Mystic

Karl Rahner, one of the most recognized theologians of the 20th century, once said: “The devout Christian of the future will either be a ‘mystic’—someone who has ‘experienced something’—or will cease to be anything at all.” (Karl Rahner, Writings, Chapter 7, page 22).

Carl Welkisch Meran 1951

What is a mystic? The word mysticism derives from the Greek word "myein" = to close the eyes. Mystics experience the world through the senses of their soul and spirit and therefore perceive what directly relates to the spirit and soul, including those areas of reality which our physical senses normally cannot access.

They are able to experience all areas between Heaven and Earth and may even have direct and conscious contact with God.

Mystics are not able to just turn off their inner senses. As a result, they experience a lot more than most other people which of course has a strong impact on their lives.

Seeing the depth of the world may seem to be an attractive ability. For the mystics, however, it comes with unfathomable struggle and challenge, of which regular people usually don’t get a sense.

The mystic Carl Welkisch, during many visits, never showed how much he suffered from his struggles. He was able to put them aside and he remained completely open to world events and to the worries and concerns of everyday life.

Carl Welkisch Überlingen

Only those who spent a lot of time with him were increasingly able to grasp the extent of human suffering that this mystic had to go through.

During conversations with Welkisch, his experiences and comprehensive worldview were of course an invaluable asset. He himself was sparing with giving account of his inner feelings and vision and he also never showed any sense of superiority.

Not least due to his deep connection with the heavenly world, encounters with Carl Welkisch were always a great enrichment. Being with him gave many people a sense of security, and to those who were open even a sense of inner home.