Coming to Carmel and Marian Devotion...

Was thinking today about some words Fr. Deeney mentions in his book "Welcome to the Secular Order...".  Candidates seeking to enter the Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) will usually read this book as part of their curriculum their first or second year.

In one of the early chapters, Father talks about the qualities that are desirable for individuals seeking to enter Carmel as secular members.  Fr. Deeney remarks (rather forcefully) that one's love and honor for the Blessed Mother in and of itself does not a good Carmelite make.

A person comes to the community, a person with a great love of the Blessed Mother, who wants to wear the scapular in honor of Mary as a sign of dedication to her service...

There are so many committed Catholics who are devoted to Mary and even experts in Saint Teresa, Saint John of the Cross, or one of our saints who do not have the vocation to the Secular Order... All the other aspects of Marian life and devotion can be present, devotion to the scapular, the rosary, and other things...

It is not the spirituality, nor the study, nor the devotion to Mary...

A very frequent experience of many groups is to have a person approach the Secular Order to become a member, . . . (someone) who is very devoted to Mary, a person who has been on many pilgrimages to Marian shrines throughout the world, a person who is very familiar with many of the apparitions and messages attributed to Mary, a real authority on current Marian movements... 

There are other Marian groups and movements that might be the home for this person, but it is not the Secular Order.

Fr. P. Aloysius Deeney, OCD


Thank you Fr. Deeney.  Of course this is true.

But I might add for those of us who have made a commitment to Carmel, that our love for Our Blessed Mother is now rooted and anchored.  We have a strong desire to continue to know and learn more about this Lady and Mother.  

Indeed, our devotion for her can only increase over the years -- against a backdrop of the new Carmelite way of life. 

Carmel (of course) should mean a continued growth in Marian life and devotion...

Attitude Toward Work

Brother Lawrence explains his custom of bringing the presence of Christ with him during his day:

Completely immersed in my understanding of God’s majesty, I used to shut myself up in the kitchen. Alone, after having done everything that was necessary for my work, I devoted myself to prayer in the time that was left.

The prayer time was really taken at both the beginning and the end of my work. At the beginning of my duties, I would say to the Lord with confidence, “My God, since You are with me and since, by Your will, I must occupy myself with external things, please grant me the grace to remain with You, in Your presence. Work with me, so that my work might be the very best. Receive as an offering of love both my work and all my affections.”

During my work, I would always continue to speak to the Lord as though He were right with me, offering Him my services and thanking Him for His assistance. Also, at the end of my work, I used to examine it carefully. If I found good in it, I thanked God. If I noticed faults, I asked His forgiveness without being discouraged, and then went on with my work, still dwelling in Him.       

Thus, continuing in the practice of conversing with God throughout each day and quickly seeking His forgiveness when I fell or strayed, His presence has become as easy and natural to me now as it once was difficult to attain.

 

 

De Colores...

 

 

 

"Janua Coeli"

During the last years of her life and during her last illness, St. Elizabeth often referred to Mary as “Janua Coeli” (Gate of Heaven).  

She was seen often in the presence of the statue of the Virgin of Lourdes.

Elizabeth carried this statue with her almost continuously – even when she was absent from the infirmary.

 

 

 

  

 

Mary And the Carmelite Saints

This is a little project that describes the relationship of several famous Carmelite Saints and the Most Blessed Virgin Mary:

• St. Teresa of Jesus
• St. John of the Cross
• St. Therese of Lisieux
• St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
• St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
• St. Teresa of the Andes
• St. Mary of Jesus Crucified
• St. Raphael Kalinowski

English and Spanish versions are available.

The online booklet is available here:

http://anyflip.com/fmnq/bdqn  (English, Black Background)
http://anyflip.com/fmnq/lkpq  (English, White Background)
http://anyflip.com/fmnq/vrfw  (Spanish, Black Background)


The booklet can be downloaded (PDF format) here:

Mary Booklet -- English, Black (PDF -- English, Black Background)
Mary Booklet -- English, White (PDF -- English, White Background)
Mary Booklet -- Spanish, Black (PDF -- Spanish, Black Background)


There is also a 5-part video series on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEaPq9IxkbtW8f-VQlR5rboFghlFqwN42

In Union and Moved By the Spirit...

God alone moves these souls [who have reached habitual union with God] toward those works that are in harmony with his will and ordinance, and they cannot be moved toward others. Thus the works and prayer of these souls always produce their effect.

Such were the prayer and the works of our Lady, the most glorious Virgin raised from the very beginning to this high estate, she never had the form of any creature impressed in her soul, nor was she moved by any, for she was always moved by the Holy Spirit.

St. John of the Cross, Ascent of Mt. Carmel, Book 3, 2:10

Let Go Of Your Plans...