Carmelites in Chile appeal for economic aid for rebuilding after earthquake damages

Chile (2010-03-03).- In an open letter to the whole Order last Tuesday, the Carmelite Friars of Chile’s Vicariate and the Sisters of “Teresa of the Andes” Federation appealed to the entire Order for financial assistance, as they attempt to remedy the wholesale damage caused by the earthquake of 27 February to their monasteries and churches.

In his letter, the Regional Vicar of Chile, Fr. Julio González Carretti reports that 80% damages have been caused to Carmelite buildings in Chillán, Viña del Mar, Independencia, Melon and to the Sanctuary of St. Teresa of the Andes. The quake measured 8,8 on the Richter scale and was followed by more than 50 after-shocks. It claimed the lives of more than 700 persons, although this number can vary.

Although, D.G., there have been no Carmelite victims, material damage has been horrific. Fr. Julio writes: “Carmel is Chile is practically razed to the ground”, given the damages to churches and most of the houses with “collapsed walls, fallen roofs and unusable basic installations”.

The Vicariate has opened 2 Bank Accounts to which economic aid may be forwarded:-

- Banco Santander, Cuenta Corriente 62-84212-1 (Padres Carmelitas Descalzos), Rut: 71.923.100-4

- Banco de Créditos e Inversiones, Cuenta Corriente, No 12937878 (Padres Carmelitas Descalzos), Rut: 81.795.103-1

** Note: "Cuenta Corriente" stands for checking account. "Rut" is the router number. Please be as generous as you possibly can. 

Please pray for the Carmelites in Chile

I received news through the kindness of Sister MJ that the Carmelite sisters in Auco (St Teresa of the Andes' community) are well after the earthquake but that they have suffered damages in their roof and items (broken statues, etc.). Other Carmelite communities have suffered damages, and so far there are no news from the community in Concepción, one of the hardest hit cities who had yet another earthquake this morning. I have written to Mother Prioress in Auco to ask how we can help them. Please, do NOT send cash or international money order to the sisters. Currency of these types always get stolen/confiscated by the postal service there. In the past I tried sending money to them and it was stolen every single time. It was then that Mother told me about wire transfer. I'm guessing that the Red Cross has gone to help those suffering most. But money's needed to repair the tile roof and other broken items, and get new statuary, etc., of which the Carmelites are very fond of. As soon as I get additional news I will post them here in the blog. For now, please continue to offer prayer and sacrifice for our Carmelites in Chile, all those who are suffering, and the faithful departed.


God reward you!


Our Lady of Mt Carmel and all Carmelite saints, pray for them! St Joseph, pray for them!

A note on the liturgical calendars

As most, if not all of you know, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI issued the Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum on 7 July 2007. In it His Holiness unquestionably opened the way for all priests to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass in its 1962 form, and use of the 1962 Roman Missal, without having to request permission from anyone. This letter, in part, responds to the desires of the many faithful who love the Traditional Latin Mass and did not have access to it. In my diocese, unfortunately, there isn't a single Church offering this Mass (yet). I'm hoping and praying that this will change soon so that those of us who enjoy worshiping in the traditional form may do so. (Anyone care to join me in prayer?)

For the most part, I follow the Carmelite Proper Liturgical Calendar and the General Liturgical Calendar in the blog. The 1962 Liturgical Calendar includes several feasts that are not observed in the General Calendar (and vice versa). I will not get into a discussion here as to why there is a difference between the two calendars. But, in order to take advantage of the literally and spiritual wealth of the Church and foster devotion, I will be incorporating readings commemorating (at least) some of these traditional feasts. As such, you may notice a difference here and there in the feast of the day in the blog and the one observed in your diocese. I'll try to offer a note pointing out any differences between the calendars to minimize confusion. My hope is, rather than confuse you, offer a wide variety of excerpts, particularly from Carmelite writers (followed by the Fathers of the Church and other Catholic works), to provide and encourage spiritual reading, and perhaps provide a meditation point.

I normally schedule several blog entries about 2-3 weeks in advance since I don't always have time to check my e-mail or go online. Thus, I may inadvertently miss a memorial (hopefully not a solemnity or feast!).

(May you) Enjoy your reading!

