The mystery of Carmelite formation

Carmelite Formation has been somewhat on my mind of late.  ‘What exactly is it?’ asked a member of a new group recently.  The truth is that approaches to formation vary considerably.  I am aware that in the US formation can be rather more demanding than in the UK.  However, the truth is that formation is something of a mysterious process because it is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit and it is not accomplished by this or that method alone.  Lest this might be thought a cop-out, what I can say is that after more than twenty years in the Seculars, I have witnessed individuals blossoming and flourishing as they absorb the spirit of Carmel.  I suppose the most crucial ingredient in this development is the individual’s willingness to surrender to the Holy Spirit, to let go of the desire to control everything or be on top of everything or direct events or be the number one.  That simple idea however can be so very difficult to absorb and then implement, it is generally not an instant decision but a process of letting go that may take years.  That said, it is at least a good start when we see the Carmelite road as leading down the path not of striving but of surrender.    

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)

Illness: Roy Seymour, 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 Richard Parker, Martin Gilham, Sue Burton, Wojtek, Joy Smith OCDS, Dr Alan Rodgers