Carmelite carers for the elderly

Today is the Feast of Blessed Frederick Ozanam (1813-1853), founder of the legendary SVP (Society of St Vincent de Paul).  His name is memorialised in New York’s Ozanam Hall.  In November of 1971 Ozanam Hall opened to serve 432 residents.  It is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.  Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory (an immigrant from the UK) and six other Sisters began the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm on September 3, 1929 in an empty rectory in Upper Manhattan, New York.  The Sisters now sponsor, co-sponsor or serve in 20 facilities in the United States and one in Dublin, Ireland.  In Carmelite homes, Sisters and staff alike seek to carry out Mother Angeline’s philosophy of care.  She stressed the dignity and worth of every older person and the need to provide more than an uptodate facility. In her words we must bring Christ to every older person, “giving them his compassion, his interest, his loving care, his warmth morning noon and night.  It means inspiring the lay people who work with us to give the same type of loving care.”  This is summed up in the Carmelite Sisters’ slogan “The difference is love” and their core values of Hospitality, Compassion, Sanctity of Life and Shared Commitment.  I find it fascinating and inspiring that the contemplative spirit of Carmel has inspired so many to active apostolates.

Intercessions:

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Sue B, Theresa K, Fr Jon B

Siena, Elara – sick children

Wojtek – massive heart attack leaving him incapacitated

David OCDS – housebound; Martin Gilham – unable to attend community meetings

Sophia – blind infant

Joy Smith OCDS – seriously ill

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