Dear Friends, Family, and Fellow Carmelites,
Summer has just begun and we may be headed for another hot summer as we break new records with temperatures in the triple digits. This year we did get some of the rain we so desperately needed although we also had an early and unusually warm spring. The farmers harvested their hay in May and are preparing for a second planting. Our gardens and orchards are producing and we have been enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables such as peaches, apples, squash, beets, peppers etc.
Many of you have asked how Sr. Donna is doing and we are happy to report she is now finished with her chemotherapy. The last two chemo sessions were rough and she is very glad she is finished with that part of her treatment. Unfortunately, her depressed immune system has left her vulnerable to infections and she is now dealing with shingles. She is beginning to feel a little better and appreciates all of your prayers. She still has a few hurdles to ‘leap’ so we ask your continued prayers.
As Carmelites we are looking forward to the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th. The early hermits on Mt. Carmel had a special devotion to Mary and, when the Rule was established, saw Mary as their model and guide in following Christ. As St. Teresa of Avila notes: Mary was the first disciple of Jesus and followed him even to the foot of the Cross (Way 26:8). Mary, for Saint Therese of Lisieux, was her help in times of trial and suffering and helped her live a life hidden with Jesus.
St. John of the Cross believed Mary was our greatest help on our journey to God. Mary helps us come to the love of God by seeing the love God first had for us. Finally, Saint Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) was drawn to Mary when she converted to the Catholic faith and saw her as the model for all Christian womanhood. For generations Mary has been both mother and model and will continue to guide followers to her Son.
We invite you to send us your petitions which will be included in our annual novena which will begin July 15th and end July, 23rd the feast of Our Lady of Grace.
On May 1st, Bishop Edward Wiesenberger was officially installed as the bishop of Salina, KS. It was a real tribute to him that so many of our priests made the trip to Kansas to celebrate with him. We were able to ‘participate’ as ETWN carried the installation live. We will miss him but know that he will work great things in his new diocese.
Our Easter season went by quickly—just like this current year. Fr. Denis Hanrahan was our celebrant for the Holy Triduum and Easter Sunday. Father has been presiding at a number of our liturgies and is presently in Ireland for a well deserved summer vacation. We rely solely on our retired priests for Mass and deeply appreciate all of them for their willingness to assist us.
On Pentecost, Sisters Ann Marie and Ruth Miriam flew to Wisconsin to attend a week long seminar for those teaching new candidates. It was wonderful to see so many faces from the original program which was a three year cycle—each cycle being two weeks long. The presenters this year were Fathers Daniel Chowning, OCD and Stephen Payne, OCD. Their talks were excellent. On Wednesday they went to the Pewaukee Carmel for a short visit and then to Holy Hill for Mass and dinner with the Friars. They all enjoyed their time there and the gracious hospitality of our Nuns and Friars.
Father John Magdalen, OCD came in June and gave us a conference on the Priesthood of Christ and how we all share in that priesthood. It is wonderful to see how much he has physically improved this past year from the accident which almost claimed his life.
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One evening Sr. Mary went outside to bring in the cats for the night. She found Nina playing with a mouse. Nina would let the mouse go then grab its tail and bring it back to her. As the mouse made another run for freedom Sr. Mary decided to give it a reprieve and grabbed Nina as the mouse and cat ran through her legs. Later that evening she felt pressure on her shoulder but ignored it until she felt something move. She rushed into the Conference room shedding her veil and scapular and asked us to check if something was on her. There on her shoulder, hanging on for all it was worth, was the little brown mouse! We opened the door and the mouse jumped and ran away. Sr. Mary was just as happy to see it gone! She then realized that instead of running through her legs the mouse ran up her legs to escape Nina. That was one smart mouse!
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As we write this we are aware of the many fires burning throughout the Western United States. We pray for the safety of all the firefighters and for those who have lost their homes. We also pray for the people in Florida who are recovering from Tropical Storm Debby and for those in the Eastern United States who are without power after the devastating storms this past weekend. We also remember all those who have died and pray for the consolation of their families. Humans try to control so much and it is a humbling reminder that we cannot control the weather.
We wish you a safe and happy summer. Remember to send in your petitions, there is much to pray for throughout our world.