You are born a Carmelite ...

Fr Matt Blake, our Delegate from the Friars, makes a very precious contribution to our life in the Secular Carmelites. We prize many of his sayings, some of which are quite surprising. He tells us for example 'You are born a Carmelite!' and I find that idea fascinating. Not least because it means that the seed of Carmel is within a person even if that person discovers it late in life - a phenomenon that is not uncommon. One of my tasks as a Regional Representative in the Secular Order is to field inquiries from persons interested in us who live in my Region. In my initial conversation with inquirers I am always attentive to intimations in their earlier life of a vocation to Carmel. Very often it will be a long-term attraction to Therese of Lisieux. I have found that she is not to everyone's taste, but when individuals are drawn to her - sometimes from a young age - they often end up actually in Carmel. Such is the power of this young woman who lived such a short life hidden in the obscurity of a convent. She is with justification a Doctor of the Church, for she communicates direct to our hearts the beauty of the faith and the adorable nature of God like no other.