One of the priests in the Los Angeles Archdiocese shared the story of his conversion to Catholicism and, ultimately, to the priesthood. It all began when a friend invited him to attend a Catholic Mass. He told us that the moment he stepped into the church, he sensed a special presence of God.
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” (C.S. Lewis)
In this world filled with so much pain, there remains one sure and certain foundation on which we can place our hope: heaven is at work to bring good out of all things (cf. Romans 8:28).
There is something compelling about the sea. The vastness of it. The quiet, gentle waves rolling on shore. The rock formations with their panorama of misty spray bursting from the crashing waves. The sparkling of playful sunlight dancing upon its surface.
Mother Luisita was a soul of deep prayer in a union with God that permeated her daily life and could be seen in her motherly love and kindness with each person. In addition, she would write to the sisters: “My prayer for you is to be what God wants you to be – a saint. Is your soul taking little steps towards heaven or is it flying there?”
Lent Booklet 2026 You can read through the Carmelite Lenten Reflections 2026 booklet here, or download the PDF using the button. If you would like...
“If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation” 2 Cor.5:17
Close your hands for a few seconds and check out your knuckles. How does it feel? Does it hurt? Can you do anything important without using your fingers? To keep them closed for a lengthy amount of time ultimately becomes painful, does it? Just think it probably makes it impossible to lovingly caress the faces of those you love most, to live a normal life full of love, inner peace and joy.
What an amazing year this has been! It was over twelve months ago, that we heard for the first time the expression “Jubilee of Hope.” I have always loved that word – HOPE. Mother Luisita, the foundress of our community, once wrote in a letter the following advice.
What an amazing year this has been! It was over twelve months ago, that we heard for the first time the expression “Jubilee of Hope.” I have always loved that word – HOPE. Mother Luisita, the foundress of our community, once wrote in a letter the following advice.