Poem "To a Carmelite Postulant"

 I found this poem as I'm preparing my lessons for the upcoming school year.  🥰

To a Carmelite Postulant

Michael Earls, S. J.

Oh, the banks of May are fair, 

Charm of sound sight,
Breath of heaven fills the air, 

To the world’s delight.

Far more wondrous is a bower, 

Fairer than the May, 

Love-of-God it wears in flower, 

Blooming night and day.

Love-of-God within the heart

 Multicolored grows,
Now a lily’s counterpart, 

Now the blood-red rose.

Come the sun or chilling rain, 

Come the drought or dew, 

Crocus health or violet pain, 

Love-of-God is true.

Hard may be the mountain-side, 

Soft the valley sod,
Yet will fragrance sure abide 

With the Love-of-God.

Where the grace of Heaven leads, 

There it makes a home,
Hills a hundred and the meads 

Will its pathway roam.

Carmel by the western sea 

Holds your blessed bower: 

Love-of-God eternally 

Keep your heart a-flower.

An Enclosed Garden of God: Documentary of Carmelite Life

Sorry for the delay but here is the promised full documentary on the daily life of the nuns in the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Fairfield, Pennsylvania.  This documentary is absolutely beautiful and so well done.  My whole family enjoyed it so I encourage you to make a movie night out of it!

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus bless us all and protect His Carmelites!

 

Pray for the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Hello dear friends!

Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!

I have some sad news to share with you.  You may have already heard, but Rome is bringing the hammer down on our beloved Carmelite nuns of the Carmels of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  I just found this video last night that explains the situation very well in a short amount of time.  Miss Bauer is the Director of Marketing & Development for the Carmel in Fairfield so she knows all the most important and true details.  

The most important thing we have to do is pray for these communities.  They also need help building their monastery.  More information about their life and building project can be found here: www.fairfieldcarmelites.org  

I also have a few more videos to share with you.  One is an interview with the nuns' chaplain who was just removed by Rome and the other is an absolutely beautiful documentary of the nuns' lives so stay tuned for those!

May God bless you and keep you!

Video: Invictus - Captain of my Soul

Please enjoy one of my new favorite songs...  It is just absolutely beautiful.  

From the video description:

Originally posted on Lifesite News.
"Inspired by the famous poem, “Invictus,” by William Ernest Henley, the Sisters of the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph have written a song to inspire the Church amidst the current wave of cultural confusion. Fittingly, the song, named for the Latin word meaning “unconquered,” rings as a ballad, a battle cry of a soldier who follows closely and submits faithfully to his Master and Captain, Jesus Christ."

Find more information about the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Fairfield, PA here!

 

How Can I Know Whether I Have a Religious Vocation? {Repost}

{Thank you to Mrs. VanderPutten of Finer Femininity for allowing me to repost this excerpt!}

by Father Daniel A. Lord

How can I know whether I have a religious vocation?

It’s too bad, but the fact is that there are a great many more people called by God to priestly and religious life than have the courage to accept the call.

Sometimes they don’t give themselves a chance to hear the call. Sometimes they regard a vocation as something amazing, startling, thunderstriking. And all the time, if they have a religious or priestly call, it is the greatest good luck of their lives.

The signs of a vocation are clearly before the eyes of anyone who cares to see them. Here, then, are the signs, briefly sketched:

First, the person must have the necessary qualifications.

This means health sufficient for the religious life. It implies enough education to do the work demanded by the particular Order.

The person must be free from habits of sin. If in the past the person had such a habit but has overcome it, that past habit need not be an essential bar. It is wise, however, to talk this over with one’s confessor.

Very importantly it is not necessary to be outstandingly virtuous or to find piety or prayer easy and simple.

Novitiates and seminaries are established as places where young religious can learn the way of the spiritual life. They will study virtue, prayer, and piety there.

The normal qualifications needed today for religious life are those of any good, wholesome young man or woman who enjoys life and has a body made healthy by clean living and wholesome sports and recreation, a mind trained to decent thinking and a fair grasp of truth, and the ability to get along with people.

Naturally, the higher the qualification of mind and body and heart, the finer the material they bring with them to the religious life.

Second, the future priest or religious should have a supernatural motive for wanting to become a priest or a religious.

It is not, of course, sufficient motive to want to rush into seminaries and novitiates in war times in order to dodge the draft. Nor should one enter because there one will be sure of meals, of a roof over one’s head, of an education, of intellectual life, and of pleasant companionship.

