Quote of the day, 22 July: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Time passes so quickly in Carmel, where for six months I have had the happiness of being the little prisoner of Him who made Himself a prisoner for us! I don’t forget you, and I pray for you every day, you can really feel that, can’t you?

We had the Blessed Sacrament exposed for Forty Hours, and it was very good to come console Him. It’s even so good that you would like to stay there forever, don’t you agree, Aunt Francine? Do you remember when my little Aunt Mathilde used to tease the two Magdalenes who had begun to pray instead of decorating the chapel?

Fortunately, while being Martha [Cf. Lk 10:38–42], one can remain like Mary Magdalene, always near the Master, contemplating Him with a wholly loving look. And that is our life in Carmel, for, although prayer is our principal and even our unique occupation, for the prayer of a Carmelite never ceases, we also have works, external acts.

I wish you could see me at the wash, with my habit turned up and splashing around in the water. You doubt my ability in this field, and with good reason, but with Jesus, I tackle everything, and I find everything charming; nothing is difficult or boring.

Oh! How good it is in Carmel, it is the best country in the world, and I can say that I am as happy as a fish in water.

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity

Letter 108 to her Rolland aunts
11 February 1902

Note: Elizabeth refers to herself and Jesus as mutual prisoners of love—she in Carmel, He in the Tabernacle. The “two Magdalenes” were probably Aunt Francine and Elizabeth; perhaps Elizabeth and her sister, Guite. At the time Elizabeth wrote, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany (Lazarus’ sister) were commonly understood to be the same person, which explains her transition from “two Magdalenes” to the Martha and Mary story. In 1875, the maternal grandfather of the two Rolland aunts donated the white marble altar of the chapel of the Blessed Virgin in the church of Carlipa, as well as the painted terra cotta statue of Mary that is still on that altar. Mathilde and Francine Rolland were sacristans or churchwardens for the parish church of Carlipa—until their deaths, they took jealous care of that chapel.

Elizabeth of the Trinity, S 2003, The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel, translated from the French by Nash, A, ICS Publications, Washington DC.

Featured image: Photo of St. Elizabeth on her clothing day. Image credit: Discalced Carmelites

#CarmeliteVocation #EucharisticAdoration #familyLife #MaryMagdalene #StElizabethOfTheTrinity

Eucharistic Adoration is a cherished tradition where we spend time in prayer with Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament. During Adoration, the consecrated host is placed in a monstrance for us to see and pray before. This practice dates back to early Christianity and has grown in popularity recently. It offers a peaceful time to pray, read, or sit in silence, bringing us closer to God. #EucharisticAdoration #CatholicTradition #Faith #Peace https://young-catholics.com/846/eucharistic-adoration/

Quote of the day, 22 November: Hermann Cohen

“I have finished with the world forever…”

Servant of God Hermann Cohen

At this stage in his story, Hermann Cohen, the recent convert, now intended to clear the debts he had incurred in his gambling days, and these were quite considerable. To achieve this aim, he resumed giving piano lessons.

At the same time, Cohen continued to join his friends in weekly nocturnal adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Since his conversion [May 1847] and even before his baptism [28 August 1847], Cohen had expressed to friends the desire to dedicate his life wholly to God as soon as he was free to do so. It would take him two years to reach that point. It was a difficult period for him.

Cohen became involved with helping the poor through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul founded by his contemporary Frédéric Ozanam. Cohen found this work a great source of inspiration while he prepared to enter a religious order. He subsequently supported the society by making appeals for them and using his musical talents to give fund-raising concerts for the poor.

At this point in his life, Cohen began to compose music for a collection of hymns that were written by a friend of his. These were called, “Praise of Mary.” and turned out to be a successful venture as the hymns proved very popular.

Cohen needed to give a final concert to pay off all his debts. It was a resounding success. Some of his earlier concerts had not been well prepared.

A Marist friend, Father Reculon, who accompanied him to this last concert, tells us that there was thunderous applause at the final curtain. He added that if the audience had known this was the last time they would hear Cohen’s glorious interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, and Chopin, their enthusiasm would have broken all bounds.

As for Cohen, he rejoined his friend in the dressing room of St. Cecilia’s Hall and threw out his arms in the dramatic gesture of the romantic.

