In recent years I have found myself – to my complete astonishment – involved in founding new OCDS groups. There are of course many challenges that arise from this, but one of the great joys is to witness the promise of Carmel being fulfilled in hearts and lives. By this I mean that as a person goes deeper into the beautiful teachings of the Carmelite saints, that person goes deeper into God and that person blossoms spiritually. The process often takes a long time, but to witness the growth and the maturing in others is a delightful experience. I suppose it is like being a gardener and seeing the plants develop and thrive. I am sorry to say that gardening is not one of my things, but observing the divine nurturing of souls I do find a delightful experience. The growth of souls comes of course from the Holy Spirit, as the growth in plants comes ultimately from God – since we can only create the conditions for the growth, not the growth itself, for that is a mystery of nature. I suppose you could compare Carmel to a greenhouse which provides the conditions for the blossoming of souls.
Intercessions:
Marie, Bernard (and wife Angela), Agnes – cancer
Siena, Elara – sick children
Rosemarie – multiple afflictions
Wojtek – massive heart attack leaving him incapacitated
RIP Anthony Kirke, husband of Judith Kirke OCDS (distributors of the Carmelite Diary)
RIP Roswitha Watson OCDS (former President of St Therese Community, Oxford)
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