A New Praying Community

Today we are directed by the Church to celebrate the memory of St Casimir (1458-1484), a Prince of Poland and Lithuania.  Casimir was known for his love of God in the midst of the life of a Court with all its accompanying temptations.  I found out about a rather special Carmelite community in Lithuania, the Mary Gate of Dawn and Little Theresa Community, founded in 1994.  At the request of several young women, the idea of founding a non – cloistered Carmelite convent for public prayer groups and retreats was born.    According to their website: ‘The Carmelite rule forms our life, which we ground in silent prayer. We desire to do everything possible to be in a state of prayer. To contemplate day and night the Lord`s Testament – the “First Rule”, to pray for the Church and especially the Lithuanian Church. We will direct our prayers to the Church`s beloved Mother – Mary of the Gate of Dawn. In the heart of the Church we will pray especially for the Pope, priests, and conversion of sinners. All that the Holy Spirit will teach us through prayer and silence we will retain not only for ourselves, but with the apostolic missionary zeal of the holy prophet Elijah we will share our insights with our brothers and sisters, so that God would be more honoured and loved.’

Intercessions:

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Theresa K, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Marie

Illness:  Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Lucia – Overwhelmed by weariness

Mark – brain infection

Michael – youngster with occult influences

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

RIP Connor Calleja (20 yrs old, funeral 25 Feb)