Love That Keeps Us Sane

Living the Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Marc Foley, OCD
 

This volume offers a portrayal of St. Thérèse as a real person who experienced and dealt with all the vicissitudes and trials of the human condition. What distinguished her, however... SEE FULL DESCRIPTION