Newcomers

It's been brought to my attention that over the past several weeks a number of OCDSs have been using the blog as a spiritual resource. This is very flattering, considering that the closest OCDS group I have is about 4 hours away by plane.

If you are a new reader, OCDS or otherwise, welcome to louange de sa gloire! I hope you enjoy the blog. I have mentioned this in the past, but I'll repeat it for those who may have missed it: if you're looking for something in particular, please let me know. I may be able to help. I have an extensive Carmelite collection, and a decent Scriptural / Spiritual one. I cannot promise to be able to post something, but I'll try my best, especially if it's Carmelite. I don't know about the OCDS formation program, but if I can help those of you who belong to that part of the Carmelite family, please let me know via e-mail. If you ask for something and don't see anything posted in a couple of weeks or so, please remind me. If you have your own blog and would like to copy some of the material I post here, feel free to do so. I would appreciate if you quote or link me back and let me know, but I will not go "after you" if you do not. I am more concerned with doing what little I can to help spread God's love and mercy through spiritual works than with ratings.

I have been very blessed by the good Lord in more ways than I can imagine. When I used to study and then work, I spent my "leisure money" on Carmelite and catholic books. When I had to travel overseas due to work, instead of going to checkout the "night scene" or waste my money on vanities, I would go to monasteries, catholic churches and bookstores. My friends who are Carmelites in other monasteries (most of them 200 or more years old) would also share with me from their treasures. Over time, I accumulated over 1000 wonderful books, most of them Carmelite. It is not surprising that I have a "book blog". I come from a family of readers, so you can imagine what my parents' house looks like. *grin* (Some people want CD players for Christmas - we want bookshelves! *laugh*)

In a society that is thirsty for God, I think it is unfortunate that there aren't more Catholic bookstores with solid books in their shelves. Piety, tradition and doctrine have been replaced by new age, modernism and relativism. With God's grace, you will not find any of that in this blog - ever. Some of you may be in my current situation - essentially homebound and without access to daily mass. But there's personal prayer and spiritual reading to help satiate our thirst for God.

Whether you decide to join as a public follower or remain anonymous, enjoy your spiritual break. Please pray for me and for all those who read this blog, that we may all be open to and cooperate with God's grace. May St Teresa intercede for us and help us attain union with God.

Happy feast day our holy mother Saint Teresa! 

Excellent post on Hermann Cohen

Ms Vidal, from Fountain of Elias, has provided an excellent post on Hermann Cohen, also known as Fr Augustine Mary of the Blessed Sacrament. She refers to an article that is the best I have ever seen on him. Like Edith Stein, he is usually referred to by his birth name, as he was a very famous pianist prior to his conversion and entrance to Carmel. I recently posted excerpts from his writings, in case you would like to go back and check them out: You led me into solitude to speak to my heart and I invite you all to this Banquet of the Sacrament of His Love. I have another post from his writings scheduled for 28 September.

I encourage anyone suffering, because a friend or relative is living a rambunctious life, to pray to Fr Augustine Mary for their conversion. This prayer for his intercession is taken from The Story of Hermann Cohen by Tadgh Tierney, ocd.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin Mother, who at the grotto of Lourdes restored to health Fr. Augustine of the Blessed Sacrament that he might serve you faithfully in your Order of Carmel, obtain, we pray, from the Blessed Trinity the grace (mention your intention) through the intercession and merits of your devoted servant whose joy was to suffer for Jesus and to whom it was granted in answer to his heartfelt prayer, to consecrate his life in its entirety to God's will, service and glory.


Mary Mother of God, glorify, we beseech you, this your servant who through the redeeming power of Christ present in the Holy Eucharist, was brought to the knowledge of the Truth.


Make known, we pray, this apostle who was fired with devotion to the Sacrament of your son's love. May he bestow upon us, priests and laity alike, his burning zeal that the Divine Presence in the Eucharist be adored, the Mass celebrated with reverence and sincerity, Holy Communion received frequently and with devotion.


Grant that forthwith throughout the world and especially among your chosen people, Israel, there may be established the Eucharistic Kingship of the son of David, the Living Bread who came down from heaven in he womb of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.

