Carmelite Nuns Move Into New Monastery Home

[SrBenigna]

The Carmelite nuns of Armstrong, BC have been building a new monastery for a while and it is finally done and they are in their new home.

On their website they are announcing an Open House tour of their permanent home for the public: [url="http://www.carmelspall.org/AnnouncementsNews.htm"]http://www.carmelspall.org/AnnouncementsNews.htm[/url]


This is a slide show of the monastery's construction: [url="http://www.carmelspall.org/PhotoGallery.htm"]http://www.carmelspall.org/PhotoGallery.htm[/url]

[laetitia crucis]

Hey hey!

Now this looks awfully familiar...

Edit: P.S. -- I think the new monastery looks BEAUTIFUL!

Edited June 29, 2010 by laetitia crucis

[SrBenigna]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='29 June 2010 - 06:02 PM' timestamp='1277848929' post='2135883']
Hey hey!

Now this looks awfully familiar... [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/woot.gif[/img]
[/quote]



Why? Did you visit these nuns or live near them? (Sorry if I am being nosy!)

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='SrBenigna' date='29 June 2010 - 06:03 PM' timestamp='1277849038' post='2135884']
Why? Did you visit these nuns or live near them? (Sorry if I am being nosy!)
[/quote]

I've never visited them, but another VSer did. Perhaps she'll pop in soon!

[vee]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='29 June 2010 - 05:06 PM' timestamp='1277849207' post='2135889']
I've never visited them, but another VSer did. Perhaps she'll pop in soon!
[/quote]



*happy sigh*

[SrBenigna]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='29 June 2010 - 06:06 PM' timestamp='1277849207' post='2135889']
I've never visited them, but another VSer did. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/lol_grin.gif[/img] Perhaps she'll pop in soon!
[/quote]


I would love to hear of her visit - privately if she preferred of course and if she wanted to share! - as I am looking to visit them myself in September, hopefully, or maybe August. They seem like wonderful sisters and Mother Claire writes such wonderful emails and letters!

[vee]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='29 June 2010 - 05:02 PM' timestamp='1277848929' post='2135883']
Hey hey!

Now this looks awfully familiar...

Edit: P.S. -- I think the new monastery looks BEAUTIFUL!
[/quote]

Any convent or monastery named after St Joseph is wonderful!

[vee]

[quote name='SrBenigna' date='29 June 2010 - 05:25 PM' timestamp='1277850333' post='2135902']
I would love to hear of her visit - privately if she preferred of course and if she wanted to share! - as I am looking to visit them myself in September, hopefully, or maybe August. They seem like wonderful sisters and Mother Claire writes such wonderful emails and letters!
[/quote]

I think you may have already read about it but I can't find my thread now... Then again I only posted pics of the inside of their current temporary monastery. I did see inside the new one but only took mental pics I'd recommend anyone to go in person if they can.

[sub] I wanna go back.[/sub]

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='vee8' date='29 June 2010 - 06:42 PM' timestamp='1277851371' post='2135922']
I think you may have already read about it but I can't find my thread now... Then again I only posted pics of the inside of their current temporary monastery. I did see inside the new one but only took mental pics I'd recommend anyone to go in person if they can.

[sub] I wanna go back.[/sub]
[/quote]

Found it!

[url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=104829&view=findpost&p=2102144"]Advice for First Come and See[/url]

[vee]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='29 June 2010 - 06:29 PM' timestamp='1277854165' post='2135934']
Found it!

[url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=104829&view=findpost&p=2102144"]Advice for First Come and See[/url]
[/quote]

Thank you Detective Crucis! Hmmm that actually sounds kinda cool and I can think of a whole book I should write to go with it too...

[vee]

Just to add that on their website there are photos of a novice (white veil) she has since made her final vows, a year or two ago. They currently have no postulants or novices but if it's Gods will they might have me. Poor them haha! They have three dogs, a guard dog and two puppies, and one Sister joked about the puppies being or behaving like novices... Anyway IMO they are a wonderful Carmel that would really appreciate prayers, they asked me to tell people to pray for them.

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='vee8' date='30 June 2010 - 09:49 AM' timestamp='1277909392' post='2136162']
Just to add that on their website there are photos of a novice (white veil) she has since made her final vows, a year or two ago. They currently have no postulants or novices but if it's Gods will they might have me. Poor them haha! They have three dogs, a guard dog and two puppies, and one Sister joked about the puppies being or behaving like novices... Anyway IMO they are a wonderful Carmel that would really appreciate prayers, they asked me to tell people to pray for them.
[/quote]

Your (possible) new home looks beautiful! (And, it appears they'll have plenty of room for you!) Since the Community obviously likes dogs, that is a double +1 for them, a far as I'm concerned. Yes, I'm more a cat-lover (although my real love is gorillas), but I've found that people who love animals (of whatever species) are a special breed. (pun intended)

And, B.C. is so gorgeous. It's one of my favorite places--what a perfect location! Since L-C has only a few months to try to talk you into being a Dominican, she may not succeed!

