Displaying items by tag: Calendar of Feasts and Memorials

6 November Memorial

43. The evangelical counsels of chastity dedicated to God, poverty and obedience are based upon the words and examples of the Lord. They were further commanded by the apostles and Fathers of the Church, as well as by the doctors and pastors of souls. The counsels are a divine gift, which the Church received from its Lord and which it always safeguards with the help of His grace. Church authority has the duty, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, of interpreting these evangelical counsels, of regulating their practice and finally to build on them stable forms of living. Thus it has come about, that, as if on a tree which has grown in the field of the Lord, various forms of solidarity and community life, as well as various religious families have branched out in a marvelous and multiple way from this divinely given seed. Such a multiple and miraculous growth augments both the progress of the members of these various religious families themselves and the welfare of the entire Body of Christ.(1*) These religious families give their members the support of a more firm stability in their way of life and a proven doctrine of acquiring perfection. They further offer their members the support of fraternal association in the militia of Christ and of liberty strengthened by obedience. Thus these religious are able to tranquilly fulfill and faithfully observe their religious profession and so spiritually rejoicing make progress on the road of charity.(2*)

From the point of view of the divine and hierarchical structure of the Church, the religious state of life is not an intermediate state between the clerical and lay states. But, rather, the faithful of Christ are called by God from both these states of life so that they might enjoy this particular gift in the life of the Church and thus each in one's own way, may be of some advantage to the salvific mission of the Church.(3*)

44. The faithful of Christ bind themselves to the three aforesaid counsels either by vows, or by other sacred bonds, which are like vows in their purpose. By such a bond, a person is totally dedicated to God, loved beyond all things. In this way, that person is ordained to the honor and service of God under a new and special title. Indeed through Baptism a person dies to sin and is consecrated to God. However, in order that he may be capable of deriving more abundant fruit from this baptismal grace, he intends, by the profession of the evangelical counsels in the Church, to free himself from those obstacles, which might draw him away from the fervor of charity and the perfection of divine worship. By his profession of the evangelical counsels, then, he is more intimately consecrated to divine service.(4*) This consecration will be the more perfect, in as much as the indissoluble bond of the union of Christ and His bride, the Church, is represented by firm and more stable bonds.

The evangelical counsels which lead to charity (5*) join their followers to the Church and its mystery in a special way. Since this is so, the spiritual life of these people should then be devoted to the welfare of the whole Church. From this arises their duty of working to implant and strengthen the Kingdom of Christ in souls and to extend that Kingdom to every clime. This duty is to be undertaken to the extent of their capacities and in keeping with the proper type of their own vocation. This can be realized through prayer or active works of the apostolate. It is for this reason that the Church preserves and fosters the special character of her various religious institutes.

The profession of the evangelical counsels, then, appears as a sign which can and ought to attract all the members of the Church to an effective and prompt fulfillment of the duties of their Christian vocation. The people of God have no lasting city here below, but look forward to one that is to come. Since this is so, the religious state, whose purpose is to free its members from earthly cares, more fully manifests to all believers the presence of heavenly goods already possessed here below. Furthermore, it not only witnesses to the fact of a new and eternal life acquired by the redemption of Christ, but it foretells the future resurrection and the glory of the heavenly kingdom. Christ proposed to His disciples this form of life, which He, as the Son of God, accepted in entering this world to do the will of the Father. This same state of life is accurately exemplified and perpetually made present in the Church. The religious state clearly manifests that the Kingdom of God and its needs, in a very special way, are raised above all earthly considerations. Finally, it clearly shows all men both the unsurpassed breadth of the strength of Christ the King and the infinite power of the Holy Spirit marvelously working in the Church.

Thus, the state which is constituted by the profession of the evangelical counsels, though it is not the hierarchical structure of the Church, nevertheless, undeniably belongs to its life and holiness.

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5 November Optional Memorial

Frances was probably born in Thouars on September 28, 1427, to Louis, Viscount of Thouars, and Marie de Rieux, Baroness of Encenis. Promised in marriage at the age of four to Peter, second son of the Duke of Brittany, she spent the rest of her youth with her future mother-in-law Joan, sister of Charles VII, King of France, who instilled in her the deeply Christian spirit she had received from the teachings of St. Vincent Ferrer. Peter, whose father and older brother had died before him, ascended the ducal throne of Brittany and was crowned together with Frances in Rennes Cathedral in 1450. She had a profound beneficial influence on her husband, the duke, on the running of the court and on affairs of state, and the seven years of his reign are remembered by the people as “the times of the blessed duchess.”

