A SISTER'S STORY

The following was written by a Sister in Carmel, who is currently in formation. 

I was 16 when I first saw a Carmelite Monastery, and it scared me! I thought, "well… those nuns must have a lot of courage to live a life like that!" As I persevered in prayer and in seeking God’s will in my life, I came to see that the life of Carmel was not a gloomy life (which is what I first imagined it to be), but a joyful life of union with God - a life of prayer and service, which embraces sacrifice as a sincere expression of love. Gradually the Holy Spirit enkindled in my heart a thirst for prayer and a desire to respond more fully to His awesome Love-Then I came to realize that he was calling me to Carmel.

During my years in college I corresponded with various communities and visited some of them. When I came to Carmel-by-the-Sea and met the community, the Lord filled my heart with peace and with the assurance that this was to be my home. My family was very supportive of my vocation, even though it was not easy for them. Now I praise God to see how He is blessing them for their sacrifice!

After a period of prayer and further discernment, I finally entered Carmel. My first day in the cloister began with a big bang- literally. I passed out during Mass! As the Sisters were carrying their newest postulant to the nearest chair, I was learning my very first lesson in Carmel: total surrender! It was as though Jesus was saying, "will you surrender everything to me and let me take care of you? Will you trust in me?"

I haven’t fainted again since (thanks be to God), but I continue to learn the importance of surrender and trust every day. It is in surrendering to Jesus and allowing Him to live and pray and love in us, that our hidden-contemplative life is truly made fruitful.

The Call to Carmel    *   Discerning God's Call    *    Formation Journey    *    A Sister's Story 

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