Yet a person may have what may seem a low motive – the fear of hell, let’s say – and be said to have a supernatural reason: Many a young man or woman took the first step toward high sanctity when he or she ran into the arms of God through sheer fear of losing his or her soul.

Other supernatural motives are higher in the scale of dignity: the desire to be sure of heaven and eternal salvation, the fear of offending God amid the temptations of the world, an impulse to work for the salvation of others, the desire to become like the saints in love of neighbor and closeness to God, a longing for the companionship of Christ, a pure and unselfish love of God.

The third thing necessary is the aspirant’s acceptance by a religious community, or, in the case of the priesthood, by a Bishop.

In the amazingly rich providence of God there has grown up in the Church the widest variety of priestly and religious work. There are communities suited to almost every type of taste and talent. The many ingenious schemes for religious perfection are remarkably varied.

Yet, as a rule, a person thinks of religious life because of pleasant association with some definite men or women religious, or of a priestly life because of admiration for some priest. This in itself may be an indication that one would fit well into the kind of life led by the person admired and respected. It is common sense, then, that a first thought be given to that community.

With all the seriousness in the world, I beg of you to think seriously of priestly and religious life. Anyone who has even a slight inclination toward such a life is cheating himself miserably if he doesn’t give the impulse the fullest possible consideration.

There is no other life comparable to religious or priestly life in the happiness offered or the useful work made possible. No cowardice, no difficulties, no diffidence about oneself, no shrewd considerations for the future should be allowed to stand in the way of so glorious an opportunity.

Fortunate, indeed, is the soul who hears, however faintly, the call of Christ. Happy the soul who feels the impulse to enter into such happy association with the Virgin Mother.

Sometimes it takes more courage to accept than one naturally possesses. Often one treads to this high life a road that is like martyrdom. Within the priestly or the religious life there will be hard and laborious living, days dominated by rule, the need to develop high virtue and strong self-mastery.

But I have often told young people that really the hardest part of religious life is the step by which one enters it. From that point on, Christ, given half a chance, takes over. He works day and night with the cooperative and generous soul.

There is no other life comparable to that spent in happy companionship with the Savior, in work for the kingdom of God on earth, in companionship with men and women dedicated to the love of Christ, in constant opportunity for personal worth, Christ-like living, God-like achievement.

Should you date while discerning?

{I've had this post in my drafts for some time but I figured it wouldn't hurt to share it now.}

Can you imagine dating two guys at once? I don't think so.  So why would someone date a guy while pursuing a relationship with Jesus?

This is a subject I explored in the early days of my vocation discernment.  Should a young person, girl or guy, date while discerning?  Some people have different opinions on this subject but the answer is really simple.  No, you shouldn't date while discerning a vocation to the religious life.  To see why one shouldn't date while discerning, let's examine the purposes or ends of discernment and dating.

What is the purpose of discernment?

Now, discernment comes from the Latin word "discernere" which means "to separate."   So in the discernment of our vocations, we try to step aside (separate) from distractions and our own desires in order to find God's will.  We try to figure out or see what our calling from God is.  If you think God might be calling you to the religious life, you discern more deeply that possibility.  A vocation to the priesthood or religious life is a special calling from God to a special relationship with Him.

Photo credit: I'm Mary Katherine Photography

What is the purpose of dating?

When you court or date someone (especially in the Christian world) you are trying to find the person you are going to marry and be with for the rest of your life.  Dating isn't just a fun outing with a friend.  It's a time set aside between two people so that they can get to know each other better and discern God's plan for their lives.

So really, dating and discernment are very similar processes.  Ultimately, you're trying to figure out where you're called to spend the rest of your life.  The difference is with whom!

Some people will tell you that you need to date someone first before discerning a religious vocation.  Go have that experience to see if you want it.  But if you feel God is calling you to be His bride, why go around with other guys?  Being Christ's bride is a wonderful and great calling, therefore, if we feel drawn towards that, we should discern that first.  (The same goes for guys.  To serve Christ and His Church as one of His apostles in the Holy Priesthood is a privileged calling.  If you feel the call to this vocation, you should, therefore, discern it with your whole being.)

We are taught to give everyone and everything our best.  Therefore, why wouldn't we give Our Lord our best effort?  Discern your vocation without reserve or other obligations.  If you would try to pursue a relationship with Our Lord and a guy at the same time, things would get confusing very quickly.  Our human emotions and attractions to physical attachment can blur our vision.

