“Cella continuata dulcescit​.” A cell becomes more sweet as it is more faithfully dwelt in. This summer, I had the great privilege to attend the International Course on Bl. Titus Brandsma in the Netherlands and Germany, along with other Carmelite friars in initial formation from around the world. We participated in presentations about Titus’ life as a Carmelite, educator, and journalist, and visited important places like Boxmeer, where he made his Novitiate, and Oss and Nijmegen ...

Zelo zelatus sum pro Domino Deo exercituum. (1 Kings 19:10) Carmelites take their primary inspiration from the fiery prophet of Mount Carmel, Elijah the Tishbite. The Books of Kings relate the exploits of this committed man of God, a hero to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. His name means “My God is Yahweh,” and Elijah is uncompromising on that fact. The story is set in the 9th century B.C., during the violent reign of King Ahab, who probably ...

The Discalced Carmelite community at Compiegne was established in 1641. It rapidly flourished and became well known in its religious fervor. But with the outbreak of the French Revolution it, became the object of scorn and hatred by those in power. Despite growing hostility, the nuns at Compiegne continued to live their religious life and refused to abandon the habit. Officials of a newly appointed local government inspected the grounds of the monastery and interviewed ...