miserere55 Posted December 19, 2013 Posted December 19, 2013 I am so happy for you Venijesuamormi!! I know how excited you must be. You will be remembered in Prayer. Thank you for sharing the link about Blessed Josepha Naval Girbes, I love learning about Saints and Blesseds that I am not familiar with. I hope you have a holy and happy life as a Carmelite.
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 20, 2013 Author Posted December 20, 2013 (edited) Thank you Chiquitunga and Antigonos for sharing more about Carmel. What a blessing and what a trip it must be to go visit there. Chiqui, if you do go I would certainly appreciate those prayers! :) I am so happy for you Venijesuamormi!! I know how excited you must be. You will be remembered in Prayer. Thank you for sharing the link about Blessed Josepha Naval Girbes, I love learning about Saints and Blesseds that I am not familiar with. I hope you have a holy and happy life as a Carmelite. Thank you Miserere55! And your welcome for the link. There is always so much to learn about the Saints and Blesseds and when we learn about them we also know that they are another friend in Heaven praying for us; so wonderful! Edited December 20, 2013 by VeniJesuAmorMi
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 20, 2013 Author Posted December 20, 2013 I had my second to last volunteer day at the Pregnancy Care Center today and got to spend some time with great friends. They were asking me questions and as we got talking about this vocation I had realized so much more just how profound and beautiful this grace is. I was saying things that although I knew about already but when I talked about them it really struck me. I am just more in awe and thankful for what Our Lord has done and has chosen for me. I couldn't think of anything more to ask for and I couldn't ask for any less. This life is so short and I just want to give Him everything. Sometimes if I get nervous I remember that I am under Our Blessed Mother's protection and I feel so safe. I recall to mind that this is what Our Lord wants, and of course I want it to, and the more I see my weakness and frailty I have the certainty that the more I know my weakness and the more I give myself to Him then the more He is going to take care of me and it just fills me with such a thrill of love that He would do this, and in fact that is what He does want to do and for all of us. I thought I would share this prayer I pray everyday for intentions that I have on the back of an Our Lady of Mount Carmel prayer card: A Prayer to The Blessed Virgin (Never found to fail) O Most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to help me in this necessity; there are none that cane withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee. (Repeat 3 times.) Sweet Mother, I place this cause in Your hands. (Repeat 3 times.)
brandelynmarie Posted December 20, 2013 Posted December 20, 2013 We will miss you, Veni....may our dear Blessed Mother of Mount Carmel wrap you in Her mantle & lead safely home :)
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 20, 2013 Author Posted December 20, 2013 We will miss you, Veni....may our dear Blessed Mother of Mount Carmel wrap you in Her mantle & lead safely home :) Thank you so kindly BrandelynMarie! :) I have been doing a lot of entrusting to our Blessed Mother. This is always a source of peace and hope for me in being faithful to God's Will. Here is a quote from Saint Teresa of Avila after her death when she appeared to one of her nuns: "There should be no difference, as far and purity and love are concerned, between the blessed in Heaven and the faithful on earth, though we are perfectly happy and you are suffering. What the Divine Essence is to us in Heaven, the Blessed Sacrament should be to you on earth."
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 22, 2013 Author Posted December 22, 2013 4 weeks from today, 28 days, I will be a postulant in the Buffalo Carmel! At this time as I type this they at recreation (isn't nice to be able to have your community's schedule? :)) Just to think how quickly everything has come together. It was only a few months ago that I continued down the path of uncertainty and now I am preparing to enter. Its as if in a moment He took away all the obstacles to make this happen. I remember praying often when I would wonder how this would all turn out that all He had to do was say the word and the way would be clear to be able to continue my discernment, and it turns out that the desire that has been in my heart to enter Carmel was from Him and so He gave me the grace to persevere through everything and now it is almost time! Here is a quote from Reverend Mother in Buffalo in an article that was posted in the Western New York Catholic in 2012. It goes along so nicely with the thought I shared, "When you feel a calling, that is a grace from God and you have to correspond with that, you have to cultivate it, you have to develop it. It’s precious, it’s priceless. Don’t let it slip away. Do everything you can to foster that."
