by Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Monastery of the Holy Cross
Members of The Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Iron Mountain, share reflections on their vocations.
“As a teenager, I had the grace of going on a youth pilgrimage to Fatima. I still cherish memories of those two weeks near that privileged site. On one of the free days, some of my companions invited me to come along to the Carmelite Monastery to buy scapulars. Disappointed at having abandoned my previous plans, I acceded. We did not, of course, meet any of the Cloistered Nuns, but there was an Extern Sister in the tiny gift shop. Sister Maria spoke no English, nor did we speak Portuguese, yet her cheerfulness and sweetness communicated volumes to me. As she embraced us and thanked us with ‘Obligado!’ I said to myself, ‘If I become a nun, I want to be like her!”’ Now as a Cloistered Carmelite Nun, I continue to be truly grateful for Sister Maria’s example and hope that I, too, will radiate joy and kindness to those with whom I communicate.” -Mother Jacinta Maria of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, OCD
“One word for me describes the vocation of Carmel: Love. It is this that fascinated and drew me. When I first encountered the life of Carmel, something about it haunted me. I could not put it out of my mind, even when I tried. Then I realized that it was in Carmel that I could give Him everything, as I desired deep down to do. Later on, I came to see even more clearly this focus of love in Carmelite spirituality, this generosity with God and complete focus on Him, the one Beloved, in a life of prayer, sacrifice, and total self-giving. And St. Paul says, ‘There are three things that last … and the greatest of these is love.’ Love for Him is the one thing that remains and how beautiful to spend one’s life always striving towards that perfect love! But the most beautiful part of that one word, love, is His love for the soul. He is the perfect Lover,our Divine Spouse, to Whom none can even begin to com-pare. St. John says, ‘God is love.’ Love itself, Who became flesh for us, is my Spouse, andthis is a joy beyond words,that will never end, because,‘nothing can separate me from the love of Christ.’” -Sister Marie Philomena, OCD
To learn more about the Carmelite Nuns or a potential vocation, visit their website at www.holycrosscarmel.com. You may also call (906) 774-0561 or write Monastery of the Holy Cross, P.O. Box 397, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.