CARMELITE QUOTE

St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila):

...On one of these same days, the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, while at a monastery of the order of the glorious St. Dominic, I was reflecting upon the many sins I had in the past confessed in that house and many things about my wretched life. A rapture came upon  me so great that it almost took me out of myself. I sat down; it still seems to me I couldn't see the elevation or hear Mass, and afterward I had a scruple  about this. It seemed to me while in this state that I saw myself vested in a white robe of shining brightness, but at first I didn't see who was clothing me in it. Afterward I saw our Lady at my right side and my father St. Joseph at the left, for they were putting that robe on me. I was given to understand that I was now cleansed of my sins. After being clothed and while experiencing the most marvelous delight and glory, it seemed to me then that our Lady took me by the hands. She told me I made her very happy in serving the glorious St. Joseph, that I should believe that what I was striving for in regard to the monastery would be accomplished, that the Lord and those two would be greatly served in it...

The Life, Chap. 33, No. 14

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds

The Path of Light-A year on Pilgrimage with St.Teresa of Jesus

Words of Wisdom from St. Teresa:

In this excerpt, St. Teresa refers to her previous writings in which she tells us that she found more freedom to serve God by giving up friends and relatives which "tire me very much." She continues on this theme of spiritual freedom in a letter she wrote from St. Joseph's at Avila in 1563.  She tells us to attach ourselves to the Cross and to place our trust in God to prevent us from falling into sin.

It is a little more or less than nine months ago that I wrote the above, which is in my own handwriting. Since then, not turning back from the favors God granted me, it seems to me I have received again, insofar as I understand, much greater freedom. Up until now, I thought I needed others, and I had more trust in help from the world. Now, I understand clearly that all this help is like little sticks of dry rosemary and that in being attached to it there is no security; for when some weight of contradiction or criticism comes along, these little sticks break. So I have experience that the true remedy against a fall is to be attached to the cross and trust in Him who placed Himself upon it. I discover that He is the true friend, and through this friendship I find in myself a dominion by which it seems to me I could resist, providing God doesn't fail me, anyone who might be against me.

Though now I understand this truth so clearly, I used to be very fond of being liked. No longer does being liked matter to me; rather, it seems in part to weary me, except in the case of those with whom I discuss my soul or whom I am thinking of helping...

In the very severe trials and persecutions and opposition I experienced these past months, God has given me great courage; and the greater these trials were the greater was the courage, without my growing tired of suffering. Toward persons who spoke evil of me, not only did I feel I bore no harsh feelings but it seemed to me I gained new love for them. I don't know how this came about; it was a blessing given by the hand of the Lord.

Official Website of the 2015 Congress-Holy Hill, Wisconsin



Peace be with you!
Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds

The Path of Light: A year on pilgrimage with St. Teresa of Jesus

On October 15, 2014 the official year of preparation to celebrate the 500 anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) began.

The Vicar General said that the “Path of Light” pilgrimage will depart from Ávila on October 15, 2014 (feast day of the Saint), and traverse Teresian places throughout the world in the five continents –Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Oceania– including active missions, until its return to Ávila on March 28, 2015. As of this date, “Path of Light” will be undertaken by the 17 Teresian foundations.
Father Emilio José Martínez announced that throughout the entire journey, Saint Teresa’s cane will be carried as a very symbolic relic-sign. “As its objective, this project invites everyone to walk along with Teresa. For that reason, we have chosen this relic. The Community of Carmelite Friars of Ávila permitted this with immense generosity. It will allow Saint Teresa to be very present on the five  continents,” explained the Discalced Carmelite Vicar General.

Father Antonio González, Secretary General of the Fifth Centenary, will head the project until January 7. The project also includes the creation of materials for a “Path of Light” photographic exposition, gathering the best images of the pilgrimage to make a pictorial background of Saint Teresa’s family and friends in the five continents.

A documentary to help us draw near to Saint Teresa and the Discalced Carmelite Order by means of this journey will also be made.



Peace be with you!
Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds