Carmelite Institute of Malta Providing St John of the Cross Inspired Seminars, Retreat and Pilgrimage

The Carmelite Institute Malta has announced a series of events to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the canonization of St John of the Cross. The anniversary is being celebrated from November 2025 through April 2026. 

The first is a seminar, “In the Silent Flame: The Carmelite Mysticism of St John of the Cross,” to be held over six sessions. The seminar will cover the saint’s mystical theology, his Carmelite roots, and his lasting influence on Christian spirituality. 

The program will feature respected scholars and Carmelite friars, each guiding participants through different dimensions of the saint’s life and writings. Scheduled sessions include Carmelite foundations by Alexander Vella, O. Carm., on November 22; the life and times of the saint with Pia Attard Yeon on December 20; ), The Ascent of Mount Carmel with Kurt Mizzi, O. Carm., on January 31; and The Dark Night led by Dr Christopher Bezzina on February 28. The final two sessions will be led by Rev. Prof. Charló Camilleri, O. Carm., exploring mystical love, the Spiritual Canticle, and mature mysticism in the Living Flame of Love. 

All sessions will be held at the Ċentru Spiritwalità Tereżjana in Birkirkara.

A second initiative planned is a May retreat titled “On the Spiritual Summit: Journey to the Heart of God,” inspired by the teachings of St John of the Cross. The retreat will take place from May 15–17 at the Dar tat-Talb Lunzjata in Rabat. The retreat will be led by Rita Grima.

Drawing on the saint’s doctrine of inner transformation and detachment, the retreat invites individuals to engage deeply with Carmelite spirituality in a reflective and contemplative environment.

The Carmelite Institute will also host a special pilgrimage to Spain planned for June and July. The participants are invited to walk in the footsteps of St John of the Cross. The journey will include visits to sacred sites where the saint lived, prayed and wrote, offering insights into the landscapes and communities that shaped his spiritual legacy. 

Pilgrims will explore monasteries, churches and locations central to his life of contemplation, while also experiencing Spain’s rich cultural and religious heritage. The Institute describes the pilgrimage as an opportunity not only to deepen one’s understanding of the saint, but also to strengthen personal faith through direct engagement with Carmelite history.

For more information or to register online, go to: https://forms.gle/b5cwkZtcrM4jMVCPA