A Sign of Contradiction
Let us celebrate the joy and victory of Easter, despite all outward circumstances. Know of our prayers for a share in the Paschal joy for all of you.
We also share pictures from our recent clothing ceremony. 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…
Chastity and Charity
We discuss chastity, both as the virtue practiced by all and as a vow taken by religious. We touch on some of the many misconceptions surrounding this important virtue, its importance in these days, and the great virtue it is meant to lead us towards, Charity. Chastity, like poverty, is meant to lead us to perfect detachment and closer union with God.
In WEBSITE NEWS we give ideas for some spiritual weapons that can be used to protect the virtue of chastity.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we share some of the projects that have been keeping us busy the past few months, including sewing, gardening, and taking our yearly retreats. Read more…
Queen of the May
May is especially the month of Our Lady.” Here in Carmel, the Sisters cherish a tender affection and dedication to Mary. We have our own customs for making this month special.
In WEBSITE NEWS we give book reviews written by the Sisters – some of our favorite spiritual titles!
In COMMUNITY NEWS we describe the different steps to the religious life, Postulancy, the first year of the Novitiate, the taking of temporary vows, and finally the final profession and veiling. Read More….
St. Bartholomew’s Day
This feast day marks a special one for Carmel, since it is the day that Our Holy Mother St. Teresa founded the first Monastery of the reform 444 years ago. We mark the anniversary with a special procession in thanksgiving for our Carmel.
In WEBSITE NEWS “build a custom rosary” has continued to be improved, now allowing for side medals. We have expanded our offering of crucifixes and other religious art.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we celebrated the clothing ceremony of one of our novices, whose family came all the way from Poland to attend. Read More….
Receiving the Brown Scapular
We are happy to share the joyful news of the Reception of the Holy Habit of Mount Carmel. Clothing Day is always a most joyous day, a truly family day and, for the new Carmelite bride, a day of beginning in earnest the life of consecration to Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. We describe the different parts of the habit and why we wear them, especially the brown scapular.
We designed a new Brown Scapular having all the traditional, time-honored symbols and message of this favored sacramental of Holy Mother Church, including washable woven emblems and 100% wool, and if you do not already own and wear a scapular, we urge you to learn more about it! Read More….