A SISTER'S PAGE: A Consecrated Soul

The Lord has consecrated me
To help the deaf hear and blind to see.

I will repeat what needs to be said
Or need to tell you what I see up ahead.

If my heart could talk it would bless every deed 

All that I can do for all those who are in need.

My mouth can talk, joke, or sing with you
If you are lonely and feeling blue.

If you are scared or confused and shed a tear
I can tell you that there is nothing to fear.

If my heart could talk it would tell you how glad
I am to be a comfort to those who are sad.

My hands I can give to those to hold
Who have feelings that need not be told.

To those who can no longer stride
My feet will give you a quick ride.

If my heart could talk it would tell the bliss
Of such a joyful and humble service.

With every good thing that I have got
I can be to those what they have not.

I can ever joyful and happy be 
Because no one can take my Lord from me.

The most precious treasure is God's Son
The best ever gift I can give anyone.

If my heart could talk it would surely sing
The praises of Lord Jesus Christ our King. 

If my heart could sing it would sing the song

How God showed me just where I belong.

by Sister Hope Therese Angeline, O.Carm.

Visiting Olana Historical Site

On the Feast of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, October 1, the Formation group went to visit a beautiful spot on the Hudson Valley called Olana Historical Site. 
We took with us a young woman discerning a religious vocation.  It was a beautiful day and even though it was still too early for full foliage, we saw trees already turned adorning the site, along with the beautiful expanse of the Hudson Valley with the Hudson River before us!

Carmelite Classes for Sr. Philomena

On June 29-July 8, Sr. Philomena attended Carmelite classes with the Carmelite Novices in Middletown, New York.  The classes were given by Fr. Leopold Glueckert, O.Carm.

A BEAUTIFUL CRUCIFIX IN THE CLOISTER OF THE SHRINE

SR. PHILOMENA ANNE

CARMELITE NOVICES OF ST. ELIAS AND MOST PURE HEART OF MARY WITH FR. LEOPOLD

CLASS IN SESSION WITH FR. LEOPOLD

NICE PHOTO OF THE GROUP ON LAST DAY OF CLASSES

Sister Pia Ignatius professes Vows!

On June 11, 2016, Sister M. Pia Ignatius de la Cruz, O.Carm. professed First Vows to the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.  She has exchanged the white veil of a Novice to the black veil of the newly professed.  The ceremony was held in Saint Teresa's Chapel of the Motherhouse in Germantown, New York.  The main celebrant was Rev. Gregory Houck, O.Carm. who is a member of the Carmelite Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary.  Also present to con-celebrate were Rev. Pat Kelly, Rev. George W. Hommel, Rev. Joseph Finch and Msgr. Michael Barimab Apau.  Sister Pia's mother Carmen Klohe, her brothers Alexander and Paul Klohe, close friends and other family members also attended.

MORE PHOTOS

Garvey Manor Visit

 by Sr. Helena of Mary, O.Carm.

Our two Novices Sr. Pia and Sr. Philomena, Sr. Mary O'Donovan our Vocation Director and myself,  visited Garvey Manor Nursing Home in Hollidaysburg, PA on May 21 to 23. The Home is operated by the Carmelite Sisters.  The visit was both social and formative.The trip was considered a success in many ways. Sr. Jacinta Mary, Sr. Joachim Anne, Sr. Robert Anthony, Sr. Angelina and Sr. Maureen Paul showed exceptional hospitality. This was a long overdue visit to my First Mission after thirteen and a half years! Since that time the facility had undergone major changes and reconstruction.. I was so impressed with the very beautiful result.  You can visit their website HERE.

The trip was both social and instructional for the Novices.  Sr. Jacinta Mary, our "wisdom figure" shared wonderful insights about community life and mission of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.  She shared personal reflections on our Foundress Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa having lived with Mother Angeline during the early years of the Congregation.  The Novices listened to the exhortations of fidelity to prayer, loving our Sisters to the best of our ability, challenges in religious life, and many others.  The visit was full of laughs with the antics of added community members- a Maltese Terrier named Abby and a bird named Twinkle.  On Trinity Sunday, we attended Benediction at the Loretto Carmelite Monastery and spoke with Mother Prioress and their Novice Mistress.  I've put together a video and I think it captured the spirit of our visit.  

We like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Sisters at Garvey Manor! Thank you very much!

May Crowning on Mother's Day

Sr. Philomena Anne, assisted by our senior novice Sr. Pia Ignatius, crowns Our Lady on this beautiful Mother's Day.  As we remember our own mothers, both living and deceased, we also honor Mary as our spiritual mother.  As Carmelites, we are particularly devoted to her under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, "Regina Decor Carmeli", Queen and Beauty of Carmel. Happy Mother's Day!