A SISTER'S PAGE: "The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns"- A Carmelite Review

by Sr. Jean Davis, O.Carm

The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm can be so proud of their part in the Lifetime Channel show “The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns.”  I am personally so very pleased that my religious community reached out courageously to participate, along with two other communities, in a reality show that could re-define future reality productions. 

Courage was a key element when our Foundress, Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa, stepped forward to found a new religious community devoted to the care of the aged and infirm.  In 1929, the Congregation was the first American community founded solely to care for the elderly.  Now, eighty five years later, our leadership has courageously stepped forward to accept the challenge of a reality show- something never before attempted by a religious community. 

The hope that our Sisters could demonstrate the joy, peace, love and support to be found in religious life is enhanced by the words of Pope Francis who encouraged us to evangelize at every opportunity, and by the courage of our Superior General, Mother Mark, who believes in moving beyond our personal “comfort zone.”

After discussion, reflection and prayer, the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm committed to a TV production with unknown outcome.  Members of our religious community supported the decision to proceed with the courage that has carried us since our foundation, knowing that the benefit of sharing our daily life with all its ups and downs, may be the needed resource during this Year of Consecrated Life that might awaken in the heart of a young woman the urge to ask “What does God want me to do with my life?”

Pumpkins and Glad Tidings!

Sr. Pia Ignatius and Sr. Julie Michael spent some time carving out pumpkins and getting into the spirit of the season! The Novitiate has been quieter with the departure of the four newly professed Sisters to their Missions- but with Advent and Christmas just around the corner- the spirit of good cheer became alive as the Formation team organized a food drive, collected food items and brought packages to those in need at the local parish!

Watch those knives, Sisters!

 

                                                               Baked pumpkin seeds!

                                   Sr. Lois, Sr. Julie Michael & Sr. Pia Ignatius at St. Christopher's Church

Vocation Weekend Discernment

The Carmelite Sisters hosted a Vocation Weekend Retreat on November 7-9, 2014 at St. Teresa's Motherhouse in Germantown, NY.  Monsignor Kieran Harrington gave  powerful homilies on the need for  radical conversion of heart leading us to a full encounter with the person of Jesus.  The Saints of Carmel talk about this same radical call to discipleship which purifies us from petty attachments and false understanding of our religious calling.  The participants spent their two days of discernment enjoying the silence offered by St. Teresa's Motherhouse, inspiring talks, liturgy, and encounter with the Sisters.  Please   pray for the young women who continue to seek God's Will in their lives. May they find Him whom their hearts seek! 

FOR MORE PHOTOS

Sr. Pia's Visiting Day

On October 15, 2014, Feast of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Sr. Pia Ignatius received a visit from her mom and Fr. Pat Kelly, SMA (shown in photo above).  Fr. Kelly is a close friend of the family and has known Sister prior to her entrance to Carmel.