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COURSE

A Journey With The Saints

With Carel-Piet van Eeden

A Saint is said to be someone who lived a holy or virtuous life, especially in an Abrahamic context. Many Saints are recognised for specific influences and expressions of holiness. This course aims to join ten Saints on their journeys so that we can learn from each of them. What lessons can we learn from those who have passed on before us and how can we incorporate what they lived and taught into our daily lives? These journeys will look at the lives of some well-known Saints in the Christian tradition and some perhaps unexpected ones too.

What can we learn from the Saints to live our lives to the fullest?

11 Days

614 students

5.0 stars

11 min / day

English

About this course

Guided Visualization

Compassion-Focused Imagery

Christian Meditation

Meet your Teacher

Carel-Piet van Eeden

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Johannesburg, South Africa

Father Carel-Piet is a Monk and ordained Priest in the Order of the White Robed Monks of St. Benedict. He found his spiritual home when he chanced upon the Benedictine Monks who believe that Jesus never said no to anyone and who emphasize the first word in the Rule - Ausculta (Listen). After surviving cancer twice, he counsels many people who are facing dreaded disease, and their families. He holds a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling and believes in combining spirituality into counseling and healing

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11 Days

614 students

5.0 stars

11 min / day

English

Lesson 1

St. Francis Of Assisi

Known as the patron saint of animals and the environment, St. Francis of Assisi was born into a life of privilege but chose a path of poverty and humility. He is celebrated for his communion with nature and his profound commitment to peace. St. Francis reminds us that in simplicity and service, we can find deep spiritual connection and fulfillment.

Lesson 2

St. Hildegard Von Bingen

A 12th century German abbess, visionary, and polymath, St. Hildegard von Bingen was a pioneer in many fields. She was a theologian, composer, philosopher, mystic, and medicinal plant expert. Through her wide-ranging intellect and deep spiritual insight, St. Hildegard invites us to see the divine in all aspects of life and learning.

Lesson 3

St. Thomas

One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, St. Thomas is often remembered for his doubts about Christ's resurrection, earning him the nickname "Doubting Thomas." Rather than viewing this skepticism negatively, we can see in St. Thomas a quest for understanding and truth. His story reminds us that doubt can be a part of faith, leading us to deeper insight and stronger conviction.

Lesson 4

St. Mychal Judge

Fr. Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar and a chaplain for the New York City Fire Department, lost his life in the 9/11 attacks. Known for his tireless service to the needy and marginalized, especially those with HIV/AIDS, St. Mychal Judge embodied selfless love and compassion. He serves as a beacon of hope, courage, and relentless charity.

Lesson 5

St. Brigid Of Kildare

St. Brigid is one of Ireland's patron saints, known for her extraordinary charity and kindness. Born to a pagan father and a Christian mother, her life is filled with stories of generosity and miracles. Whether it was giving away her father's sword to a leper or turning water into beer for the poor, St. Brigid’s life of service inspires us to open our hearts to those in need.

Lesson 6

St. Jude Thaddeus

Often called the patron saint of hopeless cases, St. Jude is a beacon of hope for many. One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, Jude is often invoked by those in desperate situations, reminding us that with faith, no case is ever truly hopeless.

Lesson 7

St. Luke The Evangelist

Luke was a physician, and his Gospel focuses on Christ the healer, making him the patron saint of physicians and surgeons. His empathy for the sick and downtrodden is echoed in his detailed accounts of Christ's healing miracles. St. Luke teaches us the importance of compassion and healing, not just in physical terms but also in a spiritual sense.

Lesson 8

St. Benedict Of Nursia

Known as the father of Western monasticism, St. Benedict of Nursia founded several monastic communities in Italy in the 6th century. His Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasizing prayer, work, and community life, has guided monastic life for centuries. Despite attempts on his life, including poisonings, his resilience and commitment to a life of holiness inspire us to pursue steadfast faith and balance in all circumstances.

Lesson 9

St. Lucy The Lightbringer

As her name suggests, St. Lucy the Lightbringer symbolizes light in the midst of darkness. Despite the adversities she faced, including the loss of her sight, she remained steadfast in her faith, thus serving as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the divine light within us.

Lesson 10

The Saint You Knew

This is a tribute to a cherished family member who, though they may not have been canonized, lived their life with the compassion, resilience, and selfless love that marks the lives of saints. They navigated the ups and downs of life with strength and grace, leaving a profound impact on their loved ones. Their story reminds us that the path to sainthood is often found in our everyday actions, in kindness shown to a neighbor, in patience with a child, in generosity to the less fortunate.

Lesson 11

The Saint Within

We each have an innate capacity for love, kindness, resilience, and transformation. This journey takes us to the heart of our being, where our inner saint resides. Our inner saint is not about unattainable perfection or supernatural miracles but the recognition and embodiment of our everyday virtues. It's about acknowledging that we carry a divine spark within us and nurturing this inner light to guide our lives. This journey allows us to discover the saint within us, revealing our highest virtues and empowering us to live with purpose, compassion, and wisdom.