#virginofcarmel — Public Fediverse posts

Quote of the day, 18 May: St. John Paul II

Contemplation of the Virgin presents her to us as a loving Mother who sees her Son growing up in Nazareth (cf. Lk 2:40, 52), follows him on the roads of Palestine, helps him at the wedding at Cana (cf. Jn 2:5) and, at the foot of the Cross, becomes the Mother associated with his offering and given to all people when Jesus himself entrusts her to his beloved disciple (cf. Jn 19:26).

As Mother of the Church, the Blessed Virgin is one with the disciples in “constant prayer” (Acts 1:14); as the new Woman who anticipates in herself what will one day come to pass for us all in the full enjoyment of Trinitarian life, she is taken up into heaven from where she spreads the protective mantle of her mercy over her children on their pilgrimage to the holy mountain of glory.

Such a contemplative attitude of mind and heart prompts admiration for the Virgin’s experience of faith and love; she already lives in herself all that every believer desires and hopes to attain in the mystery of Christ and the Church (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 103; Lumen gentium, n. 53).

Therefore, Carmelites have chosen Mary as their Patroness and spiritual Mother and always keep before the eyes of their heart the Most Pure Virgin, who guides everyone to the perfect knowledge and imitation of Christ.

Thus, an intimacy of spiritual relations has blossomed, leading to an ever-increasing communion with Christ and Mary. For the members of the Carmelite Family, Mary, the Virgin Mother of God and mankind, is not only a model to imitate but also the sweet presence of a Mother and Sister in whom to confide.

St Teresa of Jesus rightly urged her sisters:  “Imitate Our Lady and consider how great she must be and what a good thing it is that we have her for our Patroness” (Interior Castle, III, 1, 3).

Saint John Paul II

Message of John Paul II to the Carmelite Family (excerpt)
25 March 2001

Note: Today, 18 May, marks the birthday of Saint John Paul II (1920–2005), whose love for the Blessed Virgin Mary shaped his entire papacy. In this excerpt from his 2001 message to the Carmelite Family, he reflects on Mary’s contemplative presence and her role as Patroness, Mother, and Sister to all who seek to follow Christ in the spirit of Carmel.

John Paul II 2001, Message to the Carmelite Family, Vatican.va, 25 March, https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/pont_messages/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20010326_ordine-carmelo.html

Featured image: St. John Paul II is seen here during his pastoral visit to Cali, Colombia on 4–5 July 1986. Image credit: Hernan Valencia / Flickr (Some rights reserved)

⬦ Reflection Question ⬦
How does Mary accompany me as both Mother and Sister on my journey toward Christ?
⬦ Join the conversation in the comments.

#ChristAndTheChurch #contemplation #faith #love #mercy #MotherOfGod #StJohnPaulII #VirginOfCarmel

My God, Most Holy Trinity! Crucified Jesus, Virgin Mary of Carmel! I will ask you for only one thing, because the rest will be given to me, and you will grant it to me as a surplus: I only ask for Love to love, because with this nothing will be lacking, nothing will be left over.

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (Chiquitunga)

Pensieri, 217

Note: In this episode, we mention that Chiquitunga entered the Carmel of Asunción in 1954. This was a mistake. Blessed Chiquitunga actually entered Carmel on 2 February 1955. Our apologies for any confusion this may have caused, we appreciate your understanding. We’ve also corrected the biographic note in the liturgical office for her feast day.

Maria Felicia 2019, Pensieri, Edizioni OCD, Roma.

Featured image: This detail of a photo of Blessed Chiquitunga was taken on 14 August 1955, the day of her clothing in the Carmelite habit in the monastery of the Discalced Carmelite nuns of Asunción, Paraguay. Image credit: Discalced Carmelites

https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/05/27/mdj2024-ep28/

#BlessedChiquitunga #BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #ChristCrucified #HolyTrinity #Jesus #love #prayer #VirginOfCarmel