Shoeless

“Beware the power of this book. I was lured by the invitation to walk ‘shoeless’ in the world, and before I knew it, was treading in the deep waters of Teresa of Avila, Elizabeth of the Trinity, and Edith Stein. This accessible yet substantive introduction to Carmelite spirituality is perfect for any seeker of a more contemplative life.”


—Ann M. Garrido, Aquinas Institute of Theology





“This book is a fresh, authentic, and personally committed appraisal of Carmelite spirituality as lived out in the communities of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. The goal is not to produce a historical or doctrinal study, . . . but to offer a motivating and biblically founded contact with the Carmelite charism in its essential lines. It so contributes to concretize Christian discipleship in its fraternal-sororal, spousal, and contemplative dimensions.”


—Christof Betschart, Swiss Discalced Carmelite and Dean of the Teresianum, Rome





“Donald and Megan Wallenfang’s Shoeless gives an arresting introduction to Carmelite spirituality as it is lived both in the cloister by religious and in the world by lay members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. The word shoeless in the title wonderfully captures the beauty and challenge of the Carmelite vocation, which is not only contemplative, poor, and penitential, but also joyously missionary. The authors share their own inspirational vocation stories after narrating the rich history of the Carmelite tradition, which continues to renew the church. The story they tell is good news, eloquently announced.”


—Ann W. Astell, University of Notre Dame