Category: Lent

Lent, A Time of Liberation

Lent, A Time of Liberation

We know well that many approach this holy season of Lent with a gloomy, heavy heart. Yet surely our good Lord and Holy Mother Church do not mean for us to be sad and gloomy! This is a time, not to have a burdened soul, but one that is free – freed by Our Lord Himself through prayer and liberating penance. Lent is a time for achieving true freedom, that is, freedom from sin.

Also see our recommendations of helpful Lenten practices including Liturgical Prayer, fasting, and the Stations of the Cross. Read more…

Our Lord in the desert
Self-Knowledge and Self-Discipline

Self-Knowledge and Self-Discipline

The time of Lent is perhaps the only time that some people think to take stock of their lives with some measure of seriousness. That is a good thing – and this “taking stock” is meant to become a habit in the spiritual life. Indeed, it is something serious Christians do every day. It is called examination of conscience. How do we make a good examination of conscience?

In WEBSITE NEWS we introduce a new book Self-Knowledge and Self-Discipline, as well a new Passin of Christ relic badge, Gregorian chant streaming, and Pastel colored Easter candles.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we remember many deceased persons related to our Carmel. Read More….

In His Likeness

In His Likeness

In these few short years, when we have seen so many changes in the “landscape” of the world – personally, socially, culturally, politically, morally, emotionally – we felt it very fitting and timely this Lent to give further emphasis to devotion to the Holy Face and its original and ongoing purpose.

In WEBSITE NEWS we have added several images of the Holy Face to our selection of religious art. Each image has a special history and background.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we recently enshrined an image of the Holy Face in our new oratory. We also introduce the four puppies that were born at the Monastery last month. Read more…

Be Converted to Me with All Your Heart

Be Converted to Me with All Your Heart

During the weeks of February and March, as each day passed, more and more people from across the globe have been contacting us, asking for prayers in circumstances unprecedented in our lifetime. As ever, holy Church in Her liturgy instructs, comforts and guides us. Our duty as faithful members of Christ is to remain in peace. Read more…

Independence Through Submission

Independence Through Submission

In recent newsletters, we have offered for your interest and devotion a discussion of the Vows of Religious Profession. We have spoken about Poverty and Chastity, both as virtue and vow; and we have tried to relate the important aspect of virtue to the Christian life of every one of us who belong to Christ – the vocation all Christians have to holiness, those who are not professed religious, as well as to Religious.

In this newsletter we consider the last vow of Obedience, the one that people find most difficult! The trouble is that it is hard to renounce what we all cling to most closely, what practically makes up the core of our personality: the independent use of our liberty. But in this is the gift that loving obedience is. Yes, the whole perfection of spiritual life – and the whole of true freedom – consists in the renouncement of self-will, as St. Bonaventure tells us.

We discuss the vow of Obedience as lived in religious life, the virtue as it leads to Faith, and how Obedience heals the very root of sin, and is therefore a good Lenten Penance.

In WEBSITE NEWS we give suggestions for Lenten reading and introduce several new children’s books and Missals.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we are working on sewing projects, including new habits for an upcoming clothing ceremony. We are keeping in our prayers all of those who have effected by the corona virus. Read more…

Poverty of Spirit

Poverty of Spirit

We are entering the last and most intense part of Lent, Passiontide. In this newsletter we continue the theme of detachment, only this time from the point of view of Poverty. We discuss both the vow taken by religious, our own practices and customs, as well as the virtue as it is meant to be practiced by all.

In WEBSITE NEWS we announce the launch of our new website and share some of the things that have changed.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with special thanksgiving – thanksgiving for the conclusion of both the website and new building projects. Read more…

The Divine Sculptor

The Divine Sculptor

Time passes and here we are at the beginning of the sacred season of Lent! Often we receive emails asking about Lent: "Dear Sisters, what should I do for Lent? But outside of the Penances we do, there is God’s plan for our souls: His Providential arrangement for each soul, in all that He sends in the way of pain, inconvenience, annoyance, misunderstanding, disappointment, frustration, regret - troubles and problems of all kinds. Rather than active suffering, these afflictions require more passive suffering. We discuss one of St. John’s lesser known writing “The Precautions,” and the detachment that he recommends.

In WEBSITE NEWS we give the history behind the St. Benedict Crucifix which has become known as the Happy Death Crucifix. We also give suggestions for good Lenten reading and an update on our new website.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we give an update on our new building project and share with you some stories and pictures. We hope to move in soon! Read more…

Lent, a Season of Healing

Lent, a Season of Healing

Fasting, the ancient practice of Lent, has a history importance and meaning that is underestimated and not known by many of us Catholics today. It was by breaking a type of “fast” appointed by God that Adam and Eve committed original sin, and it is by this practice that we strike that the very root of the evil in our souls. By looking more closely at this and other Lenten practices, we hope to diminish some of the proverbial "gloom and doom" of Lent, and help you to see this Season for what it is, a grace and a great gift - a much needed medicine which stings, but heals the soul. We also touch on devotion to the Holy Face, a devotion important to many Carmelites including Saint Therese.

In WEBSITE NEWS we have recommendations for spiritual reading (another important practice in Lent), including the “cross and crown” books (available for a limited time only since these books are out of print).

In COMMUNITY NEWS we touch on our latest building/home improvement project, a small mud room outside our kitchen door. Read More….

Septuagesima

Septuagesima

Septuagesima, though not well known, is an important preparatory Liturgical season for Lent, the season of the examination of conscience. Knowing ourselves better, our sins and where they come from, we are more equipped to do battle and conquer our faults during Lent.

In WEBSITE NEWS we review once again the important of good spiritual reading during this time of penance and share some book reviews from our other customers. We have a new relic badge dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and briefly discuss the history behind this image and devotion.

In WEBSITE NEWS we review once again the important of good spiritual reading during this time of penance and share some book reviews from our other customers. We have a new relic badge dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and briefly discuss the history behind this image and devotion. Read More….