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 22, 2013 Author Posted December 22, 2013 There isn't many pictures online, but here is a nice Birdseye view of the Monastery and the grounds. I've been so excited and thankful and I wanted to share where I am going with anyone who is interested, so now you know! :) http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/northamerica/4051.htm (you can enlarge the view with the little bar on the side of the picture.)
brandelynmarie Posted December 22, 2013 Posted December 22, 2013 (edited) Eep, I thought I found footage of them on youtube, but I do believe it was Brooklyn... :blush: Edited December 22, 2013 by brandelynmarie
Chiquitunga Posted December 22, 2013 Posted December 22, 2013 Thank you all so dearly for your prayers and kind words. I am happy that I can share my joy with you all! This vocation isn't just for me it is for so many others. This is certainly part of the beauty of this grace. About the list, it is one of the most simple I have seen or heard of. I had asked Reverend Mother when she had called me if what was on the list that came with the application was all that I needed and she had said everything else will be provided for. Here is the list: A pair of soft black shoes Garden boots Snow boots Underwear Black knee-high stockings Black or brown knee socks A plain Rosary (brown, black, or white beads.) All photo identification you may have Optional to bring a few personal books such as the Holy Bible, the Imitation of Christ, and the works of Our Holy Mother Saint Teresa, Our Holy Father Saint John of the Cross and Saint Therese. It isn't necessary to bring books because they will be provided there but I plan on bringing my Bible. All the items make up my Christmas list and have been given to my parents. I told them I'll act surprised! :nun: I meant to comment on this before (like my coloring? :j) ... so cute! :hehe: 4 weeks from today, 28 days, I will be a postulant in the Buffalo Carmel! At this time as I type this they at recreation (isn't nice to be able to have your community's schedule? :)) Just to think how quickly everything has come together. It was only a few months ago that I continued down the path of uncertainty and now I am preparing to enter. Its as if in a moment He took away all the obstacles to make this happen. I remember praying often when I would wonder how this would all turn out that all He had to do was say the word and the way would be clear to be able to continue my discernment, and it turns out that the desire that has been in my heart to enter Carmel was from Him and so He gave me the grace to persevere through everything and now it is almost time! Here is a quote from Reverend Mother in Buffalo in an article that was posted in the Western New York Catholic in 2012. It goes along so nicely with the thought I shared, "When you feel a calling, that is a grace from God and you have to correspond with that, you have to cultivate it, you have to develop it. It’s precious, it’s priceless. Don’t let it slip away. Do everything you can to foster that." So wonderful!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgSMhV_yZs4&feature=player_detailpage#t=3964s if the timing on this won't work, here's the exact part I was linking to ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgSMhV_yZs4&feature=player_detailpage#t=3964s Also, good news, your package with this movie is in the mail! :clap: finally!!! (the EWTN version with the better subtitles/not as many mistakes/strange wordings as the new version) I was going to email this, but I'll post it here instead. So the main thing that kept delaying me was that I hoped to get the few holy cards I was going to send with it blessed by a priest, but I kept missing the opportunity. Also I am printing out/making one from a picture from my trip. So then today I suddenly realized it was the last day to send anything for Christmas! Somehow I thought Christmas was Thursday! :topsy: So I got to the Post Office within 5 minutes of it closing! LOL :proud: (there were a few other last minute Christmas senders too) and just sent the movie by itself. The holy cards will come next :) I just really want to get this to you ASAP so you can watch the whole thing before you enter. I imagined I was going to make the packaging really beautiful with Christmas stickers, and a nice little note, etc. but didn't get the chance in the last minute rush. But what's good is that it's coming!!! :nun2: I was going to let this be a surprise, but then I wanted to explain why the holy cards weren't there with it. So hopefully... God willing, it will be there for Christmas! Ttyl for now! God bless!
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 23, 2013 Author Posted December 23, 2013 Eep, I thought I found footage of them on youtube, but I do believe it was Brooklyn... :blush: I have seen that video though! A very good one. :) That community is very closely united to Buffalo and is a great community also.
