Mystic Journey Series

The Seven Mansions of the Interior Castle of Teresa of Avila

Presented by Susan Komis

March 21 @ 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Gathering at 8:30pm

Contemplative Outreach “Mystic Journey Series” invite you to a time of exploration.

On Saturday, March 21st, Susan Komis will offer her presentation entitled “The Seven Mansions of the Interior Castle of Teresa of Avila.” Teresa, an engaging story-teller, invites us Into her life with God by entering the Castle where the “soul” is the hero/heroine of the story. The soul begins a wonderful, at times harrowing, journey through the Castle. Author Joyce Rupp exclaims …”the full person God created us to be contains more than we can imagine, but most of us dwell within a small portion of the superb castle within ourself.” The Mansions of Teresa’s Interior Castle speak to the uncompromising love that our God has for the human person…

What is a Mystic? Who is a Mystic?

You are invited to join us to consider the life and stories of persons who have revealed and written of their experience encountering the extraordinary presence and love of the Divine Reality.

Each scheduled Saturday we will welcome presenters who have been invited to choose a person of their choice who may be considered as a “mystic.” The presenter will offer the story of that mystics’ life and spiritual journey which fostered an extraordinary relationship with their God.

Our life is often affected as we journey into the story of the mystic. We become more aware that we too are becoming mystically formed to the Divine Presence within. The mystics and their life story often become our teachers.

9:00 am – Gathering
9:30 am – Centering Prayer. (20 minutes)
9:50 am – Break
10:00 am – Presentation: Intro to Teresa of Avila; Mansions 1-3
11:30 am – Group Discussion
12:00 pm – Lunch
12:45 pm – Centering Prayer (20 minutes)
1:05 pm – Break
1:15 pm – Presentation: Mansions 4-7
2:30 pm – Q/A w/group
3:00 pm – Closing Prayer
Go In Peace

Please bring a pen and notebook.
There is a $25 registration fee for this event to support our ministry.

Light refreshments upon arrival; light potluck lunch at 12:00 pm. Please bring your lunch and/or a dish to share.

Community of Christ Church

Address

830 N Kirkwood Rd
St. Louis, MO
63122

About the Presenter

Susan Komis began as a volunteer for the St. Louis, MO Contemplative Outreach chapter in 1989 and later appointed as Coordinator of the chapter by Fr. Thomas Keating in 1994 through 1999. Later employed by Contemplative Outreach, Susan served the spiritual network for 25 years. Her primary role supported the leadership of Contemplative Outreach chapters by developing and offering formations, retreats, spiritual enrichment and organizational support until she retired in 2017.

Although retired, Susan occasionally offers presentations on themes related to contemplative spirituality. As a Pastoral Minister, she has served as a spiritual director, active in adult faith development and interspiritual dialogue. Her primary role currently is engaging family; Susan is married, mother of 4 adults daughters and blessed with a host of grandchildren!

A little history on the formation of the Mystic Journey Series

THE MYSTIC JOURNEY

There are many definitions of the word “mystic” as noted in religious traditions throughout the world. Most traditions agree that the Mystic is a person who seeks through contemplation, self-surrender and personal transformation the experience of unity with the sacred
Absolute Divine reality.

Karl Rahner, in his famous quote regarding the spiritual journey of the future, said “you will be a mystic or nothing at all …”

Everyone is invited to join us to consider the life and stories of persons who have revealed and written of their experience encountering the extraordinary presence and love of Divine reality.
Some may call them “saints” or apply other characterizations, but they were no different than you or I who are seeking the same loving God.

Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis anticipate hosting three (3) Saturday presentations this year on March 21st, June 20th and September 19th featuring presenters who will offer insights on the life of three renowned mystics relating the contemplative dimension of the life and legacy of the seeker who found God. The teachings of these mystics strive to deepen our understanding of our own search for the Divine in light of the human condition. (More dates may be added. Stay Tune)

More details will follow in the February 2026 COSTL newsletter. We encourage you to register early to attend these presentations .. you won’t want to miss it!

A person walks in a sunlit modern hallway.

For more information: Susan Komis – susankomis@icloud.com

Registration:

Having trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com.

The Seven Mansions of the Interior Castle of Teresa of Avila