It is in the spirit of Teresa of Avila--at her core, a simple Carmelite nun who shared her spiritual insights with others--that our young Carmelite friars in formation have produced "Voices of Carmel." Through the words, images and insights of these young Carmelites on their spiritual journey to Carmel, we hope you find some nourishment for your own journey. We invite you to reply or comment on our posts using the hashtag #voicesofcarmel

It is in the spirit of Teresa of Avila--at her core, a simple Carmelite nun who shared her spiritual insights with others--that our young Carmelite friars in formation have produced "Voices of Carmel." Through the words, images and insights of these young Carmelites on their spiritual journey to Carmel, we hope you find some nourishment for your own journey. We invite you to reply or comment on our posts using the hashtag #voicesofcarmel

“[From] prayer is born good works and good works alone.” St. Teresa of Avila In our spiritual founders, Mary and Elijah, Carmelites recognize models of prophetic action that have been nourished and guided by prayer. The call to be a prophetic contemplative is as relevant in the days of the prophet Elijah as it is today. As our constitutions state: “Carmelites seek the face of the living God through fraternity, and through service in the midst ...

For years, Carol Roux and her daughter Michelle have been participating in her parish's annual Giving Tree. Taking tags from the tree in the narthex of Our Lady of Mount Carmel church every Advent, purchasing and wrapping gifts for children who otherwise would not have much to look forward to on Christmas. It's a mother-daughter activity they've done together for so long that they've forgotten when it started. This year however--in addition to ...

We invite you to take a few moments for quiet prayer during this final week of Advent to pray and reflect on the seven O Antiphons. Read and meditate on the biblical passages that accompany each antiphon. Listen to each antiphon sung to an ancient Gregorian chant. Pray Mary’s Magnificat each day. Day 7 O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, desired of the nations and their salvation, come and save us, Lord our God. Isaiah 7:14 O Emmanuel, ...

“Aspiration, practiced as a familiar, respectful and loving conversation with God, is such an excellent method, that, by means of it, one soon arrives at the summit of all perfection, and falls in love with Love.” - John of Saint-Samson An Advent Prayer The Carmelite Rule of St. Albert urges us ponder the law of the Lord day and night. We cannot always meditate, think about, or remember God, but we can always love God. Remembering God ...

We invite you to take a few moments for quiet prayer during this final week of Advent to pray and reflect on the seven O Antiphons. Read and meditate on the biblical passages that accompany each antiphon. Listen to each antiphon sung to an ancient Gregorian chant. Pray Mary’s Magnificat each day. Day 6 O King of the Nations for whom they long, the corner-stone who makes of both one, come and deliver man whom you made ...

We invite you to take a few moments for quiet prayer during this final week of Advent to pray and reflect on the seven O Antiphons. Read and meditate on the biblical passages that accompany each antiphon. Listen to each antiphon sung to an ancient Gregorian chant. Pray Mary’s Magnificat each day. Day 5 O Morning Star, splendor of eternal light and sun of justice, come and illumine those seated in darkness and the shadow of death. ...

We invite you to take a few moments for quiet prayer during this final week of Advent to pray and reflect on the seven O Antiphons. Read and meditate on the biblical passages that accompany each antiphon. Listen to each antiphon sung to an ancient Gregorian chant. Pray Mary’s Magnificat each day. Day 4 O Key of David, and Scepter of the house of Israel, who open and no one shuts, who shuts, and no one opens, ...

We invite you to take a few moments for quiet prayer during this final week of Advent to pray and reflect on the seven O Antiphons. Read and meditate on the biblical passages that accompany each antiphon. Listen to each antiphon sung to an ancient Gregorian chant. Pray Mary’s Magnificat each day. Day 3 O Root of Jesse, who stand as a sign to the peoples, at whom kings stand silent and whom the gentiles seek, come ...