Obviously, it's the Community that matters, but a beautiful monastery in a lovely location (with dogs!) certainly doesn't hurt.

[Graciela]

This monastery looks lovely and I would love to visit them. But where does one to fly to (Banff?) from the States to get to them?

[vee]

[quote name='Graciela' date='30 June 2010 - 05:59 PM' timestamp='1277938788' post='2136360']
This monastery looks lovely and I would love to visit them. But where does one to fly to (Banff?) from the States to get to them?
[/quote]

The nearest airport is Kelowna International which is about an hour away from them. Most likely you would be routed through Vancouver and from Vancouver the flight is less than an hour. I forget exactly how long because I was so nervous about meeting them. tThere is a lot to do vacation wise around there and stopping by the monastery could easily be included in a trip.

[vee]

[quote name='IgnatiusofLoyola' date='30 June 2010 - 01:58 PM' timestamp='1277924309' post='2136265']
Your (possible) new home looks beautiful! (And, it appears they'll have plenty of room for you!) Since the Community obviously likes dogs, that is a double +1 for them, a far as I'm concerned. Yes, I'm more a cat-lover (although my real love is gorillas), but I've found that people who love animals (of whatever species) are a special breed. (pun intended)

And, B.C. is so gorgeous. It's one of my favorite places--what a perfect location! Since L-C has only a few months to try to talk you into being a Dominican, she may not succeed!

[b]Obviously, it's the Community that matters, but a beautiful monastery in a lovely location (with dogs!) certainly doesn't hurt.[/b]
[/quote]

Yeah those things definitely don't hurt. I think in a way it's God giving good things to those who give up everything for His sake. I'd still be interested in them even if they didn't have a new monastery because ... well it's hard to explain right now. I know from a PR point of view the nice building is helping promote them and more importantly God to the surrounding area. They've received lots of compliments from all kinds of people, and a lot of people are surprised and pleased in a way that there are nuns and that there is a monastery there. Happy now anyway but as I wrote in my other thread the neighbours were really against them at first, twenty years ago, but that's all changed for the better now.

LC can keep trying to recruit me to the Dominicans and I'll just keep doing this I'm trying to figure out how to put that emoticon in a letter moving eyebrows and all!

I like both cats and dogs and remember how wonderful it was that I had the chance to sit there one sunny afternoon playing with the puppies for half an hour chatting with a girl who was doing a live in with them. It was one of the instances where I felt like God was spoiling me, and possibly trying to entice me to stay.

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='vee8' date='30 June 2010 - 09:58 PM' timestamp='1277949496' post='2136439']
Yeah those things definitely don't hurt. I think in a way it's God giving good things to those who give up everything for His sake. I'd still be interested in them even if they didn't have a new monastery because ... well it's hard to explain right now. I know from a PR point of view the nice building is helping promote them and more importantly God to the surrounding area. They've received lots of compliments from all kinds of people, and a lot of people are surprised and pleased in a way that there are nuns and that there is a monastery there. Happy now anyway but as I wrote in my other thread the neighbours were really against them at first, twenty years ago, but that's all changed for the better now.

LC can keep trying to recruit me to the Dominicans and I'll just keep doing this I'm trying to figure out how to put that emoticon in a letter moving eyebrows and all!

I like both cats and dogs and remember how wonderful it was that I had the chance to sit there one sunny afternoon playing with the puppies for half an hour chatting with a girl who was doing a live in with them. It was one of the instances where I felt like God was spoiling me, and possibly trying to entice me to stay.
[/quote]

C'mon.... Dominicans, FTW!!

Just kidding! In all actuality, I am quite thrilled about your Carmelite vocation! For me, to even think about being a Carmelite... "It's Greek to me!" (or however that phrase goes... ) seems to sum it up. Carmel (and Carmelite spirituality) feels very foreign to me.. I have no idea why. However, I do have a great admiration for it and really, I'm just in awe of those called to be Carmelites. I guess for some reason, it always seemed like the epitome of religious life, you know?

St. John of the Cross?
St. Teresa of Avila?
St. Teresa of the Andes?
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity?
St. Therese of Lisieux? ( )

I will be your cheerleader! [img]http://hulchul.urdupoint.com/HC/public/style_emoticons/default/cheerleader.gif[/img] And perhaps I'd be the one pushing you through the entrance door, too!

[size="1"]Just don't mind the various food stains on the formerly immaculate white habit.... [/size]

[SrBenigna]

St. John of the Cross? [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy2.gif[/img]
St. Teresa of Avila? [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy2.gif[/img]
St. Teresa of the Andes? [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy2.gif[/img]
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity? [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy2.gif[/img]
St. Therese of Lisieux? ( [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif[/img] ) [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy2.gif[/img]

[size="1"]Just don't mind the various food stains on the formerly immaculate white habit.... [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/blush.gif[/img][/size]
[/quote]


Laetitia crucis, you forgot the most important person of the Carmelite Order........Our Lady of Mount Carmel! Feast day July 16th!

