Carmelite wisdom to encourage & inspire
Quote of the day, 10 September: Père Jacques devoted his Friday evening retreat conference at the Carmel of Pontoise to the Cross and suffering. Paraphrasing St Teresa, he said, “Life without suffering is a waste of time. Every hour not united to God's will is an hour squandered.”
On Thursday evening of his retreat for the Carmel of Pontoise, Père Jacques devoted his conference to the theme of silence. "Silence is not an empty void," he told the nuns; "God dwells therein."
For the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 September 1943, Père Jacques spoke of the Mary’s virginity that “wins her new graces, which enable her ever more consciously to realize her role as a total virgin.” This quote is Père Jacques at his best.
On the morning of the second day of his retreat in Pontoise, Père Jacques stresses this point: “we must truly see Christ.” He continues that our knowledge of the Lord must be vital, not verbal: “we must strive to love Christ passionately and prepare to see him face to face, when we die.”
Père Jacques de Jésus began his preached retreat for the Discalced Carmelite nuns at the Carmel of Pontoise on this date in 1943. He reminded the nuns, “Prayer is the reason why God has placed us on earth.”
We share excerpts from Père Jacques' 1943 retreat conference on Hope and Abandonment: "When we sin against against hope, we effectively say to God: "I reject. You are wicked and heartless. I have no confidence whatsoever in you goodness"..." Père Jacques gives us the antidote and a beautiful prayer that is pleasing and powerful in the eyes of God.
Those who aim to amass great fortunes are responding to that basic instinct of wanting something noteworthy and enduring. However, they are clearly mistaken in thinking that material possessions will satisfy their souls. Ultimately, the only source of inner peace and the actual attainment of the heart’s deepest desires is increased participation in God’s infinity.
We recall that on 3 February 1944 the three Jewish boys who Father Jacques had hidden in his school were deported to Auschwitz
In regard to his parents, Christ was completely submissive and never evaded their authority. When necessary, he explains to his parents in confidential conversations and gentle words, just who he is and just what lies ahead according to the ancient prophecies.
Let us gaze upon Mary, especially during the tragic hours of the Passion. You will not see her dramatically displaying her sorrow, as many mothers would.
Silence should penetrate deep within us and occupy every area of our inner home.
Have you ever wondered what Christ's prayer was like? Upon explanation, we realize that his prayer consisted essentially in the penetration of his very being by God.
Since God is all-powerful, his will embraces everything that happens in the world and in our lives.
Père Jacques of Jesus died on this date, 2 June 1945 in St. Elizabeth Hospital in Linz, Austria following 70 weeks in Nazi prison camps
The breath of the Holy Spirit is too delicate to be exposed to noise or exterior agitation
Let your life be transformed
The language he best hears is silent love
God is eternal silence; God dwells in silence
The Word of God is total, absolute virginity
The Real News
Everyday Life
The latest news on WordPress.com and the WordPress community.
web de espiritualidad carmelitana
Antonio Mas Arrondo
Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices. ~ St. Teresa of Avila
Monasterio de las Batuecas Carmelitas Descalzos
Carmelite Quotes 
Recent comments