You may think to yourself, "I still like guys.  I would love to be married and have kids.  Does this mean I'm not called to the religious life?"  Not necessarily!  We're all human and as humans, God has designed us for marriage ("male and female He created them.")  Marriage is a good thing and a natural desire.  A vocation to the religious life, however, is not natural.  It is supernatural.  When Christ calls someone to the religious life, to complete and total union with Him, He is calling them to rise above their natural passions and enter into a supernatural relationship.  To give up everything and follow Him.  He is calling them to a great sacrifice.  That's exactly what this vocation is.  A sacrifice of self.  So don't be worried or distressed if your imagination strays with thoughts of romanticism but calmly and patiently refocus your mind on discerning God's will and not your daydreams.

It is natural for us as humans to desire marriage but to desire a life of sacrifice with Christ is a desire placed on your heart by God.  Don't ignore it.  Listen and follow it.  God may just be calling you to a life of divine love, union with Him, and more spiritual children than you can count!  Whatever you do, whether dating or discerning a religious vocation, seek God's perfect and holy will.  As long as we strive to do His will, we can't go wrong.

Photo credit: Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration

Prayer for Postulants

 Infant Jesus of Prague,

Listen to what I'm asking:

Give us from all sides,

Solid postulants,

From which good novices grow,

That makes our Carmel bloom.  

(Prayer from Carmel DCJ on Instagram)

When God closes a door...

 Somewhere He opens a window.

Hello, dear sisters in Christ.  I know it's been so long since I've written here but 2020 was a year full of ups and downs in my discernment.  It's a long story I hope to tell you here very soon, but for now, God has closed the door on my religious vocation discernment.  I really wanted to be able to say yes to becoming a religious, but God had other plans.  I could not maintain peace in my soul about entering the convent and I took that as a sign that it was not meant to be.  Now I'm discerning the vocation of marriage and starting a new blogging journey over at In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae.  I hope you've found the information and reflections on this blog helpful.  I will leave it up on the internet just in case another young girl like myself is searching for help, camaraderie, and resources for vocation discernment.  I'm so happy to be following Our Lord and discovering His unique path to Heaven for me.  I pray you discover and follow His most holy and perfect Will for your life too.  Please drop by my new blog sometime and say hello! 

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

The First Responders of the Church

Last week, we in the United States of America remembered the police officers, first responders, firefighters, and many others who risked and gave their lives for their country on September 11th, 2001.  I was only 2 years old at the time, so I don't remember the day, but I do remember the memorial of 9/11 when I was 5 in kindergarten.  The tragic events that took place that day continue to ring through time with a tone of sadness.  But the response to this devastating attack also inspires great patriotism in me.  I am so proud of my country and the many Americans who rushed to the scene of the attack to help people; to save souls.

I love my country and my fellow countrymen.  I am inspired by Tom Burnett and all the other Americans who stood up for each other whether it was their job or not.  And shouldn't we do the same for all of our brothers and sisters today?  There are so many souls being attacked, not by earthly terrorists, but by all the forces of hell.  So many souls are killed every day by mortal sin.  People all around us are falling into the clutches of the evil one and we often stand by and do nothing.

The Catholic Church needs warriors too.  We need first responders on the spiritual frontlines.  We need people who are going to lay down their lives for others.   "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 DRB)  Catholics need to rise up, whether they are professed religious and priests or not, and work to save the souls in peril of sin.

Some Catholics are called in a special way to lay down their lives for their brothers and sisters.  When a young man or woman is called to the religious life, they are called to sacrifice their lives for the good of souls and the good of the Church.  They give up so much; possible families, careers, travel, and so on.  Priests and religious stand on the front lines of the battle for souls making sacrifices and praying for them constantly.

Artwork credit to Urias Ab on Instagram

Cloistered and contemplative religious have an even greater duty to lay down their lives totally and completely.  They give up even more than parish priests and active religious do.  The contemplatives are the powerhouse of the Church.  They pray, sacrifice, and work in the heart of the Church for the salvation of souls!  They are truly the frontline soldiers of the Catholic Church because they battle evil and implore God's graces day in and day out.

Are you being called to be a soldier of Jesus Christ on the frontlines?  Souls are falling in the world to the attacks of the devil.  Is Christ calling you to be a first responder?  No matter what your station or vocation in life may be, you can save souls through your own little prayers, sacrifices, and good works.  So let us storm Heaven with our prayers for the souls of sinners and let's bring the light of Christ to those around us who dwell in darkness.

Announcing a new Instagram Account!

