Today we delve into the depths of St. John of the Cross’s poem, “A Christmas Refrain.” Join us as we explore the Virgin Mary’s journey to Bethlehem with St. Joseph for the census, carrying within her the divine Word. Reflect on the timeless message of preparation, hospitality, and the invitation to welcome Christ into our lives. We feature the translation by Discalced Carmelite friars Kieran Kavanaugh and Otilio Rodriguez, and then offer a comparison with the translation by E. Alison Peers. The Virgin, weighed with the Word of God, comes down the road: if only you’ll shelter her. Saint John o ..read more

O thou gentle lover Of the Lord so fair, Day-star all-resplendent, Take us ‘neath thy care. As a tender maiden Thou thy Spouse didst choose, Full of loving fervour Thy repose didst lose. None whose courage fails him Should approach to thee If his life he prizes And from death would flee. Let the timorous coward Gaze upon this maid, Blind to wealth and beauty, When he is afraid. Persecutions met her, War was everywhere, But she suffered bravely With a courage rare. Absent from her Bridegroom, Life her soul opprest, But the fiercest tortures Brought her peace and rest. So, in this rejoicing, How ..read more

To remain in Jesus it isn’t enough to accept him as a person, it is necessary to know, accept and put his message into practice: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (Jn 15:7). Our fruitfulness in the world depends on prayer, where we welcome the words of Jesus to begin to think like him, see things as he would see them, and act in every situation as he would. Such a loving and vital relationship with Jesus is so important that “apart from him we can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Separated from Jesus we never will be able to bear frui ..read more

May 4 BLESSEDS ANGEL MARIA PRAT HOSTENCH, LUCAS OF ST. JOSEPH TRISTANY PUJOL,  PRIESTS, AND COMPANIONS Martyrs Optional Memorial In the houses in Spain:  Memorial Carmel desired to bring together in one single memorial its own martyrs who, in different locations in Spain, bore witness during the long and bloody Civil War (1936-1939). Mentioned in this memorial are Father Angel Maria Prat Hostench, O. Carm., killed with his community in Tarrega in 1936, and Father Lucas of St. Joseph O.C.D., killed with his fellow friars in Barcelona, also in 1936. In this memorial, we also remember ..read more

St. Teresa of Avila is graced with a breathtaking vision of Our Lady! Picture this: on the eve of St. Sebastian’s feast at the Incarnation monastery in Avila, she sees the Mother of God, surrounded by angels, occupying the prioress’ choir stall. Our Lady assures her presence during praises to her Son. It’s a divine encounter that leaves you in awe! On the eve of the feast of St. Sebastian, the first year in which I was prioress at the Incarnation, at the beginning of the Salve Regina, I saw the Mother of God descend with a great multitude of angels and sit in the prioress’s choir stall where ..read more

Today’s quote comes from one of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s letters to family friend Abbé André Chevignard. In it, Elizabeth expresses her unity with Abbé Chevignard’s soul as he approaches his ordination, marveling at the love of God and exhorting him to embrace his calling with joy and gratitude. In her letters and writings, Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity often referred to the Virgin Mary as “Janua Coeli”, recognizing Mary’s pivotal role in bringing souls closer to God. This title reflects Elizabeth’s deep devotion to Mary and her belief in Mary’s intercession and maternal care for all w ..read more

I was very much disliked throughout my monastery [Monastery of the Incarnation, Avila] because I had wanted to found a more enclosed monastery. They said I was insulting them; that in my own monastery, I could also serve God since there were others in it better than I; that I had no love for the house; that it would be better to procure income for this place than for some other. Several of them said I should be thrown into the prison cell; others—very few—defended me somewhat. I saw clearly that in many matters my opponents were right, and sometimes I gave them explanations. Yet since I couldn ..read more

Today’s quote comes from Père Jacques de Jésus, O.C.D., the Discalced Carmelite friar who served as the headmaster of a boarding school in Avon, France. During the Nazi occupation, he courageously sheltered Jewish students, risking his own life to protect others. His selfless acts of heroism exemplify the virtues of compassion, courage, and infinite charity. Silence was a hallmark of Père Jacques’ life, so deeply devoted to Our Lady. One of his fellow prisoners in the concentration camp testified to his contemplative spirit: I can still see Père Jacques kneeling on the floor of that poor barr ..read more

On the earth, everything is passing. Thank you, my God, it’s so much the better to fall a thousand times to tell you two thousand times that I hope in you. Lord, you alone are my strength. See my weakness, my misery, my malice. Thank you for making me know and feel what I am, I prefer that to miracles, it’s better for me, I’d like everyone to see me fall. Oh, poor prideful one that I am, where can pride be nurtured? Thank you again Lord. Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified Prayers and Canticles: Cahiers réservés 2 Access to the unpublished Cahiers Réservés courtesy of the Carmels of Bethlehem and H ..read more

Jesus called Himself the head of the Mystical Body, of which we are the members (Rom 12:5). He is the vine, we are the branches (Jn 15:1–8). He laid Himself in the winepress and Himself trod it. He handed us the wine so that, drinking it, we might lead His life, might share His suffering. Whoever wishes to do My Will, let him daily take up his cross (Lk 9:23). Whoever follows me has the light of life (Jn 8:12). I am the way, He said (Jn 14:6). I have given you an example, so that as I have done so you may do also (Jn 13:15). And when His disciples did not understand that His way would be a way ..read more