-o-
On a personal note, I am finally at my parents' home. According to my specialists I am to rest a lot, eat a particular diet, and take it easy while taking a lot of medications and supplements for at least three months. Then I need to go for a follow-up. I have a nice phamacopoeia... Thanks be to God, I am able to live a life of quiet and recollection at home, with a very nice collection of books for spiritual reading at my leisure. I am truly blessed. Please pray for all people suffering from chronic and catastrophic diseases, that they may have the support, especially spiritual, to withstand their times of trials and purification. The battles with health insurance companies to pay for treatments and tests are sometimes worse than the side effects and symptoms of the conditions suffered. We are the Church Militant, and as such we are called to pray for and help each other in our journey Home. God reward you for your prayers!

Finally, I recently came upon the book, Don't Trust the Abbot: Musings from the Monastery by Abbot Jerome Kodell. It is such a good read! I haven't finished it yet but it is definitely a pass-it-on type of book. It just came out, so I'll post a only few excerpts for your perusal, lest Liturgical Press comes after me with a vengeance.

Many blessings!

Beginning of a new life

Dear Readers,

Rarely ever do I write personal notes. It is with great difficulty that I need to disclose to you that on 16 September I will be leaving my community. I am not solemnly professed so no dispensation is required from the Holy Father. I'm simply a "white veil" sister. I have been dealing with a series of medical problems for a couple of months, and it was recently discovered that I have a very serious medical condition. My community is very small and elderly. They simply cannot afford to charitably take care of me, the way it was done with St Teresa of the Andes, Bl Elisabeth of the Trinity and St Thérèse. (Their communities were at least three times the size of mine; and I'm no saint, either!) So I will be going to my parents' home. They are waiting for me to arrive to try to get an extension on insurance, medical treatment, etc. In case you're wondering, I cannot come back. My understanding is that only the Rule of St Benedict allows that, and I'm a hard core carmelite. Plus, my condition makes me an expensive liability even though I'm still young. But I am in peace. When things are from God, one experiments peace in the midst of turmoil and sorrow.

The blog will continue indefinitely, though. Since I normally schedule the posts a couple of weeks in advance, you shouldn't notice a difference, Lord willing, even when I'm not feeling well. There just may be a delay in responding to comments, just like here in the monastery. Because I had not taken a solemn vow of poverty yet, I am allowed to take all my books with me. Thus, the blog will not "suffer" and you will continue to read reading excerpts, particularly from often-times hard-to-get or out-of-print books.

I will no longer be a discalced carmelite nun, though I still "feel" and would like to remain so; but this is not possible. I go back to being a "lay carmel lover" or "a lay person with a carmelite heart." I do not wish to deceive anyone into thinking that the blog is kept by a religious past the 16th. I will change my profile description, but, unless I get many comments to the contrary, I may keep the pseudonym ocdsister. This is something I need to think about. I'm still the same person; I'll just be wearing different clothes and be in a different place. The purpose of the blog remains the same: to provide spiritual reading excerpts, mostly from Carmelite sources, to, hopefully, help others come closer to God. I do not wish my health to be a distraction in the blog, so, please, with the exception of this particular post, keep your comments to the usual topics: spirituality, life of prayer, etc. I wish this blog to remain a place for "spiritual food".

I know this is difficult for some people to understand, how can a religious community get rid of someone just because they're ill. It boils down to this: the Church allows it if solemn vows haven't been professed yet, and the community considers it the best course of action based on their resources (financial and in number of solemnly professed members), the person in question, and condition involved (contagious, chronic, crippling), etc. As the faithful Catholic I try to be, I must obey the Church in all its teachings, doctrines, and regulations, whether I understand them or not. I entreat you not to criticize my community or make negative judgments on the blog. God has an active and a permissive will. In this case, He has allowed this to happen, even though I would have preferred a different outcome, so I need to try and graciously accept it.

Please pray for me during this very difficult period of transition. This truly is an invitation from God for me to practice complete abandonment to Divine Providence in a spirit of trustful surrender. If He's allowing this to happen, it's because He has a better plan for me in mind, and this is for my own good in spite of appearances.

"Followers", whether public or anonymous: thank you for choosing this blog out of the millions of choices available. Those sending me prayer requests, I will be happy to pray for your intentions. If you wish me to forward your request to a religious community of discalced nuns so they pray for you, just mention it. I have many friends that are solemnly professed nuns in several countries, and they will be happy to take your intentions to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

I thank you in advanced for your prayers.