Book SummaryCloistered, by Catherine Coldstream

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Cloistered

The author's detailed examination and personal experiences with the lifestyle of monastics.

The writer's embrace of Catholic faith ignited a fresh fascination with the introspective aspects of monastic life.

The author embarked on a journey of spiritual discovery, shaped by her personal past and the legacy of her forebears.

Catherine Coldstream's upbringing was marked by an absence of family stability due to her parents' frequent arguments. Coldstream's early life was characterized by instability and a profound longing for stability, stemming from the emotional volatility and frequent absences of her maternal figure. Her family ties weakened further due to the deaths of her aunt Winnie and her father, coupled with her parents' separation, which intensified her search for meaning and guidance in her existence. The loss of her father was particularly significant, leading her to embrace the belief in an afterlife and a desire to connect with his spirit.

Her deep grief and sense of alienation deepened her yearning for something constant and magnificent. She sought a more profound comprehension and willingly accepted the intellectual and spiritual mentorship provided by Fyodor Dostoevsky, immersed herself in the existential musings prompted by Søren Kierkegaard, and considered the religious viewpoints presented by Clive Staples Lewis. Through her participation in the Parisian Anglo-Catholic church's choir, Coldstream found a deep resonance with sacred texts that mirrored her own evolving spiritual path. Her viewpoint on Christianity transformed from indifference to perceiving it as a pathway to ultimate truth and a means to forge a spiritual connection.

Catherine Coldstream's initial interactions with the Carmelite Order and her subsequent choice to become a member.

While staying with a friend in Provence, Coldstream found comfort in music and dialogue, delving into the splendor of Bach's compositions as she pondered her sorrow. During her rail journey to Paris, she met a member of the Order of Preachers who suggested a time of contemplation at a retreat to nurture her spirituality. This encounter marked a pivotal moment, initiating her journey into a realm dedicated to reflective thinking. Sister Else's guidance significantly influenced Coldstream's growing inclination towards a monastic lifestyle, guiding her to join the Community of the Epiphany.

While residing close to her sister Frankie in Newcastle, Coldstream embarked on an exploration of various monastic communities throughout northern England. She became deeply attracted to the Carmelite Order because of its dedication to a life characterized by intense contemplation, stringent self-discipline, and a profound respect for peace and solitude. She felt a profound attraction to the Carmelite value of engaging in solitary communion with a divine presence, reflecting her desire...

Cloistered Summary The foundational principles, customary ceremonies, and collective engagements of the Carmelite order.

The Carmelite tradition underscores a life devoted to contemplation, the practice of self-discipline, and maintaining a deliberate distance from worldly matters.

The foundational vows include leading a life free from material wealth, maintaining celibacy, and following the instructions of the leaders.

The distinct purpose and character that distinguish the Carmelite Order set it apart from other groups. Coldstream clarifies that the essence of Carmelite philosophy is deeply rooted in a contemplative way of life, which prioritizes self-discipline and a deliberate withdrawal from secular affairs. The "desert charism" underscores a commitment to a simple existence and a concentrated effort toward spiritual oneness via profound meditation, strict self-restraint, and steadfast commitment to the teachings of St. Albert and the Constitutions, motivated by the profound mystical revelations imparted by Teresa of Ávila.

Every Carmelite demonstrates their commitment by making three solemn vows: to renounce the possession of worldly goods, to remain celibate, and to maintain a disciplined lifestyle. Poverty involves giving up worldly goods and depending on spiritual sustenance;...

Cloistered Summary The story unfolds as it explores the profound changes and the intense emotional journey Catherine Coldstream experienced while secluded at a spiritual retreat.

The writer's evolving connection with the sacred and her advancement in a life of contemplation.

Times of spiritual comfort, dryness, and scrutiny

Her initial zeal for a cloistered existence was genuine, yet her path to spiritual enlightenment encountered various obstacles and periods of change. She recalls finding profound solace in her spirituality, sensing the palpable presence of God, and a robust bond with Jesus, whom she deemed her "unseen spouse," particularly in the solitude of her contemplation in her private space and amidst the splendor of hallowed rituals. These moments reinforced her sense of purpose and sustained her through times of trial.

During her time at Akenside, Coldstream went through periods where she felt a profound spiritual void, and the moments when the divine seemed distant and the consoling elements of prayer were lessened. She characterizes such pivotal experiences as essential during a period often referred to as the "dark night of the soul," a phrase attributed to John of the Cross, signifying a time when the soul endures a cleansing of emotional comfort and undergoes a rigorous scrutiny of its convictions. The obstacles were seen as...

Cloistered Summary The author's musings on departing from a life of monastic discipline and pondering its stringent mode of living.

As dusk fell, the writer's exit from Akenside marked the end of her spiritual vows.

The writer's experience with benevolent individuals who offer assistance and refuge

Coldstream, overwhelmed by despair and aware of the detrimental connections at Akenside, made the radical decision to leave the monastic community, abandon her holy vows, and masterminded a bold departure under the veil of night. Motivated by fear, a deep desire for freedom, and faith in spiritual protection, she journeyed far and wide through the shadowy countryside, seeking havens in places unknown to her. The escape was both a daunting and eye-opening journey, during which Coldstream faced the shocking newness of life beyond the convent walls, delighted in the excitement of unrestricted freedom under the vast heavens, and came to the profound understanding that she was alone and entirely unequipped for a life outside the religious community.

Encountering Helen and David, who lived in a nearby village, marked another pivotal moment on her path. She neared their entrance, drawn by the light spilling from their window and the sight of a familiar concert poster, seeking help. The strangers greeted her...