Sister Imelda Marie

of the Blessed Sacrament (Petit), O.C.D.

I am most grateful for the gift of life, for the gift of my Catholic Faith, for God calling me to religious life as a Carmelite Sister of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles.

I am most grateful for the spiritual gifts God has sent me, most especially for opening the meaning of the Mass for me through discovering the meaning of the “Epiclesis” and “Anamnesis” of the Mass.  It has transformed my daily life like the Holy Spirit transforms the bread and wine on the altar at every Mass.

Get to know Sister:

Where did you grow up?

East Los Angeles then West Covina.

In one word, how would you describe your time as a religious?

Epiclesis.

What drew you to Carmel?

The joy and peace of the Sisters.

What tips do you have for younger religious on how to persevere in their vocation?

Allow God to “paint” His image in your soul. (The story of the Epiclesis painting). This will not be a “superficial” change like putting on the religious habit, but a true inner transformation like an “epiclesis”.

The difficulties in life are the “fertilizer” God uses to help you grow spiritually. Hold fast to the “mast” of Christ during the storms of life. (Story of Island of Siren)

For you personally, what does it mean to be a Carmelite?

To be “transplanted” from the “world” and planted on the fertile soil of Carmel, to be at the service of God and His Church.

To be at the foot of the cross in prayer, collecting every drop of the Precious Blood and pouring it out on the world.  (St. Therese)

Carmel is to be an prophetic witness to the world, “peering through the veil of this world and seeing the next”. (J.H.Neuman)
A prophet is one who hears what others are deaf to, see’s what others are blind to.

God whispers to me in prayer, a Word (Logos)

He shouts to me through nature:  (“All nature is my prayer book” St. Teresa of Avila)

He touches me through the events of my day and the people I encounter.