Holy Souls Mass Remembrance
We share the story of Our Lady of the Bowed Head, a miraculous image of Our Lady that has a special connection to the Holy Souls. And we remind you to submit your names for the November Mass remembrance. Read more…
Reparation to the Holy Face
Devotion to the Holy Face belongs in a special way to the Carmelite Order. Recently, when Our Mother Prioress was on her annual retreat, she re-read the book, The Golden Arrow. She was so moved by the words of Our Lord, so much more poignant now than before, in view of what is happening in the world and in the Church today, that she told us all, “We should do more to spread this devotion.” In this newsletter we share some of the words of Our Lord that impressed upon us the need to spread this devotion, as well as share materials for learning more about it.
In WEBSITE NEWS we share the importance of the Holy Face chaplet, the medal, and a new relic badge made from our own relic of the Veil of Veronica. Read more…
Spiritual Father and Guide
The writings of St. John of the cross have proved a help and inspiration to countless souls – “ordinary” Christians, living hurried, active lives with little time for more than the barest obligations of their faith, find in these “incomprehensible” and “too subtle” treatises something applicable to their particular needs. What is this something? To what type of Christian, other than the contemplative, does St. John of the Cross appeal? What message, if any, can this sublimest of mystics have for the world of today?
In WEBSITE NEWS we look forward to the season of Advent, sharing spiritual reading recommendations, and new items to assist in the devotion of Christmas
In COMMUNITY NEWS we share some stories from the last few months, as well as stories about the sacramentals we have shipped to customers through our website.Read More….
Queen of Carmel
Happy Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel! While Carmelites celebrate July 16th with special solemnity, it is a day of celebration for all of her children, for the entire Church. She calls us to the safety of her heavenly protection. She clothes us in the virtues necessary for salvation. She invites all of us to great intimacy with her divine Son Jesus Christ. Read More….
Prophet of Carmel
St. Elias was given an inconceivable mission, to stand as God’s faithful and true servant in a society that was crumbling into paganism and sin; and to call the fallen Israelites back to the true worship of God. Certainly, the same can be said of the true Christian’s mission in today’s world. The errors are the same. The enemies are the same. The challenge is the same. And the prayerful, faithful fight and victory must be the same. We must pray in the spirit of Elias.
In WEBSITE NEWS introduce a new style of Brown Scapular we designed to honor the founder of Carmel. We also introduce our new handcrafted incense sticks. Read More….
Queen of Carmel
Please join us in our novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel preparing for her feast Day!
In WEBSITE NEWS we look at the history and symbolism of the original image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel that was venerated by the first Carmelite monks on Mount Carmel. We have made our own reproduction of this image for your devotion.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we share pictures of our new greenhouse and garden projects. Read More….
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Model of the Interior Life
Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has as its particular trait dedication to the interior life. What is the interior life? What is its importance and how do we grow? How is the Blessed Mother a perfect model and teacher for us? The liturgical Feast days of the past few months (Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi, and Sacred Heart) follow closely upon the Paschal Season and Pentecost. These three mysteries encapsulate as precious fruits of the Redemption, providing sure direction for our spiritual life.
In WEBSITE NEWS we give many reading recommendations for aid in the interior life. We also introduce our eBay store as a payment solution for U.K. and E.U. customers.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we review some projects from the past few months: vestment projects, raising a litter of puppies and others. We also take a brief look at our time. Read More….
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…
Prince of Peace
Most people desire peace. They desire peace of mind and of heart, peace with themselves, in their families and friendships, peace at work and at home. They have a constant yearning for it, but so often, it seems ever out of reach. Perhaps it seems out of reach because many don’t know what peace really is. In this newsletter we discuss what peace is and how it is attained.
In WEBSITE NEWS we remember some chaplets that would be good to pray in these times, most especially the Rosary, which was recommended to us by Our Lady of Fatima: "Pray the Rosary every day to obtain peace in the world."
In COMMUNITY NEWS we describe a “normal” day at Carmel, from the time we rise in the morning until the time we go to bed at night. Read more…
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…