Widowed in 1457, despite pressure from her father and the King of France, she not only opposed remarriage but turned towards religious life. After repeated discussions with Blessed John Soreth, prior general of the Carmelites, she decided to join the Carmelite Order, making her possessions available for the foundation of the first Carmelite convent in France. It was established in Bondon, near Vannes, in 1463, with the nuns whom Blessed Soreth had transferred from the monastery in Liège. On March 25, 1468, Frances joined them. Wanting to bridge the social gap with her sisters, she asked them to replace the title of duchess with that of “handmaid of Christ.”

In 1477, under the protection of Our Lady of Couëts (de Scotiis), she founded a second monastery in Nantes, which two years later welcomed the remaining nuns from the former monastery in Bondon. For these foundations and for her influence on the legislation adopted in her and other French Carmelite monasteries, Frances is recognized as the founder of the Carmelites in France. She was responsible for introducing the practice of frequent Communion (and even daily Communion for the sick) and imposing, under penalty of excommunication, the strictest enclosure, which prevented both access to the monastery by all outsiders (including women) and the nuns from leaving the cloistered enclosure. With this vow, she anticipated the legislation of St. Pius V by a century and preserved her religious sisters from the damage that the lack of enclosure caused in other places.

She died in Nantes on November 4, 1485. During the French Revolution, the nuns were forced to abandon the convent, the memories of the blessed were scattered, and her body was desecrated. She is credited with some cloistered instructions, the manuscript of which has been lost, and some meditations published by Christophe Le Roy. Her cult was recognized by Pius IX on July 16, 1863. She is usually depicted with her eyes turned toward the crucifix she holds in her hands; on her Carmelite habit she wears an ermine cape (instead of wool) to recall her rank as a duchess.

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15 October Feast

From the “Works” of Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin
(book “The Book of Life,” chapter 22, 6-7, 14)

Let Us Always Remember the Love of Christ

Those who have Christ Jesus as their friend and follow such a magnanimous captain as he certainly can endure anything; for Jesus helps and gives strength, never fails, and loves sincerely. In fact, I have always recognized and still see clearly that we cannot please God and receive great graces from him except through the hands of the most sacred humanity of Christ, in which he said he was pleased.

I have experienced this many times, and the Lord himself has told me so. I have clearly seen that we must pass through this door if we desire that the supreme Majesty show us his great secrets. We must not seek another way, even if we have reached the summit of contemplation, because this way is sure. It is from him, our Lord, that all good things come to us. He will instruct us.

Meditating on his life, you will find no more perfect model. What more could we desire when we have such a good friend at our side who never abandons us in tribulations and misfortunes, as the friends of the world do? Blessed is he who truly loves him and always has him with him! Let us look at the glorious apostle Paul, who could not help but always have the name of Jesus on his lips, because he had it firmly fixed in his heart. Knowing this truth, I have considered and learned that some very contemplative saints, such as Francis, Anthony of Padua, Bernard, and Catherine of Siena, followed no other path. We must walk this path with great freedom, abandoning ourselves into God's hands. If he wishes to raise us up among the princes of his court, let us willingly accept this grace.

Every time we think of Christ, let us remember the love that prompted him to grant us so many graces and the ardent charity that God has shown us by giving us in him a pledge of the tenderness with which he follows us: for love demands love. Therefore, let us strive to consider this truth and inspire ourselves to love. If the Lord were to grant us the grace, once, to imprint this love in our hearts, everything would become easy for us and we would accomplish much, quickly and without effort.

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Edizioni Carmelitane has published A Spirituality of Truth: Philosophical Explorations of St. Teresa of Jesus by renowned Philippino author Macario Ofilada Mina. It is available at from Edizioni Carmelitane.
 
We also offer a number of other books on the life of St. Teresa, her work, and legacy. We suggest reading the following books, available from Edizioni Carmelitane: The Heirs of St. Teresa of Avila and "I Consider the Labor Well Spent" A Mini-Course on the Interior Castle.

To access these and many other fine publications at Edizioni Carmelitane, click here.

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
October 1 | Feast

Saint Thérèse was born at Alençon in France on 2nd January 1873. Her parents were Louis Martin and Zélie Guérin. Following her death on September 30, 1897, of tuberculosis at the age of 24, she became known around the world as St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face through the publication of her autobiography now known as Story of a Soul.   