 Hello dear readers!!

I apologize that it's been so long since I've posted anything here.  I promise to publish more soon.  I've got quite a few draft posts going!  In the meantime, I've started an all-new Instagram account for this blog and for all things Catholic!  Please head over there and follow @hisvoiceissweet for lots of beautiful Catholic images, quotes, and prayers.  There will be content that has to do with vocation discernment and so much more!  I hope you enjoy it and that it helps you in some way.  

All for the greater glory of God!

Sarah

The Joy of Our Creator

Hello ladies,

I just came across this meditation on Facebook. It was originally posted in Spanish.  Facebook can make some goofy or interesting translations, but bear with it because this is so beautiful!! Trust in Divine Providence and take joy in your Creator.

In Us there is no unhappiness or pain, how could we give it to creatures? And if they feel unhappiness it's because they leave Divine Will and lock themselves in the small field of human will. Therefore, as they return to the Supreme Wanting they find joys, happiness, power, strength, light, beauty of their Creator, who doing them as their own things, feel in them a connatural divine substance, which comes to give joy and happiness In the same pain, that's why between the soul and We are always party, we have fun and delight together. Instead in human will there is no creative power, that by wanting to exercise virtues can create patience, humility, obedience, etc., here's why you feel tiredness, fatigue to practice virtues , because the divine strength that sustains them, the creative power that feeds them and gives them life; therefore you see inconstancy and easily pass from virtues to vices, from prayer to dissipation, from the Church to Fun, from patience to impatience, and all this mixture of goods and evils produces unhappiness in the creature. Instead, who makes my will reign itself, feels firmness in good, feels that all things bring him happiness, joy, much more than all things created by Us have the mark, the germ of joy And of the happiness of Him who created them, and were created by Us so that all bring happiness to man, each of the things created has the mandate of Us, to bring each happiness, the joy they possess to the creature, indeed, what joy and happiness does not carry the sunlight? What pleasure does the blue sky not bring to sight, a flowery meadow, a sea that mumbles? What taste does not bring to the palate a sweet and tasty fruit, a fresh water, and so many and so many other things? All things in his mute language say to man, 'We bring you happiness, the joy of our Creator'. But do you want to know in whom all things created find the echo of their joy and happiness? In those who find my will reigning and dominant, because the will that reigns full in them, and possesses the same God and who reigns in the soul, form the same, and overflow each other seas of joy, happiness and of happy so it's a real party. That's why my daughter, every time you merge into my will and tours all things created to seal in them your love for Me, your glory, your worship over each of the things I have created to make you happy, I feel renew joy, happiness, glory, as in the act when we put out all Creation; you cannot understand the party you make us when you see your little thing, that wanting to embrace everything in our will belongs to us in love, in glory for all the things created; it is so much our joy, that we put everything aside to enjoy the joy, the party you give us. That's why living in the Supreme Wanting is the greatest thing for us and for the soul, is the Creator's vent on the creature, who pouring over it gives it its form and participates all divine qualities, so that we We feel repeating for her our works, our joy, our happiness.

Diving Into Discernment

"My lover speaks; he says to me, 'Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!  For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone.  The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come and the song of the dove is heard in our land.'"  (Song of Songs 2:10-12)

"'The flowers have appeared in our land,' says the Divine Spouse and the time for pruning is come.  What, my daughter, are the flowers of our heart, but good desires?  Therefore so soon as they appear we need the sickle which shall prune away from our conscience all dead works and superfluities.  Before the captive maiden might be espoused to the Israelite, she was obliged to shave her head, and pare her nails, and put the raiment of her captivity from off her (Deut. 21:12), 

and so the soul which aspires to be the bride of Christ must put off the old man, 

and forsaking sin be clothed with the new man; paring and shaving away all hindrances which come between it and the love of God; such a purging of our corruption is the foundation of future health."

~The Introduction to the Devout Life

I want to encourage you to dive head first with me into discernment.

The world is a busy, noisy, colorful, distracting place.  I often feel like a chameleon changing with my surroundings or like the dog, Doug, from Up.

Always getting distracted.  We're all so busy and caught up in so many things during the day, from chores to school to fitness, entertainment, work, play and so on.  The secular world constantly bombards our senses with noise, light, images, sounds, and music directing our attention to flashy, worldly cares.  We also have our own tasks and earthly goals in mind.  When you're trying to discern a religious vocation, it often feels like you're juggling discernment in with all of these other occupations and distractions.  The problem is, in this busy world, vocation discernment and religion in general, often get pushed to the back burner.  We only pay attention to it when we feel like it and we often don't feel like it.  So many nights have I come home and just wanted to crash in bed.  At those moments, I don't feel like saying night prayers.  But when you're discerning the religious life, you don't have to feel like it.  It's something that needs to encompass your day to day life.

