On this most important feast day for the Carmelite family worldwide, and recalling the model of faith and spiritual inspiration that Mary, as 'Mother' and 'Sister', offers each of us in our daily lives, we take a closer look here at some of the reasons that individuals have given for their initial and continued commitment as 'Lay Carmelites'. These are active parts of the Carmelite family called to some form of service in their respective communities which is an integral part of the charism given to the Order:
As an expression of thanks and gratitude for the intimacy and the presence of God within the course of a lifetime
As an opportunity to deepen an understanding of spiritual journey with reference to key figures in Scripture (Elijah, Mary, St Paul)
As a personal ommitment to a simpler and more serene life, where prayer, silence and inner stillness is both known and valued
As a sincere and trustful friendship with Jesus Christ in prayer, in reflection and contemplation
As a stronger affirmation of our tenderness, our gentler, warmer nature that seeks union with the eternal source of compassion and goodness
As a means of renewal and hope , finding a true peace and joy in the Living God
To experience afresh a humility, a belonging, by a readiness to be 'open' to the Spirit of God without fear or desire
To comprehend the remarkable stories of the Carmelite saints (Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Edith Stein, etc) and look again at the significance of their lives and writings for the modern world
To learn through deeper friendship and closeness with Jesus Christ that 'to love' is to be in harmony and in accordance with God's wider Creation
To witness a faith community in worship and in service of one another, built firmly on Gospel values of justice and peace
May today all Carmelites (religious and lay) be re-energised in their commitment and strive more determinedly to follow the example of Mary, our Patron.