During this time of fasting and penance, the Church allows us to pause to celebrate the great St. Joseph. A very Happy Feast Day to all of you from all of us here at Carmel!
We take this opportunity to take a deeper look at the Stations of the Cross, their history, importance, and how to pray them. Read more…
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…
“We should remember that Lent is not an isolated personal affair of our own. The Church avails herself of the whole of the mystery of redemption. Each year, following Christ its Head, the whole Christian people takes up with renewed effort its struggle against evil, against Satan and the sinful man that each one of us bears within himself, in order at Easter to draw new life from the very springs of divine life and to continue its progress towards heaven.” What can we do to fully profit from the immense graces offered to us during Lent? What penances have been recommended?
We focus in particular on a devotion given to us by the Blessed Mother, the Stations of the Cross. We discuss the history of this devotion and how to practice it well. “ There is no practice more profitable for the entire sanctification of the soul than the frequent meditation of the sufferings of Jesus Christ.” - Saint Alphonsus de Liguori
We also study the life of St. Andrew Corsini, a virtually unknown Carmelite Saint, whose Feast Day is around this time.
In WEBSITE NEWS we look at the history and symbolism behind the Pardon Crucifix, a sacramental that was loved and promoted by St. Pius X. We also have several suggestions for good Lenten spiritual reading.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we document the arrival of our latest member, a mischievous and energetic german shepherd puppy names Zelie. We also finished our latest vestment project just in time for the Feast of the Purification. Read More….
God’s Blessings to all during this holy time of Lent. Although our news will be brief because of the Lenten silence and discipline, we wanted to reach you with what we hope will be instructive, edifying, and helpful counsels for spending this holiest of seasons fruitfully.
In WEBSITE NEWS we have recommendations for good Lenten reading.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we celebrate the final profession of one of our novices, and look forward to the clothing of another one of our novices later this month. Read More….
“O God, every year You purify Your Church through the observance of Lent; grant that Your children may lead better lives, and so obtain the graces they are striving to acquire by doing penance.” Such is just one of the prayers of Holy Church as we begin another Lent, the time of uniting ourselves with the redeeming work of Our Savior by a spirit of penance.
In WEBSITE NEWS we discuss our new Stations crucifixes and how they can be an aid during Lent. We have Lenten reading suggestions for better understanding Our Lord’s Passion.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we discuss how email has changed our correspondence, allowing people from all across the world to easily send us prayer requests. The sewing room is always busy and we promise to discuss more about our daily life in our next newsletter. Read More….