Sister Carmelina
of the Infant of Prague (Leland), O.C.D.

With great rejoicing I enter into my 60th year as a Carmelite and thank God for the gift of being espoused to the “King of Kings”, the tenderest of beloved Spouses, of being His ‘delight’. It has been the great gift of my life to be His instrument of love and mercy for uncounted souls. It has been a blessing to be an ambassador of His Sacred Heart in high school, retreats, healthcare and adult education. Nothing compares to being instrumental in bringing souls to the mercy of the Sacraments and laying the foundations of Faith and Christian living for youth.

My Carmelite vocation, being rooted in prayer and the profound wisdom of Scripture, has been the wellspring of my spiritual life and ministry. Being able to share the wisdom and insights of the amazing Carmelite heritage has been humbling and unfathomable. I have only the words of Our Lady “….the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is His name.”

This 60-year journey has been nurtured and sustained by the awesome sisters with whom I’ve been blest to live and work within the heart of my Carmelite family. They have been an undeniable support and inspiration at every step of the way: from my beloved “senior sisters” whose example never ceased to affirm and support, to the younger sisters who always edify and motivate me to be the best ‘big sister’ I can be.

I will forever be grateful to all the generous and supportive friends who have been part of my many apostolic assignments, both clergy and laity. Their love and support in the various ministries of these 60 years has been a great and undeserved gift and for which I will always be offering prayers of thanks and blessing.