Category: 2018

Carmelite All Saints Day

Carmelite All Saints Day

It has long been the custom of Catholic Religious Orders to have a separate day, usually in November, to honor their own particular saints. Today, November 14th, is Carmelite All Saints Day . Again, just as on November 1st, the emphasis is on those whose feast day is not on the regular liturgical calendar, and those "unknown" Saints. We would like to introduce you to a few of these Carmelites - holy, prayerful, apostolic, heroic, and in love with Christ Our Lord: St. Peter Thomas, Blessed John Soreth, Blessed Fances D’Amboise, Sister Marie of Saint Peter, Mother Elias, and many others.

In WEBSITE NEWS we discuss the importance of Patron Saints, and the practice of using or wearing patron Saint medals. Of course there are preparations to be made for the season of Advent, and we are still working on our new website.

The biggest announcement in COMMUNITY NEWS is the start of a new building project. Read More….

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

In the face of the terrible scandals rocking the Church, we bring to mind some of the words and meditations of the Saints in similar times : “You asked Me to do mercy to the world... you prayed for the mystical body of Holy Church, that I would remove darkness and persecution from it... I promise you, that through the long endurance of My servants I will reform My Spouse (Holy Church, Bride of Christ). This is why I invite you to endure, Myself lamenting with you over the iniquities of some of My ministers....” – Our Lord to Saint Catherine of Siena. The Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross also gives many important lessons in the face of this crisis.

In WEBSITE NEWS we discuss the history and symbolism behind wearing devotional religious rings and have added many new styles to our website. We have expanded our selection of rosary bracelets and give many important recommendations for spiritual reading which highlight Church history and the difficulties the Church has passed through in the past.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we remember the renewal of our vows that is made on September 14th. Read More….

The Shortness of Time and the Length of Eternity

The Shortness of Time and the Length of Eternity

"Time." What is it? And what is its worth? Understanding time, and its value, is perhaps done best by realizing what time is not: time is not eternity. How often is it that we do not realize the value of the time that we have, time that will not always be available to us. “The present moment is ever filled with infinite treasures; it contains more than you have capacity to hold. “ – Father Pere de Caussade There will come a time for judgment and for eternity. "If men knew what eternity is, they would do everything to change their lives." - Our Lady of Fatima

In WEBSITE NEWS we are excited to introduce a new foundry, Vexilla Regis, which will be manufacturing wood laid crucifixes by hand in the same style (and in fact taught by) the famous Bancel company in France which has since closed. The story behind this undertaking is an interesting one! Also see our new selection of children’s books.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we describe our recent days of retreat and have finally finished the sewing/embroidery project that has occupied us the last two years. The Immaculate Conception vestment was based off one worn by Pope Pius XII, and is the most ambitious embroidery project we have yet undertaken. 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….