December 25, 2007

The Discalced Carmelite Friars

of the Province of St. Joseph wish all our families, friends and benefactors a very blessed and joyous Christmas.

Remember that the Christmas season continues on the liturgical calendar until January 13, 2008.

December 17, 2007

O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High and, reaching from beginning to end, you ordered all things mightily and sweetly. Come, and teach us the way of prudence.

O Antiphon for December 17

During the final days of advent each Friar makes a personal Day of Recollection (hermit day) in preparation for Christmas. Each night, in keeping with ancient tradition, the Friars process with the statue of the Child Jesus to the cell of the Friar who is beginning his Day of Recollection. Singing the Veni Emmanuel and the Ave Maria, the community prays for a grace-filled day for their brother.

December 14, 2007

Solemn Profession of

Bro. Ramiro of Christ on the Cross, OCD

Today, at the International Carmelite College (Teresianum) in Rome, Italy, our brother, Ramiro Casale of Christ on the Cross, professed his Solemn and Perpetual Profession in the hands of our Superior General and in the presence of our Provincial Superior. Along with eleven other Carmelite Brothers from around the world, Bro. Ramiro professed the evangelical counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Poverty for life.

Along with Fr. Provincial, Gerald Werner, representing our Province and attending the ceremony was Bro. Thomas Reeves, OCD and Theresa Thomas, OCDS. Members of Bro. Ramiro's family from Mexico were also present.

Bro. Ramiro is presently in his final year of Theological studies at the Teresianum. He is expected to return to the Province this summer.

December 14, 2007

Solemnity of Our Holy Father

Saint John of the Cross

"Endeavor to remain always in the presence of God, either real, imaginative, or unitive insofar as is permitted by your works."

Saint John of the Cross

Degrees of Perfection

Happy Feastday

Fr. John (Melka) of the Cross, OCD

December 1, 2007

Diaconate Ordination of

Bro. Salvador Roman, OCD

On Saturday, December 1, 2007, Bro. Salvador Roman was ordained a Transitional Deacon by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas (Bishop of Tucson) at St. Margaret Mary Church, Tucson, Arizona.