Mystery Creates History

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

Construction Began in October (8 of 14)

On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 1980, Sister Teresa Margaret and I moved into our new Hermitages. No words can describe the joy of being permanently planted on this holy land. With Our Blessed Mother, we sang in our hearts “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name” – Lk 1:46-49.

As Hermits, our formation is on going and daily. Self-surrender in the Eucharistic Celebration, struggling to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, pondering the Word of God, living constantly in God’s abiding presence. The Liturgy of the Hours brings Christ’s strength, wisdom, and peace. We strive to live the words of the Prophet Elijah “The Lord God lives in whose sight I stand. With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord God of Hosts” – 1 Kgs 17:1; 19:10.

Vows are sacred and holy because they consecrate one to God. St. Paul’s words to the Colossians convey their challenge “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” – Col 3:2-3. I renewed my perpetual profession of vows as a Hermit of Our Mount Carmel on February 5,1982. On June 18, 1982, Sister Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Holy Cross made her first profession of vows and her perpetual profession on June 21, 1985. Sister Wilma Jean made her first profession on December 16, 1983 and her perpetual vows on October 7, 1986.

Over the years, women of faith, seeking God in Carmel, have come to share our life. God called each one to be with us for a time. Those who have come and gone forth are a grace for us; we hope and pray that we are a grace for each of them.

Desiring to become a Hermit, Sister Mary Rose came to us from another Carmel. She entered into the desert with determination and profound love. After prayer, faithful openness to God and embracing the interior sacrifice of learning how to listen and reveal oneself in love and truth, Sister Mary Rose of the Merciful Trinity in the Immaculate Heart of Mary made perpetual vows as a Hermit of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 19, 1995. “The entire life of a Hermit of Carmel is an unceasing quest to grow in the love of God and of one’s neighbor. She enters into the mystery of Christ’s passionate love for the Father and His unrelenting desire to do the Father’s Will” – Constitutions #14.

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