Mystery Creates History

"IS ANYTHING TOO MARVELOUS FOR THE LORD TO DO?" – Gen 18:14

Never Say ‘No’ to God (6 of 14)

While in Short Hills, wishing to start the process of becoming canonically recognized as a Public Association of Christ’s faithful, I met Sister Eileen Kelly, P.B.V.M., Co-Vicar for Religious in the Paterson Diocese. During our meeting, Sister Eileen mentioned having spoken with Father Romano about the feasibility of the Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel coming to property adjacent to Bethlehem.

On St. Patrick’s Day 1980, Father Romano called and asked again “Would you like land next door to Bethlehem?” Thrilled with his tremendous kindness and generosity, I immediately responded, “Yes!” On the feast of St. Mark, April 25, 1980, Sister Eileen, Monsignor Joseph Gallo, Vicar for Religious, Father Romano and I met Bishop Frank J. Rodimer, Bishop of Paterson, to discuss the possibility of the Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel coming to Chester, New Jersey. Bishop Rodimer welcomed us warmly and, after consulting the Presbyteral Council, gave permission for The Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to come into the Diocese.

On my return to Carmel following the meeting in Paterson, Claudette, our postulant, met me at the door with the news that Monsignor Murray wanted to see me. I called him and he came over to tell me that the Sisters of St. Joseph were coming to the parish and they would need to occupy the convent. I was delighted to tell him that God had already provided for us, and that we were going to move to Chester. Monsignor was very happy for us.

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