Blog | Carmelite Spirituality
Californians Pray as Assisted Suicide Becomes Law
We rail against a broken health-care system, but people need to see what good care actually looks like. We need to offer a solution, not just point to a problem. Santa Teresita is a special, sacred place.
The Desert in Carmelite Spirituality
“What did you go out to the wilderness to see?” (Matthew 11:7) These were Jesus’ words to the crowd. For many years the desert had become a place of encounter.
God Is Enough
We sisters are often asked to explain what our life as consecrated women is like. Each time I am asked to do this, the same question
lingers in my mind. How can I explain the in-explainable? Human words can never explain supernatural realities.
Lord, Open My Lips
“Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.” (Psalm 51:15)
These words ring out in the chapel, breaking the silence of the early morning. It is still dark outside and our community of sisters, albeit still a bit bleary-eyed, has gathered to begin the day singing the Divine Office.
May Crowning
May is the month traditionally dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. As part of our May traditions, Catholics around the world may celebrate Mary in a special way by having a “May Crowning”.
Nothing Is Impossible to God
Often when I introduce myself, people seem surprised. “I thought Carmelites were cloistered?” Occasionally there is a slight tone of suspicion in their voice, as if maybe we were escapees or something. I am always prompt to clarify things for them.
Memories of Receiving the Habit
On the day I received the religious habit, I was 19 years old and only a little more than 10 months in the Community.
The Paschal Mystery
The Son of God left His heavenly home to come among us, to become one of us and to sacrifice His life, as a free offering to the Father, in a brutal manner, to save us and to restore us to His Father.
What is Formation?
When a young woman is considering the possibility of entering Religious Life, one of the greatest fears that her parents confront is that their daughter will lose her most unique and beautiful and precious traits. They may wonder, “Will the Nuns brainwash my daughter? Will they make her a robot or clone? What means of coercion do they use? Dangling from the toes? Bread and water for weeks? Solitary confinement? What really happens behind those walls!!!”
A Boundless and Profound Beauty
It takes courage and perseverance to walk this journey, but it is filled with a peace the world cannot give and a boundless and profound beauty leading to eternal glory in Heaven.