Pope Francis defines a mystic as one who “experiences the intimate connection between God and all beings.”

The Catholic tradition boasts great saints who were mystics, including St. Joan of Arc, St. Teresa of Avila and St. Hildegard of Bingen.

How do we understand mystical experiences today in an age of skepticism?

If God is in all things, and intimately involved in our lives, then perhaps we are all called to be mystics on some level.

From the Middle Ages to modern times, mystics call us to intimacy with God
The Middle Ages produced a number of high-profile mystics, but even in modern, skeptical times, we can experience a deep relationship with the invisible God.

Embracing (if not understanding) what mystics share with us
St. Teresa of Avila’s mystical experiences defy worldly logic, but open the door for all to encounter God more deeply.

Mysticism is found in the everyday experience of God
Modern Christians tend to think of mystics as belonging to earlier times, but the mystical encounter occurs in the here and now of our daily lives.