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 23, 2013 Author Posted December 23, 2013 I meant to comment on this before (like my coloring? :j) ... so cute! :hehe: So wonderful!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgSMhV_yZs4&feature=player_detailpage#t=3964s if the timing on this won't work, here's the exact part I was linking to ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgSMhV_yZs4&feature=player_detailpage#t=3964s Also, good news, your package with this movie is in the mail! :clap: finally!!! (the EWTN version with the better subtitles/not as many mistakes/strange wordings as the new version) I was going to email this, but I'll post it here instead. So the main thing that kept delaying me was that I hoped to get the few holy cards I was going to send with it blessed by a priest, but I kept missing the opportunity. Also I am printing out/making one from a picture from my trip. So then today I suddenly realized it was the last day to send anything for Christmas! Somehow I thought Christmas was Thursday! :topsy: So I got to the Post Office within 5 minutes of it closing! LOL :proud: (there were a few other last minute Christmas senders too) and just sent the movie by itself. The holy cards will come next :) I just really want to get this to you ASAP so you can watch the whole thing before you enter. I imagined I was going to make the packaging really beautiful with Christmas stickers, and a nice little note, etc. but didn't get the chance in the last minute rush. But what's good is that it's coming!!! :nun2: I was going to let this be a surprise, but then I wanted to explain why the holy cards weren't there with it. So hopefully... God willing, it will be there for Christmas! Ttyl for now! God bless! Thank you so much Chiqui! :) About the Christmas list, my parents would let me know not to look at any packages when they came to the door (so I wouldn't see were they came from.) So even though I wasn't looking at them, I'd be bringing them in the house thinking, "I wonder which one this is?" :saint2: I'm looking forward to getting my postulant items Christmas day. This acceptance at this time of the year is a gift from Jesus and one that I get to give back to Him since He has let me give myself to Him in Carmel and now I will certainly do just that to the highest extent. It has always been all or nothing for me when I would think of how I could give myself to Him. How could we choose anything that is less?? I meant to get back to this post sooner to thank you! My brother is here and also my sister and her husband (and dog) are here from FL. Its very busy around here but I am so thankful to be with them all. This will be a very joyful and blessed Christmas! I've been baking up a storm these past two days but its a great time. :) I am very much looking forward to watching the Saint Teresa of the Andes movie before I leave; It is so good. I have only seen it one with English subtitles and its been a long while. I showed my parents the part in the clip you sent me when she is entering the enclosure. It is so similar to when you enter Buffalo! Certainly the part when she is in Carmel is my favorite. :heart: You made such good timing to send it out! It will be a wonderful Christmas gift. Thank you again so much! I will be looking forward to those holy cards also. I will keep them in my Breviary..... or as it is said in Carmel "our" breviary. :nun: I will be sure to let you know when I receive everything.
