"Christ is my utmost need," writes poet Jessica Powers. "I cling with all my strength unto a nail-investigated hand." This poem is a testament to the poetic genius of Powers, known in religion as Sr. Miriam of the Holy Spirit, OCD.
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Quote of the day, 25 January: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, a great disciple of St. Paul, describes the life of faith: "it matters little to the soul whether it feels God or not, whether He sends it joy or suffering: it believes in His love."
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St. John of the Cross Novena 2022, Day 5: Faith
“When the soul is clothed in faith the devil is ignorant of how to hinder her,” says St. John of the Cross, because “faith gives her strong protection” against that “most astute enemy,” the devil.
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Quote of the day, 16 November: St. Edith Stein
On 16 November 1937 St. Edith Stein writes, “My sister Rosa is living wholly on faith […] interiorly she is completely alone.” Learn about Rosa’s difficult path from baptism to the Carmel of Echt and the pitfalls she faced along the way.
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Quote of the day, 9 November: St. Teresa of the Andes
St. Teresa of the Andes was profoundly moved by the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. “I love her,” Teresa writes in her diary. “Although she was a saint, I will imitate her and be a saint.”
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Quote of the day, 2 November: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
“In the unity of the same faith and love, we'll find in God those dear departed ones who have gone on ahead of us,” writes St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. “Never have I felt them so present!”
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St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Novena 2022, Day 3: A praise of glory is…
St. Elizabeth defines her title, “Praise of Glory” as “a soul that gazes on God;” she also uses terms like reflector, bottomless abyss, and crystal. St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians provides the original context.
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Quote of the day, 17 October: Blessed John Paul I
Blessed John Paul I was born on this day in 1912. In his beautiful letter to St. Thérèse that was published by Messaggero di San Antonio magazine, he writes: “I was seventeen when I read your autobiography. It struck me forcibly.”
St. Teresa of Avila Novena 2022 — Day 9
St. Teresa’s testimony of her personal growth in love and compassion reminds us that all our striving for perfection comes down to this: loving others with God’s love. Thanks for joining our novena!
Quote of the day, 20 July: St. John of the Cross
St. John of the Cross, discussing the kinds of places where God chooses to be "invoked and worshipped", mentions Mount Horeb, "to which he sent our Father Elijah". John goes on to offer spiritual guidance for his readers based on the examples.
Quote of the day, 15 July: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
On the eve of the solemnity, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity writes to a close friend to assure her of Elizabeth's faithful prayers "during the great novena in preparation for Our Lady of Mount Carmel."
Quote of the day, 29 June: St. John of the Cross
"There is no assurance in God's revelations," writes St. John of the Cross. He cites examples from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul where they both need guidance and correction in their ministries.
Marie du jour 2022, 25 May: St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi
In the translated works of St. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi, we find this meditation on our Lord's resurrection: "Thou didst wish to appear to Mary first because she had conceived Thee..."
Quote of the day, 19 May: Sr. Rachel, O.C.D.
Sr. Rachel of the Quidenham Carmel in England gently cautions us to examine how we do penance: are we enthusiastic, engaging in night vigils and severe fasts, or do we choose moderate, sustained ascetical practices? Sister describes the risks and benefits to both approaches.
Quote of the day, 14 May: St. Teresa of the Andes
On 14 May 1919, St. Teresa of the Andes wrote, "I'm now in Carmel eight days. Eight days of heaven. I feel divine love in such a way that there are moments when I believe I'm unable to endure it..."
Quote of the day, 23 April: Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence gives us a lesson in Easter faith when he writes, "What consoles me in this life is that I see God by faith..."
Quote of the day, 20 April: St. John of the Cross
St. John of the Cross states that "God is not inclined to work miracles. When he works them he does so, as they say, out of necessity." St. John offers the Journey to Emmaus and other resurrection appearances to prove his point.
Quote of the day, 8 April: Blessed Elia of St. Clement
Blessed Elia of St. Clement entered the Carmel of Bari on this date in 1920. She wrote, "Lord, I've heard your voice, I'm flying to Carmel."
Quote of the day, 7 April: St. Edith Stein
"Whoever is imbued with a lively faith in Christ present in the tabernacle, whoever knows that a friend awaits here constantly—always with the time, patience, and sympathy to listen to complaints, petitions, and problems—this person cannot remain desolate..."
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