Moreover, oriental religions have deeply penetrated into western society. The language of Catholic theology is fluid in this matter. That is why we describe a mystic in three ways. He or she may be any one or all three. For the present, we shall simply explain the quality of these persons that in the Catholic vocabulary are called mystic.
Mystics are holy persons who have reached Christian perfection.
They are no longer beginners, proficients. They may, of course, still grow in virtue. But their main concern is to remain united with God. Mystics are gifted contemplatives. We must carefully note that a person can be very holy and pleasing to God without being a gifted contemplative.