Holy Silence Deeper Listening

Father Basil Nortz, ORC has published a book on the subject of “Holy Silence” that was the result of a conference he heard during his priestly formation. The priest shared the 12 Types of Silence which was written by a French Carmelite nun in the 19^th Century.  Father Basil elaborated on this topic at his future retreats and the people were very receptive. 

Practicing holy silence in our lives can bring us great spiritual fruits. We are constantly bombarded by noise in their many forms and therefore it is especially challenging to find a way to our own quiet oasis of peace. 

Silence is not a negative in the sense of something taken away rather a positive disposition that opens our souls to listen to God’s voice and to obey God’s will. Who should we be listening to? 

This is a choice we can make every day. Our guardian angel is our personal helper to practice this holy silence or holy listening in our lives.  

Recognize that God loves us and he has a plan that is unique to each of us for our eternal happiness. In silence we can discern all the details that happen to us in the light of God’s providence rather than relying on pure fate which is unconcerned with our wellbeing. 

Human speech can be very detrimental to our state of peace or holy silence.  Consider all the words we speak each day through voice, letter, emails and text.   We lose control and respond too quickly and may offend each other and therefore offend God. We need to practice self-control in our speech and in our actions.  Quiet our soul by focusing on the goodness of God rather than all the concerns we have all around us.  

Ask your holy guardian angel to help you to practice this state of holy silence so we can more deeply listen to God.