Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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DARK NIGHT OF THE SPIRIT

The second stage of purification, through which God leads certain souls beyond meditation and ordinary contemplation to spiritual marriage. Its purpose is to detach the soul from spiritual consolations (not only sensible ones) and from all self-love (even love of one's own virtue). Its goal is to unite a person totally with God.