Discernment can't just be something you pull out of your back pocket and do.  It has to be a way of life.  We are immortal souls created for Heaven.  This is our ultimate goal, our "dream job", if you will, so we should be striving for it every single day.  All our actions and all our prayers should be directed towards Heaven.  You might feel like God isn't moving as quickly as you'd like or expect Him to.  Do you feel stuck in perpetual discernment?  Well, it might not be God who isn't moving, but us.  Are we giving Him our whole being without reserve?  Are we offering Him not just the extra moments of our time but the first fruits of our days?  Are we taking time in silence to listen to Him and hear His voice?  Are we trusting in God completely?  This is so necessary because we are imperfect fallen human beings.  We must rely on our Perfect Creator to get us to Heaven.

In order to give ourselves over completely to God and His perfect will, we must put off the old man.  We have to start living now in grace striving for virtue and sanctity.  I know it's not possible to live like you're already in the cloister, but we must try our best to keep God's presence before us all day and in all we do, no matter what vocation we're called to.  We should increase our prayer life but we also have to focus on God, even when we're not in prayer.  We have to dedicate each and every moment, directly and indirectly, to God.  Grow those flowers of good desires.

This can seem so hard and like the stuff of great Saints that I am not able to attain because I'm sooo easily distractible like Doug, the dog.  If I try to forge my own path towards Heaven, I will quickly loose sight of it, stumble, and fall.  But we're not meant to do this on our own.  We have to allow Our Lord to work in us and through us.  Allow Him to prune away our old desires and failings.  We must follow Christ's path that He has carved out for us.  But we cannot follow Christ's path begrudgingly, slowly dragging our feet.  Jesus wants to show us the way, but we often don't want to follow because it will be hard.  So we meander along, sort of following the path, hanging back, and looking around at all the things of this earth.  We must run to Him.  Take up your cross and follow Him.  Dive into this discernment.  You are seeking the path that He has laid out for you that will lead you to eternal glory and happiness.  So dedicate yourself to finding it!  With such a beautiful everlasting goal, finding it should be your number one priority.  We must take refuge in the mantle of Our Lady and under the cross of Christ.  Then they will carry us along the straight and narrow path that leads to our vocation, our destiny, and our final goal, Heaven.

So dive into this discernment head first.  Make yourself accessible to Our Lord's workings in prayer and meditation.  Look for Christ in those around you.  Serve Him and offer up the little crosses of annoyance, frustration, disappointment, and rebellion that you encounter.  Put off the old man and allow Christ to clothe you in His garment of grace and love.  Then, He will work in you and through you.  Place your hand and your heart in His and allow Him to show you His Perfect and Holy Will.

At the Cross Her Station Keeping

Two of my favorite hymns of Good Friday for your meditation:

O come and mourn with me awhile,

And tarry here the Cross beside;

O come, together let us mourn:

Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

Have we no tears to shed for Him,

While soldiers scoff and foes deride?

Ah! look how patiently He hangs:

Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

How fast His hands and feet are nailed;

His blessed tongue with thirst is tied;

His failing eyes are blind with blood:

Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

His Mother cannot reach His face;

She stands in helplessness beside;

Her heart is martyred with her Son's;

Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

Sev'n times He spoke, sev'n words of love,

And all three hours, His silence cried

For mercy on the souls of men:

Jesus, our Lord is crucified.

A broken heart, a fount of tears,

Ask and they will not be denied;

A broken heart love's cradle is;

Jesus, our Lord is crucified.

O love of God! O sin of man!

In this great act, your strength is tried;

And victory remains with love:

for Thou, Our Lord, art crucified!

Lord Jesus, think on me,

And purge away my sin.

From earth-born passions set me free,

And make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me,

With many a care oppressed;

Let me Thy loving servant be,

And taste Thy promised rest.

Lord Jesus, think on me,

Amid the battle's strife;

In all my pain and misery

Be Thou my health and life.

Lord Jesus, think on me,

Nor let me go astray;

Through darkness and perplexity,

Point Thou the heavenly way.

Lord Jesus, think on me

When floods the tempest high;

When on doth rush the enemy,

O Savior, be Thou nigh!