In 2025, the Church celebrates the 100th anniversary of St. Thérèse's canonization. During his homily at the canonization, the Pope Pius, “If everyone follows this path of spiritual childhood, everyone will see how easily reformation of human society can be achieved, which we have proposed since the beginning of our pontificate. On the wall of the niche in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica where Pius XI is buried, there is a mosaic of the saint.

Thérèse’s simple yet powerful spirituality has captured the imagination of Catholics and non-Catholics alike for the last century. Her sense of commitment led her to a profound experience of the love of God and of neighbor. She never had an easy life, but she did live with a great sense of peace and joy.

Read more about the life of St Therese

St. Thérèse, Her Family and Her Spirituality

Proclamation of St. Therese of Lisieux as Doctor of the Church

Edizioni Carmelitane published a book to celebrate the 150th anniversary of her birth in 1873 and the 100th anniversary of her beatification as well as the 100th anniversary of her canonization in 2025. More information is available here:

Singing the Mercies of the Lord Writings on Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Also available as an ebook

September 17 | Feast

In 1205, Albert was appointed Patriarch of Jerusalem and a little later nominated Papal Legate for the ecclesiastical province of Jerusalem. He arrived in Palestine early in 1206 and lived in Acre because, at that time, Jerusalem was occupied by the Saracens. 

At some point between 1206 and 1214, Albert was approached by the hermits gathered on Mount Carmel, "near the font of Elijah," and asked to set down their way of life in the form of a Rule. Albert's formula vitae (way of life), a relatively short document, encouraged the daily practices of the hermits in order to "follow Christ."

During his time in Palestine, Albert was also involved in various peace initiatives, not only among Christians but also between the Christians and non-Christians and he carried out his duties with great energy and dedication. On 14th September 1214, during a relgious procession, he was stabbed to death.

A list of books available from Edizioni Carmelitane on St. Albert and the Carmelite Rule are listed at the bottom of this paragraph. 

Read more about the life of St. Albert ...

Read about the Carmelite Rule  |  Text of the Rule ...

Books Published by Edizioni Carmelitane on St. Albert of Jerusalem:

Celebrating St. Albert and His Rule. Rules, Devotion, Orthodoxy and Dissent
Edited by Michelle Sauer and Kevin Alban, O. Carm.

The Bollandist Dossier on St. Albert of Jerusalem
Daniel Papenbroeck, SJ | Edited and translated by Patrick Mullins, O. Carm.

St. Albert of Jerusalem and the Roots of Carmelite Spirituality
Patrick Mullins, O. Carm.

The Life of St. Albert of Jerusalem. A Documentary Biography. Part 1
Patrick Mullins, O. Carm.

The Life of St. Albert of Jerusalem. A Documentary Biography. Part 2
Patrick Mullins, O. Carm.

Albert and His Rule
Michael Mulhall, O. Carm.

A Pattern for Life. The Rule of St. Albert and the Carmelite Laity
Patrick Thomas McMahon, O. Carm.

The Carmelite Rule. Proceedings of the Lisieux Conference. 4-7 July 2005
Various Authors

1 September | Optional Memorial

As a student at a Benedictine monastery school in Florence, Teresa was deeply moved by the enthusiasm and joy on the face of a graduate who had returned to say goodbye to her former teachers, as she was entering the community of Discalced Carmelite nuns in the city of Florence. Reflecting on her reaction to that young woman’s embracing of her vocation, Teresa felt that she suddenly received an unspoken message from Teresa of Avila, foundress of the Discalced Carmelites.

Eventually entering the Discalced monastery as well, Redi was assigned to the office of infirmarian or nurse for the community. She was quite effective. When an epidemic broke out in the community in 1770, Teresa Margaret worked diligently caring for the other nuns. She is said to have had a special gift for reaching the deaf and mentally ill nuns. Because of her life and work, she was able to grow deeply in her interior life. She came to be revered for her mystical gifts. She was given a special contemplative experience concerning the words of I John 4:8, "God is love", which was a phrase she would repeat often. The prioress of the monastery was quite strict with Teresa, constantly reprimanding and humiliating her. However, Teresa proved to be unfailingly cheerful. Her spirituality is perhaps best captured by her full religious name: Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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26 August | Optional Memorial

Bl. Jacques Retouret was born at Limoges in France on 15th September 1746 to a merchant family. He was a serious young man, a lover of books and greatly gifted. At fifteen years of age, he entered the Carmelite house in his native city. After ordination, his zeal and learning were widely admired and large crowds of people were attracted by his way of preaching. Unfortunately, he was often unable to fulfil all his engagements, due to his persistent bad health which plagued him throughout his life.

