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!

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)

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.

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.

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...

Dominican Nuns Living Radical Love

Praised be Jesus Christ!

In my perusing the internet of all things religious life, I came across this beautiful community of Dominican Nuns in Summit, New Jersey.

Photo Credit: Dominican Nuns of Summit, NJ

I came across them in a rather intersting way.  Two secular lifestyle news blogs (that I never would have read otherwise) shared about a photographer who just sort of "happened" upon these nuns.  She was accompanying a writer doing a piece on modern-day monasteries.  After her day there, she was captivated by the nuns and their spirituality.  She ended up coming back over the period of seven years, to complete a project capturing the life of the nuns and specifically, one of the sisters' journey to vows.  The result is a beautiful slideshow of pictures capturing the Dominican life and this community.

View the slideshow here.
Another article with some more pictures.

Photo credit: Toni Greaves

These nuns have also done interviews with Regina Magazine and other popular Catholic blogs.  There is plenty of information about them on the internet and thier website: https://www.summitdominicans.org/

Finally, here is an excerpt from thier website that sums up the life of a Dominican nun prety well.

“The nuns seek God by observing the norms of the purely contemplative life, by maintaining their withdrawal from the world by enclosure and silence, by working diligently, studying the truth eagerly, searching the Scriptures with ardent heart, praying intently, willingly practicing penance, pursuing communion through their manner of government, in purity of conscience and the joy of sisterly concord, “in freedom of spirit.”

                                              — Constitutions of the Nuns of the Order of Preachers

Please keep these holy nuns in your prayers!  God bless you!

Video: Investiture of a Contemplative Dominican Nun

Hello friends,

I've been looking at many different communities around the internet and their social media pages.  I came across a beautiful little community of cloistered Dominican nuns in Lockport, Louisiana.  There is a small Xanga page with their contact information.  Other than this page, they don't have any social media or info that I can find.

I did, however, find this short news clip that beautifully showcases the investiture of a 19-year-old girl in their community.  This is a rare look inside a traditional Dominican cloister.  I hope you enjoy!

The Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of the Heart of Jesus in Lockport, Louisiana are in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, accepting all Magisterial teachings and directives.

A Visit to the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph pray for us!

Hello and Happy New Year!

I wanted to share with you today a few pictures and thoughts on my visit to the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Valparaiso, NE.

In November I flew out to Omaha, Nebraska for a refreshing and thoughtful weekend at the Carmel of JMJ.  I didn’t know quite what to expect as I’ve never been on a vocation retreat or visit before, but God is good and He always provides. A local family very kindly helped me out with transportation.

When we arrived at the Carmel, I was a little nervous.  We entered the turn room and rang the bell.  It was so fun to first hear Sister through the turn. She asked me if I was up for a visit with the mothers and so I was directed down the hall to the “speak room.”  It felt like I was in the St. Therese movie!!

The Turn Room

 I was pretty nervous but as the weekend proceeded, I became more and more at ease.  I was blessed to meet 5 of the Sisters and they were all so gracious and kind.  I had plenty of opportunities to ask questions of the Mothers and sisters and they were all very helpful.  The Carmel itself is absolutely gorgeous!! 😍

My retreat was very simple and I was by myself with Jesus most of the time because these nuns are strictly cloistered.  My favorite part of it all was the silence.  Even if you don’t feel called to cloistered life, I would highly recommend going on a silent retreat because in the silence you are not only able to hear the whisper of God better, but you’re also able to hear yourself better.  In the silence, away from the noises and distractions of the world, you can discover who you truly are more fully.  My time was made up of mental prayer, the Divine Office (using the Carmelite Breviary,) reading, meals, and enjoying the beauty of the Nebraska sunsets.

St. Mary (Mariam) of Jesus Crucified, one of my 2 Confirmation Saints.

I am so glad I was able to visit this Carmel that I've heard quite a bit about.  Both Mothers and the sisters were very kind and hospitable.  It was so nice to spend time in silence with our Lord listening for His call.  I absolutely loved it there.  I am back home living with my family still, but I continue to pray every day to discern God's will.  The sisters advised me, and other discerning girls, to go home and take some time to discern if you're really called there.  So that's what I'm doing.  

It is now 2019!  It is a little hard to believe.  I have no idea what this year holds, but I look forward to it with eager anticipation.  I pray you and your family have a very happy, holy, and blessed new year.

Vocation Highlight!

Hello dear sisters!!

I have another wonderful post to share with you today!  Just a little bit ago, another young lady entered the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles in Gower. MO.  There are lots of pictures from this special day at this link!

Please pray for Rosie, her mom, and her family.  God bless you!

Video: The Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Valparaiso, NE

Hello dear friends,

I was so happy to hear that the same young lady who made the last video I shared is going to be entering the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Valparaiso, NE this week!!  She put together this little video tour of the beautiful Carmel.  Please pray for her as she enters this little heaven on earth!  And enjoy! 

God bless you,

Sarah

Vocation Mythbusters for Parents (and Everyone!)

Hello friends,

I found this neat little pamphlet at a local parish and thought these questions and issues should be addressed not only to parents of young men discerning the priesthood but also to parents of young women discerning religious life.  The original pamphlet text is in black and my additions are in magenta (ooh! fancy!😊)  So here are 6 common misconceptions about a child's vocation to the religious life (or the priesthood.)

Myth #1: "He/She is too young."

"Many parents, when their young son expresses an interest in seminary, will dispense well-meaning advice: "Get some life experience first--and at least a college degree--then think about seminary later."  Mom and dad envision that with a nice girlfriend and a good job, the idea of priesthood will fade away.  The problem is, they might be right.  That's why it's important that when God moves the heart of a young man to explore the priesthood, parents should trust God that the time may be right!  College seminaries are places of joy, camaraderie, and deep spiritual growth.  Even if your son goes to college seminary and eventually discerns he is not called to priesthood, don't think he'll have to "make up for lost time."  Thousands of former seminarians look back on their seminary days with great affection and gratitude!"

We are taught to trust God's timing and divine providence.  We must trust, then, if a young person feels led or called to discern the priesthood or religious life, that this is God's timing too.  College can be a great thing for many young people, but it's not for everyone.  God's highest calling is to serve Him directly and this is especially true for nuns/sisters as His bride.  If your child expresses an interest in religious life, that should be explored first.

A brother and sister that have been called to the service of the Lord!

Myth #2: "He/She will be so lonely."

"This is an easy myth to dispel.  Priests are surrounded by people!  After all, their job is to bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus.  They are continually working with parish staff, youth, and people who come to them for spiritual advice.  Seminaries today teach men how to form good, healthy relationships with the people of their parish and the priests of their dioceses.  Sure, there can be lonely moments--but the same is true in any vocation, marriage included.  Most priests have healthy friendships with brother priests, lay people, and family that keeps them grounded and connected."

Even in a cloistered convent, a nun is surrounded by her sisters.  Most importantly, sisters have Jesus.  Many religious orders, and of course parish priests, work closely and form friendships with those they work with.  Just like the paragraph said above though, there will be lonely moments in any vocation.  God calls each person to a specific vocation that will best get them to Heaven and bring them peace and happiness.

Myth #3: "Celibacy is impossible."

"Married couples sometimes have difficulty imagining their son choosing "life without a wife."  Society would have us believe that celibacy is impossible, or at the very least, unreasonable.  The truth is that physical intimacy is indeed one of God's greatest natural gifts, but that thousands of saints have experienced tremendous joy living the supernatural vocation of celibacy.  Today's seminaries offer supurb formation in how to live chaste celibacy with peace and joy."

The same thing pretty much goes for women as well.  Yes, it is natural and God's design for men and women to share the special gift of love with each other, but sometimes God Himself desires our whole self for His own.  Religious women give their lives to God and their virginity is just part of that.  If one is truly called to this supernatural vocation, God will give them the grace for it.

Siblings at the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa BBQ!

Myth #4: "I won't have grandchildren."

"At her only child's ordination, a woman was asked if she was sad she would never have grandchildren.  Her response? "It's not about me."  She was simply grateful that her son had found God's will for his life.  Many parents of priests are delighted to find they gain "spiritual grandchildren" --thousands of people whose lives have been profoundly influenced by their son's priesthood.  There is a special joy in meeting people who exclaim, "You're Fr. Jacob's mother?  He's such a great priest!""

This is a sacrifice people make for love of God, but there is a spiritual parenthood that sisters, too, experience.  Sisters who are teachers develop a motherly love for their students.  These little souls that are under their guidance and protection.  Even nuns in a cloister become spiritual mothers to the Church as they pray for each and every person.  These nuns are truly the heart of the Church as they support Her by their prayers and good works.

In the photo are two of the newly vested (ICK)...siblings!

Myth #5: "I'll lose my son/daughter."

"Some parents think that if their son becomes a priest, they'll never see him.  One priest laughed at this idea: "When Thanksgiving rolls around and my brothers and sisters are busy with their children and in-laws, guess what?  It's me carving the turkey with mom and dad!"  His point is that diocesan priests are able to spend a healthy amount of time with family.  Even priests in religious orders, who may have assignments far from home, are able to periodically see their parents and siblings.  In the Internet age, social media makes it easy to keep in touch."

This too is a sacrifice that parents and child make for love of God (especially when one enters the cloister.)  But our time on this earth is short and, God willing, parents will be reunited with their children very soon in Heaven!  Sometimes, however, families get to see their religious children quite a bit.  There are visiting days, celebrations, ceremonies, events with the community or parish, and other ways to stay in contact.

Myth #6: "He/She will be unhappy."

"This is the "umbrella fear" that encompasses all the others.  It's also the easiest to dismiss, because the facts prove otherwise.  a number of studies about happiness invariably find one profession ranked number one: clergy.  In his book titled Why Priests Are Happy, Msgr. Stephen Rosetti cites reliable research showing that 92% of priests report being happy.  The key factor in this happiness?  An "inner peace.""

"I wish each soul to understand that she has her special place in my heart which awaits her; that her love is necessary to me, that I long to see her happy and perfect because I have loved her even to dying on the cross for her--yes each soul."

I feel these words of Our Lord (in the image above) are the best to answer this myth.

"The ideal Catholic parent understands a simple truth: God desires your child's happiness even more than you do!  If your son experiences a genuine call from the Lord to pursue the priesthood, trust in God's love for your son! 

From the earliest years, make it clear to your children that God has a plan for them.  Read them bible stories of Jesus calling his disciples.  Engage in open conversations about your  children's hopes and dreams.  Make sure that they understand the various vocations to marriage, priesthood, and religious life.  Above all, teach them how to pray and serve others.  

If your child does express an interest in priesthood, be supportive.  The ideal parent is at peace with God's will, saying, essentially, "I will pray for you and support you as you go to seminary... and I will be equally proud of you if you discern that you must leave seminary."

Whether you are a parent of a young man considering the priesthood, a parent of a young woman discerning the religious life, a parent of a child who has already entered seminary or religious life, or if you are a young person discerning your vocation, I hope you have found this post helpful.  Remeber God will give us His grace for whatever state in life we are called to.  Sometimes things won't be easy, but each vocation has its hardships.  If you stay faithful to His guidance, God will reward you!

(All quotes are taken from Vianney Vocations' Vocation Mythbusters for Parents pamphlet.)

A New Carmelite Monastery {And a video!}

Source: Fairfield Carmelites

Hello friends!!

I am very happy to share with you two websites I found recently and the exciting news that a new Carmelite monastery is being established in Australia!!

The Carmelite Monastery of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is currently being established in the southern region of the Diocese of Wilcannia Forbes in NSW, Australia.

It will be a Papally enclosed Discalced Carmelite community in which the cloistered nuns live lives of solitude, prayer, and sacrifice in communion with the Roman Catholic Church and approved by their Diocesan Bishop, the Most Reverend Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE DD.

Full information about the new foundation is available on their website: carmeljmj.org.au

See the new monastery's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/CarmelJMJAus/?hc_location=ufi

Secondly, I wanted to share with you this absolutely beautiful video from the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Fairfield, PA.  It's incredible.  Enjoy!!

You can visit the Fairfield Carmel website at the following link: http://fairfieldcarmelites.org/

Please keep these beautiful nuns in your prayers.  God bless you and keep you!

Video: Why a Nun? Answers from the Saints and Scripture

Hello friends!

A couple of days ago, I came across this beautiful video of quotes put together by a young woman before she visited the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in NE.  Many of the quotes resonated with me.  I wanted to share this with you and I hope you enjoy!

In corde Mariae,

Sarah