Lord Jesus, think on me

That, when the flood is past,

I may the eternal brightness see

And share Thy joy at last.

Lord Jesus, think on me

That I may sing above

To Father, Spirit, and to Thee

The strains of perfect love. Amen.

Pray with the Church During Quarantine

Hello dear sisters in Christ,

I pray you are staying healthy and safe during these uncertain times.  Although churches across the US and the world are closing their doors, many priests and religious are live streaming their Masses and prayers to the faithful.  Prayer is an integral part of vocation discernment so even though we may not be able to visit Our Blessed Lord physically, we should still spend time with Him in prayer and meditation at home.

A couple of wonderful communities are sharing their daily hours of prayer with us over live streams.

PC: Benedictines of Mary

The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles: Live Stream the Divine Office and Latin Mass

The Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles: Live stream Morning Prayer, English Mass, and Evening Prayer

May you keep very close to Our Blessed Lord during these trying times.  Remember He is with you always and that He has a plan for everything.  Let us offer our sacrifices and penances for the salvation of souls and the end of the Coronavirus.

God love you,

Sarah

Serving with the Sisters

Hello sisters,

In October, I was blessed to be able to volunteer with the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles for their annual Fall Boutique!  I just wanted to drop some pictures here and share a little bit about my time with the sisters.  It was very nice to be able to spend time working and praying with the sisters that I have grown up visiting for 10 years!

Cookies, cookies, and more cookies!!! We made, baked, and boxed so many cookies for the Carmel Kitchen bake sale!

Visiting a Catholic cemetery for the feast of All Soul's Day.

The Carmelite Sisters' marker with a statue of St. Therese. 💕

The grave of the co-foundress of the Carmelite Sisters of Los Angeles.

Ave Maria...  The statue at the end of the hall of my dorm wing.

I love getting up early when I'm at the retreat house because I get to pray with the sisters!  Evening prayer is beautiful too because you rest in prayer after a busy day. 

Ite ad Joseph!  A beautiful statue in the retreat house office.

I was privileged to run an errand with a sister to visit a friend of the community to collect succulents for a project.

It was quite a new experience and I had fun.  I didn't realize how beautiful succulents could be.

Sampling the cherry pie made for the Carmel Kitchen.  It was delicious!!

"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You!"

"The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you."

There were lots of beautiful items for sale at the boutique that were made by friends of the sisters.

This week was full of blessings and long days of work and prayer.  Even though I was very tired after each day, I was so happy and peaceful.  A week of volunteering with the sisters teaches you humility as you work for the good of others and the salvation of souls.

Have you volunteered with a community of sisters?  What did you do?  Please tell me in the comments below!  God love you!!

Take Up Your Cross

Copyright His Voice is Sweet

"Jesus, You are the star that leads me on..."

Sisters, today I would like to just share a few words of encouragement with you.  I don't know where you are in your discernment.  Maybe you're just starting, maybe you're in the middle of filling out an application, or maybe you're getting ready to enter the convent.  Wherever you are, it is important to keep your eyes focused and your will firm.

"My eyes must constantly attend to the voice of the Divine Crucified One." ~St. Teresa of the Andes

But in addition to keeping focused, we must move forward.  We are on a journey to Heaven.  Finding our vocation is just part of that journey.  So keep your feet moving.  Make that appointment to speak with your priest, send that letter that's sitting on your desk, or start reading that book on vocations you've been meaning to get to.  Make this new year a year of progress.

"Behold the handmaiden of the Lord.  Let it be done to me according to your word."

Yes, sometimes we have to wait for a response or wait out a trial, but other times, God is asking us to make a leap of faith.  He asks us to follow Him.  So do not drag your feet.  Put one foot in front of the other and take the necessary actions to pursue your vocation.

 Yes, the way to Heaven is rough, narrow, steep, and even thorny, but we can follow in the footsteps of Christ.  He has made a way for us to follow.  His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  And we are not alone on this journey.  We have Mary, the saints, and even each other to help us along the way.  So pick up your cross and follow Jesus.  Let's get moving!

"Since we see the way, let's run together..."

God love you!