graciandelamadrededios Posted December 24, 2013 Posted December 24, 2013 (edited) Thank you all so dearly for your prayers and kind words. I am happy that I can share my joy with you all! This vocation isn't just for me it is for so many others. This is certainly part of the beauty of this grace. About the list, it is one of the most simple I have seen or heard of. I had asked Reverend Mother when she had called me if what was on the list that came with the application was all that I needed and she had said everything else will be provided for. Here is the list: A pair of soft black shoes Garden boots Snow boots Underwear Black knee-high stockings Black or brown knee socks A plain Rosary (brown, black, or white beads.) All photo identification you may have Optional to bring a few personal books such as the Holy Bible, the Imitation of Christ, and the works of Our Holy Mother Saint Teresa, Our Holy Father Saint John of the Cross and Saint Therese. It isn't necessary to bring books because they will be provided there but I plan on bringing my Bible. All the items make up my Christmas list and have been given to my parents. I told them I'll act surprised! :nun: Speaking of things to bring in Carmel, I would like to share the following information from a book I read entitled: FRANCES NEVINS Mid 20th Century Carmelite Friend, Scholar, Wife, Nun and Mystic J.M.+J.T. MONASTERY OF DISCALCED CARMELITES 428 DUANE AVENUE SCHENECTADY 4, NEW YORK Pax Christi! November 14, 1960 Dear Frances, We just received the final permission needed from Our Superior to admit you among the Choir Sisters. Today being the fest of “All the Saints of Carmel†we hasten to send you the good news. Reverend Mother has set the date for November 21st feast of Our Lady’s Presentation. Can you make it for(not sure of the handwriting of the nun) then? Only seven more days left! Its quite a short notice at any time. Welcome to Carmel, dear Frances. It is nice to think that All the Saints of Carmel are to present another little soul to Our Blessed Mother on her feast day. Enclosed you will find a list of articles to bring. It isn’t necessary to buy anything that isn’t specified on the list. May God Bless you and give you all the graces necessary for the big step you are about to take. We shall keep you in our prayers. Yours humbly in Our Lord, For Reverend Mother Prioress + My dear Child, We just received your permission. Today is the feast of “All Saints of Carmel†so it looks as though your new family in Heaven is taking you into their keeping. May God be praised! Frances, I forgot to tell you when you were here, that $200.00 novitiate expense money is required, besides the dowry stipulated by Canon Law. Mother Mistress would like you to come on the 21st. I hope you can be ready on such short notice. A warm welcome awaits you, our dear Frances. Yours humbly in Our Lord, Mother M. Magdalen of the Holy Ghost, D.C. If you have to buy a Bible buy the New Catholic Edition of the Holy Bible A small crucifix, 3†or 4†long Daily Missal in Latin and English Following of Christ by Thomas A’Kempis 6 cotton underwear – night gown – towels – wash clothes 6 pr. of brown cotton stockings 2 pr. of low heel shoes 1 pr. of rubber and overshoes (I am not sure if I got the correct spelling on this) 3 cotton and 3 flannelette sheets 3 woolen blankets A shawl (if you have one) Darning cotton, brown and white Any sewing articles you may have Small scissors Large pr. of shears An alarm clock Toothbrushes and toothpaste Pocket pen-knife Edited December 24, 2013 by graciandelamadrededios
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 25, 2013 Author Posted December 25, 2013 Speaking of things to bring in Carmel, I would like to share the following information from a book I read entitled: FRANCES NEVINS Mid 20th Century Carmelite Friend, Scholar, Wife, Nun and Mystic J.M.+J.T. MONASTERY OF DISCALCED CARMELITES 428 DUANE AVENUE SCHENECTADY 4, NEW YORK Pax Christi! November 14, 1960 Dear Frances, We just received the final permission needed from Our Superior to admit you among the Choir Sisters. Today being the fest of “All the Saints of Carmel†we hasten to send you the good news. Reverend Mother has set the date for November 21st feast of Our Lady’s Presentation. Can you make it for(not sure of the handwriting of the nun) then? Only seven more days left! Its quite a short notice at any time. Welcome to Carmel, dear Frances. It is nice to think that All the Saints of Carmel are to present another little soul to Our Blessed Mother on her feast day. Enclosed you will find a list of articles to bring. It isn’t necessary to buy anything that isn’t specified on the list. May God Bless you and give you all the graces necessary for the big step you are about to take. We shall keep you in our prayers. Yours humbly in Our Lord, For Reverend Mother Prioress + My dear Child, We just received your permission. Today is the feast of “All Saints of Carmel†so it looks as though your new family in Heaven is taking you into their keeping. May God be praised! Frances, I forgot to tell you when you were here, that $200.00 novitiate expense money is required, besides the dowry stipulated by Canon Law. Mother Mistress would like you to come on the 21st. I hope you can be ready on such short notice. A warm welcome awaits