Devotion to St. Joseph 1. The same aura of silence that envelops everything about St. Joseph, himself a lay person and model for Carmelite Seculars, also shrouds his work as a carpenter in the house of Nazareth. It is a silence that reveals in a special way the inner portrait of the man. The Gospels … Continue reading Carmelite OCDS – Devotion to St. Joseph
1. The Virgin Mary is present in a special way, most of all as a model of faithfulness in listening to the Lord and in service to Him and to others. For Secular Carmelites, Mary is a model of obedience and total commitment to God’s Kingdom. She teaches us to listen to God’s Word in … Continue reading Acts of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary – Our Lady of Mount Carmel
What is the pars potior (the most important part) of the Carmelite vocation? The answer usually given was prayer; by that meaning quiet or contemplative prayer. Is this a sufficient answer? The Rule itself makes it clear that our first duty is to serve Christ with pure hearts and upright consciences. In scriptural terms, that … Continue reading Our First Duties as Carmelites OCDS
My beautiful and fulfilling life vocation as a Carmelite OCDS (Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites) is a way of following Jesus Christ. Walking the path of the gospel, and seeking His love. Having an intense thirst for a direct relationship with God. Being centered on Prayer, is a loving friendship with God, and contemplation is a gift … Continue reading Life as a Secular Carmelite is a way of following Jesus Christ.
Holy Week is the last week of Lent. Holy Week Colors: In most churches, the decorations are red to symbolize the blood of martyrdom. Some churches remove all decorations on Good Friday, veiling anything that can’t be removed in black or purple. Holy water is also removed from the fonts in churches on Good Friday … Continue reading What Happens During Holy Week?
Blessings of St. Patrick’s Day to you all. While we enjoy all the celebrations, we must remember, of course, that St. Patrick’s Day is a Catholic feast day and so in that spirit, I've collected a few prayers and blessings specifically related to St. Patrick and to St. Patrick’s Day with which to bless you … Continue reading St. Patrick’s Day is a Catholic Feast Day
Lent 2018 began on Wednesday, February 14 ending on Thursday, March 29 and for Latin-rite Catholics with Easter Sunday on April 1. I got my Ash in church, I hope you got yours too. Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday starts Lent, a season … Continue reading A Lenten Journey Begins on Ash Wednesday
