Italian mysticism

Italian mysticism is a spiritual tradition emphasizing deep, personal union with the divine through contemplative practices, visions, and inner experiences. Rooted in Catholicism, it flourished between the 13th and 17th centuries with figures like St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Ávila, and John of the Cross. Italian mystics sought to transcend ordinary understanding, aiming for direct, transformative encounters with God. Their writings often explore themes of love, surrender, and divine immanence, blending poetic imagery with profound theological insight, and have significantly influenced Christian spirituality and Western mystical thought.