you, our dear Frances. Yours humbly in Our Lord, Mother M. Magdalen of the Holy Ghost, D.C. If you have to buy a Bible buy the New Catholic Edition of the Holy Bible A small crucifix, 3†or 4†long Daily Missal in Latin and English Following of Christ by Thomas A’Kempis 6 cotton underwear – night gown – towels – wash clothes 6 pr. of brown cotton stockings 2 pr. of low heel shoes 1 pr. of rubber and overshoes (I am not sure if I got the correct spelling on this) 3 cotton and 3 flannelette sheets 3 woolen blankets A shawl (if you have one) Darning cotton, brown and white Any sewing articles you may have Small scissors Large pr. of shears An alarm clock Toothbrushes and toothpaste Pocket pen-knife Thank you Gracian for sharing this! Its fun to know about the list for postulants. It's nice to see the differences of what is now provided for you at the Monastery and what needs to be brought in. What I found most interesting (what was asked to bring) was the alarm clock and pocket pen-knife. While I'm not sure about the use of the knife, my guess is the alarm clock is for when the postulant doesn't get up early with the community but is able to sleep in, though it is usually for the first few weeks. Reverend Mother told me during one of our visits that its hard for the postulants to have to sleep in because they want to get up with the community and pray Lauds. Good show of zeal though! Thanks again. :)
graciandelamadrededios Posted December 25, 2013 Posted December 25, 2013 You're welcome, Veni! The alarm clock for sure, is for postulants own use - the community is usually awaken by the sound of the wooden clapper. I am not also sure about the importance of bringing pocket-pen knife, maybe someone here can enlighten us? Gracian
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted December 25, 2013 Author Posted December 25, 2013 Merry Christmas to you all! :) I have enjoyed, and still am enjoying!, this wonderful and blessed Christmas with my family. It's a beautiful inspiration to place all of my loved ones in the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially now before I enter soon and at this time when being together stirs up emotions but I am more than happy and thankful to be able to give all the more I am able to give to our Beloved. I did get all of the postulant items and they are just great! It was very exciting and it seemed just perfect to get them today and it has really built up the anticipation for entrance. I was wondering how they are celebrating in Buffalo today but I have certainly been thinking of them as they are celebrating and rejoicing! I hope you all are having a blessed Christmas with your loved ones and making many more good memories with them and for those that may feel lonely that you feel His sweet Presence and the peace and joy that He brings. "Whatever did not fit in with my plan did lie within the plan of God. I have an ever deeper and firmer belief that nothing is merely an accident when seen in the light of God, that my whole life down to the smallest details has been marked out for me in the plan of Divine Providence and has a completely coherent meaning in God's all seeing eyes. And so I am beginning to rejoice in the light of glory wherein this meaning will be unveiled to me." -Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Sr Mary Catharine OP Posted December 26, 2013 Posted December 26, 2013 A pocket pen knife is a nun's best friend! It's constantly being used!
graciandelamadrededios Posted December 26, 2013 Posted December 26, 2013 A pocket pen knife is a nun's best friend! It's constantly being used! Thanks for the information Sr. Mary Catharine! Can you give us some examples? Gracian
Chiquitunga Posted December 26, 2013 Posted December 26, 2013 Merry Christmas!!! Thank you Veni for sharing that encouraging quote from St. Teresa Benedicta! :pray: Merry Christmas to you all! :) I have enjoyed, and still am enjoying!, this wonderful and blessed Christmas with my family. It's a beautiful inspiration to place all of my loved ones in the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially now before I enter soon and at this time when being together stirs up emotions but I am more than happy and thankful to be able to give all the more I am able to give to our Beloved. I did get all of the postulant items and they are just great! It was very exciting and it seemed just perfect to get them today and it has really built up the anticipation for entrance. I was wondering how they are celebrating in Buffalo today but I have certainly been thinking of them as they are celebrating and rejoicing! I hope you all are having a blessed Christmas with your loved ones and making many more good memories with them and for those that may feel lonely that you feel His sweet Presence and the peace and joy that He brings. Perhaps they are celebrating like this! :harp: (Portuguese subtitles there :j) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEabOMQJxhs It sounds like maybe the movie didn't arrive yet... aww. They said it would on the 24th, but if not, that's okay. It will come soon enough :like: The thing I love especially about how we celebrate Christmas as Catholics is that with Christmas day, Christmas has only just begun! :nun2:
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