World Day of Cloistered Life

Hello sisters,

Praised be Jesus Christ!  I recently learned that November 21st is World Day of Cloistered Life!  How exciting is this?!  It is a special day to remember and pray for all the cloistered religious who do so much for the Church without us even knowing about most of it!  Do you know any cloistered nuns or communities?  Maybe this day would be a good time to stop by and send your letter, prayers, or gift through the turn! 😊  If you aren't near the chapel of any cloistered community, visit your local adoration chapel because all cloistered religious are there in spirit praying with you just on the other side of the tabernacle door.  Most importantly, don't forget to pray for all the cloistered religious around the world who continue to keep the heart of the Church beating.  Their prayers, sacrifices, and good works do so much good for us, the Church and the world.  We will never know the extent of their effects until we reach Heaven.

There are lots of great resources at this link that can help you spread the word about this special day.

2 Year Bloggaversary

Hello sisters!!

I can hardly believe the 2 year anniversary of creating "His Voice is Sweet" passed in September.  Thank you so much for following this little blog and supporting me in my journey.  It's been an interesting two years because they didn't go how I expected they would at all.

When I graduated high school, I was ready to go pursue God's will, I just needed to know exactly what it was!  I waited around like an anxious child.  Each day I thought (consciously or sub consciously,) today, God's going to show me His plan! He just has to!  But, two years passed and I never received a lighting bolt out of the sky and a booming voice.  I can't say that God's told me His will and now I know exactly what I'm doing.

But that's ok.  He has revealed something even more important.  He has revealed Himself.  Not all at once.  Not in clouds and light.  Not in a visible way.  He has made His presence and His love known little by little.  He is guiding me each day, moment by moment, to know Him and to surrender everything to Him.  He does this by using people and experiences.  In these last two years, I've met so many amazing people who constantly remind me of God, His goodness, and His plan!  I am so grateful for the people and circumstances, because without them, I would be lost.  God knows our weaknesses and uses people and things around us to help us!

These last two years, I've had wonderful, grace filled days and I've had hard, lonely days.  I have gone astray from discernment many times over the last two years.  It is so easy to become distracted.  For me, this mostly happens when I fall out of the practice of prayer.  The thing is, God didn't leave me.  He never leaves you.  It is I who turned away from Him to other things.  I focused on lots of other things and didn't put God first.  How exactly can we put Him first?  We put Him first by spending time with Him.

So with these general reflections, I'd like to share the advice that I'd like to give to any young person who is discerning a religious vocation.  Pray!!  Pray without ceasing!  This is so very important.  Don't stop.  If you have fallen out of the practice, I beg you to start again.  I know you may not want to, I didn't a little while ago, but you must.  How can you know what God wants you to do if you don't spend time listening for His instructions!!

Honestly, my soul is so much more at peace when I spend time in prayer.  It doesn't always have to be for long periods.  Morning and night prayers are an excellent way to start.  But don't stop there.  Add evening prayer, daily Mass, the rosary, and adoration.  Make a retreat or make a total consecration to jumpstart your prayer.  These things aren't magic, but they dispose our souls to be open and cleaned.  God uses the sacraments, sacramentals, and prayers to infuse grace into our souls.  This is how He communicates with us.  Most especially, He communicates with us in the Holy Eucharist because that is His true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity that we receive.  So please, remember that today is a new day and that God's grace is new for you every morning!  Yesterday may have been the worst day, but if we seek God, His grace, and His peace, He will give it to us.  Then He can lead you in the direction He has planned just for you!

The point of discernment is to discover your vocation, your calling in life.  This calling is supposed to help you reach sanctity, Heaven.  But the road to Heaven isn't easy.  It is a battle.  To win a battle, we must struggle, fight, and persevere day after day.  Soldiers do not take a break from fighting a war, even when they retreat.  They regroup, strategize, and replenish supplies so they can win the battle!!  So don't stop fighting the battle for Heaven!  Strive for sanctity and a closer relationship with God every day.  I know it's hard, but it will be so worth it.

Earl Grey Soliloquy: The Mystery of Vocation

Hello dear sisters,

Praised be Jesus Christ!  I apologize I haven't been around for a little while.  My life has been busy, and crazy, and fun, and stressful, but God has been with me through all of it.  Now that summer is over, I hope to get back to a better prayer and blogging schedule.  Today, however, I wanted to share this beautiful, short, and sweet post from Maria @ Earl Grey Soliloquy  You can follow the link below to see the full post.  It is a great encouragement!!  Please pray for Maria as she enters into the next chapter of her life!

Earl Grey Soliloquy: The Mystery of Vocation:      It is my last day at home, but somehow it hasn't hit me yet. The monastery I'm entering feels very distant when I'm sitting...

Ad Jesu Per Mariam... Repost

Hello dear sisters!!

