Advent Meditations
In this brief special edition of our newsletter, we give a few mediations for this holy season of Advent to help prepare us for Christmas. 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…
Practice of the Presence of God
The practice of the presence of God, remaining always in God’s presence, is a beautiful practice that will aid us in our spiritual life and help us prepare for the feast of Christmas. Brother Lawrence, a humble Carmelite Lay-brother, was a mast of this method of prayer. “Although he passed his life in retirement, still there is nobody in any state of life who cannot draw great profit from learning about his conduct. He will teach persons engaged in the world to address themselves to God, to ask His grace for doing their duty, even while they are performing their business.” – Practice of the Presence of God
In WEBSITE NEWS we look forward to Christmas, remembering that so many of the Christmas customs we have spring from our Catholic Faith and have deep Christian symbolism. We especially look at the custom of having a Nativity set and the history behind the Christmas tree and Christmas ornaments. We have also expanded our offering of Liturgical music.
Christmas preparations are busy in Carmel, and we document just a few of them in our COMMUNITY NEWS. Read More….
The Law of Praying is the Law of Believing
The liturgy, as Saints and Doctors of the Church so often instruct, is the most fruitful source for individual spiritual life, personal prayer and progress in our union with God. This is vividly brought before us at this time of year, as we end the liturgical year and begin another. The liturgical texts of Advent bring before our minds and hearts the sentiments we should have as we prepare for the two-fold coming of Christ, both at Christmas and then again at the end of time: “The Lord shall come to save the nations, and the Lord shall make heard the glory of His voice in the joy of your heart.” (Isaias 30:30)
In WEBSITE NEWS we give suggestions for Christmas gifts, including many new books for children that have been added to our site.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we share our joy with you at one of our Novice’s final profession and veiling. The ceremony of receiving the black veil is both a symbolic and moving one. Read More….
Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity
On November 9th, Carmelites celebrated the centenary of the holy death in 1906 of a saintly, young Sister who loved God ardently and most fruitfully, Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Divine Indwelling in the soul was the hallmark of her life and led her to give her life to God in Carmel.
In WEBSITE NEWS we were found to find some “spiritual” Christmas ornaments that reflect the true meaning of Christmas. We have also added Christmas books to our site.
In COMMUNITY NEWS our new postulants have settled in well and learn new things every day. We also talk about the Carmelite custom of chanting the Salve Regina every Saturday. Read More….
New Liturgical Year
As we begin again a new liturgical year, we reflect on the many graces and blessings of the past year and look forward to God's powerful working in souls and in the world during the coming year.
In WEBSITE NEWS we have added many new items to our website, Rosary bracelets, Relic Badges, holy cards, and Christmas ornaments.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we remember the poor souls in Purgatory and discuss family visits – we were delighted to receive one Sister’s family from Ohio who brought fresh produce from their produce stand. Read More….