Thursday, October 19, 2017

CARMELITE QUOTE





From the life of St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila)

One night, being so ill that I wanted to excuse myself from mental prayer, I took my rosary in order to occupy myself in vocal prayer. I tried not to recollect my intellect, even though externally I was recollected in the oratory. When the Lord desires, these devices are of little avail. I was doing this for only a short while when a spiritual rapture came upon me so forcefully that I had no power to resist it. It seemed to me I was brought into heaven, and the first persons I saw there were my father and mother. I saw things so marvelous--in as short a time as it takes to recite a Hail Mary--that I indeed remained outside myself; the experience seemed to me too great a favor. I say it lasted a short time, but perhaps it took a little longer; the impression is that the time was very short. I feared lest the experience be some illusion, although it didn't seem so to me. I didn't know what to do, because I was very ashamed to go to my confessor about this. I don't think the shame was from humility, but I thought he would make fun of me and say: Oh, what a St. Paul you are, or a St. Jerome, that you see heavenly things! And that these glorious saints experienced similar things made me more afraid. I did nothing but weep a great deal, for I didn't think there was any basis for my having such an experience. Finally, however much I disliked doing so, I went to my confessor; I never dared to remain silent about such things--however much I regretted having to speak of them--on account of the great fear I had of being deceived. Since he saw I was so anxious, he consoled me from my troubled feelings.

As time went on, it happened--and continues to happen sometimes--that the Lord showed me greater secrets.
The Book of Her Life Chap. 38, No. 1


St. Teresa, pray for us!

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Novena to St. Teresa of Jesus Day Two


Preparing for the feast of St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila)
Feast Day: October 15



Please note: Due to Oct.15th falling on Sunday this year, Secular Carmelites in the Washington province will celebrate the feast of our Holy Mother on Monday, October 16.








Saturday, October 7, 2017

Novena to St. Teresa of Jesus Day One


Preparing for the feast of St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila)
Feast Day: October 15


Please note: Due to Oct.15th falling on Sunday this year, Secular Carmelites in the Washington province will celebrate the feast of our Holy Mother on Monday, October 16
.