Duchowość karmelitańska w życiu i wybranym nauczaniu św. Jana Pawła II
Carmelite Spirituality in the Life and Selected Teaching of St. John Paul II

Summary/Abstract: Carmelite spirituality was visibly present in the life and teaching of St. John Paul II. This was connected in the first place with his environment, where he encountered this form of spirituality mainly through the Carmelite pastoral ministry (Wadowice), through reading the works of the Spanish Mystics (Cracow) and through his studies – exploring the doctrine of St. John of the Cross (Cracow and Rome). This contact continued after his election to the Holy See, among others through meetings with representatives of Carmelite communities, in correspondence, and especially in the beatifications and canonizations of Carmelites. The Pope repeatedly referred to Carmelite spirituality in his teachings, touching on different aspects depending on the addressees or the circumstances of speeches or letters. On the basis of this material, we can outline a general image of his understanding of Carmelite spirituality, which includes the following features: a Marian focus, the contemplative ideal, christocentrism, ecclesiality and perfect love. They indicate the integrated nature of this spirituality, which is deeply divine as well as human; mystical and ecclesial. It is this integration that makes it a sure way to holiness, as confirmed by the many saints of Carmel, as well as by St. John Paul II, who walked in this way

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