Lent Is Not Self-Improvement — It’s Surrender

In this Lenten series trailer, the Carmelites introduce weekly reflections on the wisdom of St. John of the Cross during this Jubilee year marking 300 years since his canonization and 100 years since he was named a Doctor of the Church. Imprisoned by his own brothers and left in darkness, St. John of the Cross wrote some of the Church’s most luminous poetry — including the Spiritual Canticle. His life reveals that the Cross is not removed, but transformed. This Lent, discover: Why suffering is not a contradiction to Christ’s victory Why Lent is more than program How surrender becomes freedom How creation is not a trap — but a window to God New reflections released weekly. Visit retreat-online.karmel.at to sign up for the 2026 Online Carmelite Retreat Texts