Adventures in England! Studying & Living Conjugal Spirituality from London to Oxford!
By: Peter & Theresa Martin
What an amazing adventure we had in June! Theresa continues her PhD studies through Maryvale at St. Mary’s University Twickenham, London. She excelled at her annual presentation and passed her AMR (annual monitoring review) with flying colors! (Or should we say colours?)
She has uncovered amazing depth about conjugal spirituality through St. John Paul II’s Person and Act and Faith According to St. John of the Cross (St. John Paul II’s own doctoral thesis).
One of the many epiphanies that keep revealing themselves is the fact that this path of spirituality can only be opened by an act of faith, an assent to desire this deepening of your conjugal spirituality. Yet, as is known nihil volitum nisi praecognitum (nothing is willed unless it is foreknown). Realizing this, it could be argued that the lack of understanding of this reality has stunted what could have been greater spiritual growth in the lives of sacramentally married spouses! This should not dishearten us, but embolden us. This is the powerful impact of the consequences of her research not only in academia, but in the hearts of spouses throughout the world!
She took a little break in her studies to travel with me to Oxford to lead a marriage retreat at a Carmelite Priory just outside of the city. The Holy Spirit does not disappoint. He showed up in power. What a blessing to be able to serve couples in this way! We are humbled by God’s great love.
On the podcast, you also hear from a few of the couples who attended the retreat – and what their experience was.
We celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary there in Oxford – what an amazing gift! We give glory to God for our life, for our marriage, for this gift – the fact that He chooses to use and work through His littlest children like us! Praise God!