Knowledge alone is not enough. Knowledge alone will never change anyone permanently. But the experience of being loved will!
Quote from 'Wisdom of the Western Isles - the Making of a Mystic'
Welcome to David’s Website
David Torkington is a Spiritual Theologian, Author and Speaker, who specializes in Prayer, Christian Spirituality and Mystical Theology.
His personal spirituality is predominantly Franciscan, and his Mystical Theology Carmelite. He has sold over 450,000 books in more than twelve different languages.
He was educated at the Franciscan Study Centre, England and the National Catholic Radio and Television Centre, Hatch End, London where he was later appointed to the post of Dean of Studies.
He was extra mural lecturer in Mystical Theology at the Dominican University in Rome (The Angelicum). In addition to giving Retreats and lecturing all over Europe, he undertook five prolonged lecture tours to Africa, mainly Equatorial Africa, speaking on Prayer and Spirituality to Religious, Monks, Diocesan Priests and lay people.
When he is not writing, he spends time on his boat on the peaceful Beaulieu river in the New Forest, Hampshire. He is a member of The Athenaeum, Pall Mall, London
David’s Publications, Audio visual and Interactive presentations
Wisdom from the Christian Mystics reintroduces us to the profound mystical spirituality which was the staple diet of Christians in the first centuries.
Wisdom from the Western Isles teaches the reader how to pray, from the very beginning to what St Teresa of Avila calls the Mystical Marriage.
Wisdom from Franciscan Italy details the implications of the revelation of the Primacy of Love received by Francis moments before he received the Stigmata.
How to Pray A Practical Guide to the Spiritual Life published by Our Sunday Visitor Publications
Other publications: Inner Life, How to Pray, A New Beginning, Dear Susanna, Translations.
David’s Discerning Hearts Podcasts
Radio Maria England Broadcasts
Latest Blog Posts
Mystical Theology
A Course in Mystical Theology – Twelfth Episode – The Curse of Quietism
The Mass for which my ancestors suffered and died in penal times was represented in a new and glorious liturgy at the Council of Trent.
Into the Redeeming Christ – A Course
Journey Over as Real Prayer Revealed
This series in story form sums up a great adventure. It details all that the author has written on prayer and mystical contemplation, how to search for and find what is the greatest possible human achievement. It is replete with his most recent research and latest inspirational insights
Contemplative Prayer
The Prayer of Faith -From Meditation to Contemplation
Waiting on God is easy when he seems to be close at hand, listening to all we have to say and granting any request we make of him.
A Sideways Look at the Christian Faith
The Power of Love – Where Love is there is God
It was a sort of ‘Dorian Gray’ situation, where his mother took the place of his own decaying portrait.
Christian Prayer
The Living Temple – Reflection on Easter
One of the most surprising truths that I learnt when I first started to study scripture was that there is no record of Christ going into the Temple to offer sacrifice.
Franciscan Spirituality
From Bethlehem to Greccio with St Francis of Assisi
Throughout his life St Francis was consumed by a desire to give his life for Christ.
Latest Podcasts
Lecures and Talks
Anglicanorum Coetibus Society: Podcasts
A two part interview with David Torkington for the Anglicanorum Coetibus Society
Mystical Prayer
David Torkington reads from The Hermit – Episode 10
James has returned home and begins in earnest, practising his newfound life of prayer. However, we find him writing to Peter when he feels his prayer is floundering. Peter explains through their correspondence, that James is now finding himself on the threshold of contemplative prayer.
Retreats
Retreat Belmont Abbey 2. From Meditation to the beginning of Mystical Contemplation
Each morning after his mother’s death, David’s father brought two cups of tea into his bedroom.
