# About the Syllabus Required Reading: St. Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle Study Edition, ICS Publications, 2010; or second edition, 2020 (page numbers differ) Additional Reading: Ahlgren, Gillian T.W., Entering Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle. A Reader’s Companion, Paulist Press, 2005. Alvarez, Thomas, OCD, St. Teresa of Avila, 100 Themes on Her Life and Work, ICS Publications, 2011, pages 337-358 on the Interior Castle. Glossary pages 456-465 (second edition pgs. 427-437). Note: “Additional reading” is intended for personal enrichment and is not required. ************* Explanatory note regarding “Essential points to discuss”: The candidates and formator are expected to read and reflect on the materials and ponder the essential points prior to the monthly formation sessions. However, it would not be practical to try to discuss every point during the session. It is preferable to choose several points for in-depth discussion. It is good practice to discuss those points which make a personal impression on the participants. Because formator participation is crucial to the candidates’ formation, good preparation is indispensable. After the opening prayer and the discussion of the legislations, formators are encouraged to take about 10-15 minutes at the beginning of the session to talk about the session theme, the assigned reading, and a brief review of the points to be discussed before moving on to the discussion itself. Studying the OCDS Legislations: Unless the community is studying these materials together, it is appropriate for each session to begin with ten minutes of discussion on some selection of the OCDS legislations or documents of the Order, as determined by the local Council. *Page 6* --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Formation II Year B: The Interior Castle (The Seven Dwelling Places)* (US National Formation Program, 2024).