The French Revolution did not spare him. Like the majority of his fellow clergy, Jacques refused to accept the civil law, unilaterally introduced by the state, which decreed, among other things, the election of bishops and parish priests by the people, only afterwards to be approved by the hierarchy and the pope. In addition to this refusal, Jacques was accused of siding with a group of political emigres who had invaded the country against the revolutionaries. He was arrested and condemned, together with many other priests and religious, and sentenced to exile in French Guinea in South America.

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25 August | Optional Memorial

Mariam Baouardy was born at Abellin in Galilee on 5th January 1846 to very poor parents who were good living and devoted Greek-rite Catholics. She was left an orphan after the death of her parents at only three years of age when, together with her brother Paul, she was entrusted to the care of an uncle,who had moved to Alexandria in Egypt a few years earlier. She never received any formal education and remained unable to read. At thirteen years of age, wanting to give herself only to God, she firmly refused the marriage which her uncle, according to the Eastern custom, had arranged for her. The next few years, she worked as a domestic in Alexandria, Jerusalem, Beirut and Marseilles.

At the beginning of Lent in 1865, she joined the Sisters of Compassion, but falling ill, she was forced to leave after a couple of months. Then she was received into the Institute of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition but, after two years as a postulant, she was judged not to be suited for the cloistered life. Finally, on 14th June 1867, she entered the Carmel in Pau.

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17 August | Optional Memorial

The Lord says, "The man who hears my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me." And the first of all commandments is: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. This is the greatest and first commandment." This cannot be observed without love of neighbor, because “he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen;" "and the second commandment is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, 'namely, in the things and for the reason that you love yourself." His soul hates him who loves violence," says the Psalmist. Therefore, love your neighbor as yourself in good and not in evil, and "whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them" and "what you hate, do not do to anyone." Thus, you must love your neighbor, and so act that he becomes just if he is wicked, or remains just if he is good.

Again, you must love yourself, not because of yourself, but because of God. Whatever is loved because of itself is thus made a source of joy and a happy life, the hope of attaining which is comforting even on earth. But you must not place the hope of a blessed life in yourself or another man. “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart turns away from the Lord." Therefore you must make the Lord the source of your joy and the happy life, as the apostle says: “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you understand this clearly, you must love God because of himself, and yourself, not because of yourself, but because of God; and, since you must love your neighbor as yourself, you must love him, not because of himself, nor because of yourself, but because of God, and what else is this but to love God in your neighbor? “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments." In the preparation of your soul, you do all of this if you love God because of himself and your neighbor as yourself because of God. “On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”

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12 August | Optional Memorial

On April 24, 1994, Blessed Isidore Bakanja, layman and martyr of the Scapular of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, was beatified by Pope John Paul II. Today the Order comes together to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Church's recognition of the holiness of this Congolese Catholic who would not give up his scapular.

Isidore Bakanja was born in Bokendela (Democratic Republic of Congo) around 1885. Leaving his village, he moved to Mbandaka, where he was baptized on May 6, 1906 and confirmed a few months later, on November 25, 1906. He was heavily influenced by the witness of the Trappist missionaries, cultivating a special devotion to Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Despite the difficulties he encountered at work because of his fidelity to Christ, he remained steadfast in his faith. On February 2, 1909, he suffered an atrocious scourging because he refused to get rid of the scapular of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel which he wore over his shoulders. Following a terrible beating and sensing his impending death, he received the anointing of the sick on July 24, 1909. Just as Christ died having forgiven his wrongdoers, so Bakanja died having forgiven his executioner: “The white man hit me; that's his business. It's up to him and God. When I get to heaven, I'll pray a lot for him and ask God to forgive him.”

Bakanja died on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1909, at the age of 24. In imitation of Christ, whom he had followed from the moment of his baptism, Isidore Bakanja lived in his own way, like Saint Paul, who wrote: “For me, to live is Christ.” (Philippians 1, 21). "For me, to live is to be a Christian."

On June 7, 1917, his remains were exhumed and buried at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Bokote. He was proclaimed Blessed on April 24, 1994. His cause for canonization is now underway. Popes Benedict XVI and Francis have recognized and proposed Blessed Isidore Bakanja as an authentic witness and example of faith for all Christians in the world. In his post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus vivit, Pope Francis named Blessed Isidore Bakanja among the young saints who today mobilize Christians in their quest for holiness and inspire new conversions. In short, Blessed Isidore Bakanja is a spiritual and ecclesial heritage for the world.

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