B.A., Theology – Franciscan University
S.T.L. – Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas
S.T.D., Spiritual Theology – Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elisabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com, www.spirtualdirection.com, and podcasts at www.discerninghearts.com.
2018 Seminar Retreat on Elisabeth of the Trinity, Discerning Hearts, Schuyler, NB, Director
2017 When the Christian Faith Takes Flesh: Journeying with Christ Towards the World, Seminar Retreat on Adrienne von Spyer co-hosted by Casa Balthasar and Discerning Hearts, Schuyler NB, presentation of Two Sisters of the Spirit
2006 Colloque "Elisabeth de Dijon… fascinée par Dieu, proche de tous": «Je serai heureuse de t’aider à triompher…» (with round table discussion in) la Palais des Etats et des Ducs de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.
Books:
Fire from Above: Christian Contemplation and Mystical Wisdom, Manchester, New Hampshire: Sophia (2016)
30 Days with St. Therese of Lisieux: Living the Mystery of Merciful Love, co-authored with Daniel Burke, Steubenville, OH: Emmaus Road (2016)
30 Days with St. Teresa of Avila, co-authored with Daniel Burke, Steubenville, OH: Emmaus Road (2015)
Hidden Mountain Secret Garden: a theological contemplation on prayer, Omaha, NE: Discerning Hearts (2012, Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat 2013)
Print Articles and Reviews:
“Interior Recollection as a Means of Peace: the Witness of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity”, St. Andrew Abbey Valyermo Chronicle, No. 252, Spring 2017
“St. Anthony of Egypt” St. Andrew Abbey Valyermo Chronicle, No. 244, Spring 2015.
“Vigilant for the Bridegroom in the Night of Faith: Beyond Conscious Participation in the Liturgy” Antiphon 16:2, (2012), 100-113.
« Je serai heureuse de t’aider à triompher…», Actes du colloque de Dijon 18-19 novembre 2006, Elisabeth de la Trinité fascinée par Dieu proche de tous, Toulouse: Collection Carmel vivant, éd. du Carmel (2007).
Website: