What does it mean to be a Carmelite?

To be a Carmelite means to be in the company of the beloved (God) whom we know loves us. (St. Teresa of Avila)

Our charism is prayer and prayerful service to the church. Out of our contemplative prayer, comes the grace to infuse our ministry with love and it becomes spiritually potent. In other words, our ministry becomes effective only to the degree of our union with God. If we are close to God, then we can give Him to others. If we are distant from God, then we will only give ourselves.
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Religious Obedience.

Obedience can present a challenge to our wills and is very precious to God. It is one thing to give some object we possess to God, but it is quite another to give over our will to God. We can give no more because we subject ourselves to God through a human superior, which can sometimes be painful to our pride, but which is nonetheless pleasing to God if done cheerfully and if embraced fully and not given begrudgingly, which you have no doubt have already had formation about already so you are... [Read More]

The joys of celibacy

I don't regret my decision to become a Brother, and thus forgo the possibility of a wife and children. Sure there are moments when you think about the sacrifice and even are tempted to abandon the life, but celibacy is only possible by cooperating with the graces given to live this state.

In the Roman Rite, priestly celibacy is a firmly established discipline. Sure, it's possible for it to change, but extremely unlikely, and I don't think it would be good thing if it did, but if the Pope did, I... [Read More]

The Annunciation of St. Joseph

“...Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’”

Prior to this dream, St. Joseph had just found out that Mary was with child, and was considering what course of action to take. He was considering putting her away quietly, in order that she would not suffer public shame. Joseph was ‘the just man’ in that he was trying to do what was right, but also showed a... [Read More]

Confession

I would like to highlight the sacrament of Confession here and hopefully explain in a clear and succinct way, why it is so necessary for us.

On a purely human plane I believe that whenever we get something off of our chest we feel a sense of relief. Take for example when a taumatic experience occurs and we sek the help of a professional or even a freind to talk to and help us through the tragedy we have just experienced.

There can be no tragedy greater than sin, because it strikes at the so... [Read More]