“The first degree is the opening of the soul to God: “Open to me, my beloved,” says the Bridegroom in Solomon’s Canticle. The second degree is reached when God – and here is meant the Holy Trinity – draws the soul up to himself and comes to dwell therein. God is born in the soul. …
Some people told Jesus about the Galileanswhose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.Jesus said to them in reply,“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this waythey were greater sinners than all other Galileans?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did!Or …
“One of the great figures on whom St. Simon relied for the building up of Carmel in the West is Henry de Hanna or Henry Hane, an Englishman. He was a man who achieved fame not only in England but also on the Continent. He was St. Simon’s great collaborator, and his influence was tremendous. …
Today, March 19, is the solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary. Principal Protector of the Carmelite Order. The liturgical feast of St. Joseph already appeared in the Carmelite Order in the second half of the 15th century. In 1680, the Carmelite General Chapter unanimously elected St. Joseph as the Principal Protector of the Carmelite …
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,but before they lived together,she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a …
“The lives of these Carmelite Saints are a proof that contemplative and active life can be successfully combined and can lead to sanctity. They show us that religious were not unmindful of what constitutes the great essential character of our life in Carmel. It is because of this life especially that so many have asked …
Today, March 18, is the commemoration of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem. Doctor of the Church. Cyril’s early life is rather sketchy, but his birth year has been pegged at 315. He was known for his expertise in the topics of theology and philosophy. He was ordained deacon by St. Macarius of Jerusalem and priest by …
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:“Hear another parable.There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,put a hedge around it,dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.When vintage time drew near,he sent his servants to the tenants to …
“For predominant figures in the history of Carmel in the West, I need only point to five great saints who summarize in themselves the Order’s life. Three are from the 13th century and two from the 14th. The great Saints Berthold, Brocard, and Cyril are deeply contemplative souls, as one would expect of those who …
Today, March 17, is the commemoration of Saint Patrick. Patrick lived in tumultuous times. He was kidnapped from the British mainland around age 16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave. There he was assigned to serve as shepherd. Even while guarding sheep, Patrick never neglected his prayer life. He dreamt that a mission was …