Mary Finsterer

SYNOPSIS

INTERIOR CASTLE is a transcendent oratorio that brings to life the remarkable spiritual journey of St. John of the Cross, underpinned by the exchange of letters between him and St. Teresa of Ávila. Each letter, a sacred relic of spiritual wisdom and unwavering friendship, serves as the cornerstone of this musical odyssey. 

Set against the backdrop of St. John's dimly lit and confining cell during his imprisonment, this musical rendering intertwines his poignant narration, portrayed by a gifted actor, with the harmonious voices of children and adults’ choirs and accompanied by a majestic orchestra and organ. 

The oratorio is a profound exploration of how St. Teresa's magnum opus, "The Interior Castle" influenced St. John of the Cross during his arduous period of the "Dark Night of the Soul".  Throughout the oratorio, St. John, as the narrator, traces the path of his own literary revelations while the choirs elegantly traverse the corridors of St. Teresa's insights. Her tangible metaphors, specifically the imagery of doors, rooms and chambers within "The Interior Castle", become mnemonic devices that ingeniously bridge the gap between the abstract and the concrete in the realm of spirituality. These allegories, rooted in our earthly experiences, act as memorable signposts along the intricate path of the soul's journey towards God, offering clarity and structure to the mystical. 

As the narrative unfolds, the journey of St. John mirrors the interior architecture of Teresa's vision, with the choirs delineating the intricate pathway through doorways and rooms of the soul's ascent, this resonating in profound significance and in stark contrast with St. John's own lived experience within the cold and dark chamber of his imprisonment.

There's an implicit structure of simplification, echoing the paring away of worldly attachment, as the soul journeys deeper into the spiritual castle. In the soaring crescendo of the oratorio, the soul of St. John of the Cross dissolves into the celestial chorus, symbolising the soul's release from captivity and sublime return to the embrace of the Divine, where the individual narrator becomes one with the harmonious collective—a soul reunited within God's fold.

ABOUT THE SAINTS

St. Teresa of Ávila, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a 16th-century Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer who left an indelible mark on Christian spirituality. Born in Gotarrendura, Spain, in 1515, she entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation in Ávila at the age of 20, a decision inspired by her longing for a life of deep prayer and contemplation.
Teresa's early years in the convent were marked by illness and spiritual struggles. However, her perseverance in prayer and her unwavering commitment to her faith eventually led her to profound mystical experiences. Her spiritual journey is famously described in her autobiography, "The Life of Teresa of Jesus," where she vividly recounts her encounters with God.

In the mid-16th century, Teresa became a pivotal figure in the Catholic Reformation, feeling a deep calling to reform the Carmelite Order and return it to its original spirit of poverty and contemplative prayer. Her efforts led to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites, a reform movement marked by stricter adherence to poverty, contemplation, and asceticism.
Teresa's writing, which includes works like "The Way of Perfection" and "The Interior Castle," has been recognised for its profound insights into the nature of prayer and the soul's journey toward God. Her use of metaphor and vivid descriptions, often referring to the "Interior Castle" of the soul with its various chambers, has made her a renowned figure in Christian mystical literature.
St. Teresa of Ávila was not only a prolific writer but also a tireless reformer who founded numerous convents throughout Spain. Her deep spirituality and wisdom attracted a wide following, and her teachings continue to inspire seekers of God's presence to this day.

She was canonised in 1614 by Pope Paul V and later declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI, an honour recognising her significant contributions to Christian theology and spirituality. St. Teresa of Ávila's legacy endures through her writings, the Discalced Carmelite Order, and her enduring influence on the mystical tradition within Christianity.

St. John of the Cross, born Juan de Yepes y Álvarez, was a 16th-century Spanish mystic, poet, and religious reformer who made an enduring impact on Christian spirituality. He was born in Fontiveros, Spain, in 1542, and his early life was marked by poverty and hardship. He entered the Carmelite Order and later met St. Teresa of Ávila, a pivotal encounter that deeply influenced his spiritual journey.
St. John of the Cross is best known for his profound writings, which explore the soul's quest for union with God. His masterpiece, "The Dark Night of the Soul," delves into the spiritual journey's arduous phases and the soul's purification, culminating in a profound union with the divine. He also penned "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" and various poems that are regarded as classics of Spanish and Christian literature.

As a key figure in the Catholic Reformation, St. John joined St. Teresa of Ávila in the reform of the Carmelite Order, advocating for a return to the order's original ideals of poverty, austerity, and contemplative prayer. However, his efforts led to opposition from within the Carmelite Order, resulting in his imprisonment in a small, dark cell for nine months. During this period, he composed some of his most famous works.

St. John's writings are characterised by their profound insights, vivid metaphors, and rich symbolism, making him a renowned figure in Christian mysticism. He emphasised the importance of detachment from worldly distractions and attachments in the pursuit of divine union.

St. John of the Cross was canonised as a saint by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726 and later declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1926, recognising his significant contributions to Christian theology and spirituality. His enduring legacy lies in his writings, which continue to inspire seekers of God's presence and those on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. St. John of the Cross passed away in Úbeda, Spain, in 1591, leaving behind a profound spiritual legacy that endures to this day.