Jackson Carmel: 2015

HAPPY FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

We all enjoyed the freshness of springtime. It’s just amazing to see new pretty flowers in bloom this year. Nature surprises us all the time. The summer heat is on and with temperatures ranging from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the weekly rain showers that lasts almost half day is a welcome refreshment, not only for us, but for the parched soil longing for a drink.

We were glad that we were visited by our three brother friars: Fr. Raphael (in March and May), Fr. Ralph (in May), and Fr. Bonaventure (in June). Since they are in contact with the outside world, we are getting feed of the latest happenings in our order.

In the noontime of May 27 while we were having lunch, we suddenly heard blaring sirens of all kinds. We were clueless as to what those sirens signified. We were surprised when the news team arrived in the monastery to interview us. Only then did we know that there was an accident in our property. According to the news, an SUV, driven by a youth court employee, lost control of his vehicle, crossed a church parking lot and went another 150 yards before it crashed into a tree and the enclosure wall of our monastery. The report also said that it was a miracle that nobody got hurt and the driver was conscious when he was rushed to the hospital.

The Carmelite family of Jackson, together with our friends and benefactors, gathered for the Eucharistic banquet for the 5th centenary of the birth of OHM St. Teresa on June 6 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Retired Bishops Joseph Latino and William Houck and three priests concelebrated with the main celebrant, our Bishop Kopacz. Fr. Bonaventure Sauer, OCD delivered an inspiring homily. Here’s an excerpt of what he said: “We can, very simply, strive to be still and, in that inner stillness, right here, right now, enter into the presence of Christ, our crucified and risen Lord. […] [T]he prayer of recollection is simple but not easy to do. But if it is done lovingly, with no other desire than to be with the Lord, then it will surely change us.”

On May 29, Sister Mary Joan and Sister Margaret Mary were interviewed by Dorothy Ashley, OCDS for the purpose of educating the people about the Carmelite order and the 500th anniversary of our OHM St. Teresa. The full interview was posted in the Diocesan News by Mississippi Catholic. One of the questions that was asked was: “As a Carmelite, how do you incorporate your Vocation into your daily life?” Aside from the replies given by the two interviewed Sisters, the rest of the Jackson Sisters would also like to share with you our own reflections to the said question.

SISTER MARGARET MARY: The vocation is a "calling." Maintaining the life of the community and prayer is all part of our vocation and we live it all day long. My vocation is prayer and being present with the community in times of prayer, and doing my best to supply the needs of the individuals and of the community as their leader.

SISTER DONA MARIE: It is to be totally available to the needs- in prayer and service of the universal Church. The answer is not easy or visible but perhaps simply involves focus on intention, prayer and act of love dedicated to God's glory reflected in the effective service to the good of His Church through my small part in it.

SISTER MARY JOAN: Our life is like a prayer and we have responsibilities that do not distract us from our life of prayer. So, it's not a matter of incorporating duties into our vocation; it is keeping in the presence of God, keeping in union with God and still continuing to fulfill our responsibilities. Each nun has her own responsibility: One is in charge of the altar bread department. Another is in charge of the gift shop. I assist with the community mail. But, it does not take away the essence of our vocation.

SISTER MARY JANE: A life of silence and solitude; a life of prayer and sacrifice; [a life of] simplicity in following Christ the poor, the chaste and the humble; a life of detachment and sisterly love in the community. These are the foundations and pillars of a Carmelite life. As OHM St.Teresa would say, “Keep the fire burning sisters,” meaning, keep it alive daily in my life. Meaning, I have to be consciously aware every moment, every day that my whole being is lived in loving awareness of Christ's presence in everything I do, and in so doing the love of Jesus may become alive in my sisters... in the Church and in the whole world.

SISTER MARY CECILE: As a Discalced Carmelite, whose main occupation is prayer (being the power house for the Church), my whole life is dedicated for that purpose. So then, my daily activities — be in the choir for silent prayer, divine office, Mass celebration or doing some manual works for the services of the community — have benefits for the Church and whole humanity because my vocation and daily living are two sides of the same coin.

SISTER LOURDES JOHN THERESE: Carmel is a community praying and living together in fraternal charity. It is a continual practice at every moment of humility (self-knowledge), detachment (doing God’s will) and love (forgiveness), first and foremost towards my sisters in the community where I belong. This is difficult but the grace of God makes it possible.
Sister Dona Marie was confined in a nursing home for rehab since first week of May. She underwent therapy for her broken hips after she had a bad fall. She just came back to the monastery last June 23. She can move by herself with a wheelchair but we were told by the rehab team that they will slowly pull her out from using the wheelchair and have her get acquainted with a walker. The rehab will continue here at the monastery. Home help will be coming to see her twice a week until she gets adjusted with her activities in the monastery using the walker.

Carmelite Sisters of Jackson