Here is a small excerpt from an email from Mother Prioress of this Carmel:

[i]"We are not moved in yet as we are waiting for the 18th which will be the final visiting. L. and D. are taking people around... as we keep to our solitude.
Love and prayers in the Hearts of Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph, Mother"[/i]

In case anyone might be wondering how this Open House...or Monastery!....was going to be run. It's so refreshing and wonderful to hear they want to keep their solitude and not be tour guides! Also didn't give full names of the people giving the tours for privacy's sake.

Edited July 1, 2010 by SrBenigna

[vee]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='01 July 2010 - 06:56 AM' timestamp='1277985384' post='2136523']
C'mon.... Dominicans, FTW!![/quote]
Dominicans are total epic win
[quote] Just kidding! In all actuality, I am quite thrilled about your Carmelite vocation! For me, to even think about being a Carmelite... "It's Greek to me!" (or however that phrase goes... ) seems to sum it up. Carmel (and Carmelite spirituality) feels very foreign to me.. I have no idea why. However, I do have a great admiration for it and really, I'm just in awe of those called to be Carmelites. I guess for some reason, it always seemed like the epitome of religious life, you know?[/quote]

Its fun to discern with them, I've learned so much just this far, but I still can't see them accepting me, or if they did at least kicking me out after.... three days or so! Feel free to place bets! It's kind of funny you say you think it's the epitome of religious life and have such an appreciation for it because most people think those with an active apostolate are the ones who are real religious, and the contemplatives aren't doing much. In Canada that's certainly the mindset anyway because people think if you aren't out being another Mother Teresa you aren't doing anything of value.
[quote]
St. John of the Cross?
St. Teresa of Avila?
St. Teresa of the Andes?
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity?
St. Therese of Lisieux? ( )
[/quote]

is right! I'm not worthy of being anywhere near those kind of people. Pssst you forgot one btw. She would be the newest saint in the bunch....

[quote] I will be your cheerleader! [img]http://hulchul.urdupoint.com/HC/public/style_emoticons/default/cheerleader.gif[/img] And perhaps I'd be the one pushing you through the entrance door, too!
[size="1"]Just don't mind the various food stains on the formerly immaculate white habit.... [/size] [/quote]

Aaaaw if youre pushing me through the entrance though you should hang around for a couple of days to watch them toss me right back out again!

[sub] food stains? At least youre going to be in a habit being an epic win Dominican and I'll just be a regular Jane pew sitter. [/sub]

[LaboureSociety]

Gorgeous. Thanks for the post!

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='vee8' date='01 July 2010 - 09:37 AM' timestamp='1277991424' post='2136539']
Dominicans are total epic win
[/quote]



[quote name='vee8']
It's fun to discern with them, I've learned so much just this far, but I still can't see them accepting me, or if they did at least kicking me out after.... three days or so! Feel free to place bets! [b]It's kind of funny you say you think it's the epitome of religious life and have such an appreciation for it because most people think those with an active apostolate are the ones who are real religious, and the contemplatives aren't doing much. In Canada that's certainly the mindset anyway because people think if you aren't out being another Mother Teresa you aren't doing anything of value.[/b] [/quote]

Unfortunately, I bet this is a very common mindset here in the U.S., too. After all, I think many may see it from a very superficial perspective, like being "locked up" for life, or being "oppressed", etc. You never leave the cloister (unless for medical reasons, of course). You do pretty much the same thing every day in a very structured and [i]hidden[/i] way. Contact with "the outside world" is very limited. And well... the [i]reality[/i] of it is that... cloistered contemplatives are living -- in a very real way -- the life that many will only know once they've made it to heaven. A total holocaust of self given in an ever-burning oblation of love... wow, St. Therese must be getting to me.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, "Contemplatives are [b]powerhouses[/b] of prayer and sacrifice!"

Aaand, as I've just read [url="http://romancatholicvocations.blogspot.com/2008/08/contemplative-dominican-nuns.html"]here[/url], "...the contemplative nun acts as a silent witness to us, who are caught up in the humdrum of everyday life, to the reality that ultimately, God is the Origin and Meaning of life."

[quote name='vee8']
is right! I'm not worthy of being anywhere near those kind of people. Pssst you forgot one btw. She would be the newest saint in the bunch....[/quote]






St. Teresa Benedicta a Cruce?


[quote name='vee8']
Aaaaw if youre pushing me through the entrance though you should hang around for a couple of days to watch them toss me right back out again!

[sub] food stains? At least youre going to be in a habit being an epic win Dominican and I'll just be a regular Jane pew sitter. [/sub]
[/quote]

A "regular Jane pew sitter" -- love that! Weeeeeeeell, just in case the Carmelites aren't your cuppa, then I'll be waiting with arms wide open -- and that little prie-dieu and stack of books next to it. You could be Sister Mary Jane. (Named after Bl Jane of Aza -- St. Dominic's mother! ) Although, perhaps you and Ignatius might have to vie for that name.