Today I begin my preparation to renew my Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.  I made my consecration 2 years ago on that date and I'm very excited to read and pray in preparation again.  I thought I would re-share this post I wrote on Maidens for Mary in April of last year.  I hope you find it inspirational.  Have you completed the Consecration before?  If so, on what Marian feast?  If you haven't, I encourage you to join me during this period, or find another upcoming Marian feast to complete your Consecration on!

"The more we honor the Blessed Virgin, the more we honor Jesus Christ, because we honor Mary only that we may the more perfectly honor Jesus, since we go to her only as the way by which we are to find the end we are seeking, which is Jesus." 

~St. Louis De Montfort 

Trust in me, my daughter, that I am your mother.

The Total Consecration to Mary was written by St. Louis Marie de Montfort (1673-1716), a French Roman Catholic priest and confessor.  "The essence of this true devotion is the total offering of one's self and all one's goods both temporal (of this earth) and spiritual to Our Lady-in as much as the duties of one's state in life will allow-and then living as dependent upon her as a slave to a Queen." (Manual for Total Consecration to Mary pg. v)

(Here is a page with more info: https://www.saintbenedict.com/tradition/total-consecration)

Our goal as children of God is to be happy with Him forever in Heaven and this is brought about by a complete and perfect union with Christ and His will.  How better to achieve this than to imitate the only person on this earth who has ever attained this complete union of wills?  Mary was conceived without sin (we call this the Immaculate Conception) so that she could be a pure and sinless means to bring Jesus into the world.  We know this from the words of the Archangel Gabriel, "And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." (Luke 1:28) Since Mary is without sin, her will is in perfect union with God's.  Therefore, we want to imitate this most perfect example of union with God's will.  We ask Mary to help us attain this perfect union with Christ. 

"When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own." (John 19:26-27)

Christ gave us Mary as our mother when He gave her to the apostle St. John.  If Christ is our brother and wants what is best for us, than so too would His mother be our mother and want what her Son wants for us.

Also, this consecration directs us to offer all of our prayers, sufferings, and desires to Jesus, through Mary.  This concept is illustrated by Jesus' first public miracle, "And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine. And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come. His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye." (John 2:3-5)  Mary petitioned the needs of the bride and groom at Cana to Jesus and will do so for us as well.  As we see in this story, Jesus will refuse her nothing.  Therefore, we ask Mary to present our needs to her Son so that He will answer them.

There is a very beautiful and special book that illustrates why we go to Jesus through Mary. Take it to the Queen This original fable explores the events of Jesus' life, and demonstrates the role of the Virgin Mary as the benevolent agent of God's people. Reduced to desolation by a king and prince who feel they have been wronged, the residents of a once-favored village must seek help from the queen, a native of their devastated town.

Have you made your total consecration to Jesus through Mary yet?  If not, here are some things to get you started.

• Visit this link to learn more about the Total Consecration.
• Pick a date to complete your consecration on.  You can pick almost any Marian feast day and there are a ton!  I did mine on August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother.
• Find or order a copy of the Manual for Total Consecration.  You can also get this copy which includes St. Louis de Montfort's other book, True Devotion to Mary, which makes great supplemental reading anytime.
• Begin your total consecration reading and praying 33 days before the date of your consecration.
• Finally, don't worry if you miss a day or fall behind.  Prepare your heart and strive in all you do to imitate Our Blessed Mother in her virtues.

There are also some beautiful products for you to commemorate and help you remember your Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary.  You can find them here. 😊

Remember that Mary is your mother.  She loves you and wants what's best for you.  She will always keep you under her mantle of protection as long as you ask and place your trust completely in her more than capable hands.

"Am I not here who am your Mother?  Are you not under my shadow and protection?  Am I not your fountain of life?  Are you not in the folds of my mantle?  In the crossing of my arms?  Is there anything else you need?"

~Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego

If you have some extra reading time while you are making your consecration or after you have made it, I highly suggest that you read Mary Was Her Life: The Story of Sister Maria Teresa Quevedo.  It is an AMAZING account of the life of a young girl who lived her short life here on Earth entirely through Mary.  I made my consecration in August of 2017, but Ven. Maria Teresa really taught me how to live this consecration in every little aspect of my life.

I haven't perfected my consecration yet, but that's not the point.  Mary will help you.  Ask for the grace to grow in your trust and consecration.  You are all in my prayers.

Let us always go "Ad Jesu per Mariam,"  "To Jesus, through Mary."

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

Reposted from Maidens for Mary