Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
DARK NIGHT OF THE SENSES
The first stage of purification, through which God regularly leads souls on the way to Christian perfection. "God establishes the soul in the dark night of sense," says St. John of the Cross, "that He may purify, prepare and subdue its lower nature, and unite it to the Spirit, by depriving it of light and causing it to cease from meditation."
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Recent Catholic Commentary
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Top Catholic News
Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days