In short, it’s a play on St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle. This book struck me when I first converted to Catholicism, and has formed much of how I travel my faith journey.

I experience God most when I shut everything off around me. I am drawn to Carmelite spirituality, which is introspective in nature. I selected St. Edith Stein as my confirmation saint before understanding the different orders, and have since found inspiration in her Carmelite brethren as well, including Teresa of Avila and Thérèse of Lisieux. The Carmelites also have a history rooted in Judaism with the prophet Elijah; I’ve always had a special affection and admiration of God’s chosen people and our shared history.

Previously titled Deo Gratias (“Thanks be to God”), this blog has expanded from a simple conversion journey into a wider tale of finding oneself in the Church and the world.