“Ah,” he exclaimed, “I have finished with the world forever; with what joy, after my final note, I took my bow and bade it adieu.”

Timothy Tierney, O.C.D.

Chapter 6: From Franz Liszt to John of the Cross

Note: Biographer Father Tierney provides details concerning Hermann Cohen’s transition from the concert stage to religious life. Although we don’t know the precise date, Cohen’s writings indicate that his famous conversion took place in May 1847 in the Church of St. Valère. His baptism followed on 28 August 1847 in the Paris chapel of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.

Tierney, T  2017,  A Life of Hermann Cohen: From Franz Liszt to John of the Cross,  Balboa Press,  Bloomington, IN

Featured image: Father Augustine-Mary of the Blessed Sacrament, O.C.D., the Servant of God Hermann Cohen seated at the double-manual keyboard. | Image credit: Discalced Carmelites

#AugustineMaryOfTheBlessedSacrament #EucharisticAdoration #farewell #HermannCohen #inspiration #piano #selfDenial #ServantOfGod #vocation

Living Bread, Bread of Heaven, divine Eucharist,
O sacred Mystery! that Love has brought forth….
Come live in my heart, Jesus, my white Host,
Just for today.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux
PN 5, My Song for Today, stanza 8

She went for the last time before the Blessed Sacrament in the oratory in the afternoon; but she was at the end of her strength. I saw her look at the Host for a long time and I guessed it was without any consolation but with much peace in her heart.

I recall that in the morning after the Mass, when the community was going to the oratory to make thanksgiving, no one thought of helping her. She walked very quietly close to the wall. I didn’t dare offer her my arm.

Mother Agnès of Jesus (Pauline Martin)

Yellow Notebook, 2 July 1897

Detail of a photo montage created at the Carmel of Lisieux utilizing a 1913 photo of Mother Agnes (Pauline Martin) and a retouched copy of the last photo of St. Therese, which Sr. Genevieve (Celine Martin) took while Therese was getting some fresh air in the cloister.

Thérèse & Clarke, J 1977, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Her Last Conversations, Institute of Carmelite Studies, Washington DC.

Thérèse of Lisieux, S 1995, The Poetry of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, translated from the French by Kinney, D, ICS Publications, Washington DC.

Featured image: A monstrance of stunning beauty exposes the supreme beauty of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Image credit: David Eucaristía / Flickr (Public domain)

https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/07/01/tej-carnjau2jul97/

#BlessedSacrament #EucharisticAdoration #heart #PaulineMartin #peace #StThereseOfLisieux #thanksgiving #YellowNotebook

Discover the profound spirituality of Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist. Her deep devotion to the Eucharist and acceptance of suffering reveal a path to union with Jesus. Listen to this podcast episode for more on her inspiring life and writings.
Music credit: Sean Beeson

My overwhelming happiness of being in religious life, of being a Carmelite, a bride, after a life of desires and obstacles, close to My Eucharist, mine every day, surrounded by loving Mothers, a carefree novice like a baby in a cradle…

All this happiness of mine without the cross? No, it would not have fulfilled me, nor would it have beautified my soul! A few days passed without suffering, and I thought: What am I doing? I’m not suffering at all! And my day seemed almost useless. It is in suffering and union that Jesus has beautified me!

Always, between suffering and affliction, I get small pauses, in which it is easy for me to perceive the work of Jesus in my soul. It is not just now, but for many years that I have sensibly perceived the divine operations within me.

I used to stay at home and think that I could receive no more, and indeed I received great graces, but I recognize they were far from the finer ones granted to me now! In solitude, I received the finest graces.

Solitude attracts me so much: I hope to find Jesus there. And just days ago, I was saying to Him in my cell, “Even in heaven—that’s right Jesus—even in heaven, I would like solitude! Me and You, O Jesus!”

It was one of those rare times when His presence was perceptible to me, and I felt all the passion of that Heart for me—I felt I loved Him so much!

Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist

From her spiritual writings during the novitiate

A Life Rooted in Eucharistic Devotion and Solitude

Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist, born Maria Barba on 16 January 1884, in Catanzaro, Italy, is a shining example of eucharistic devotion. When she was two years old, her family moved to Palermo, Sicily, where her deep spiritual journey began. Receiving her First Holy Communion on 3 April 1894, was a pivotal moment in her early life, fueling her fervent desire to join religious life. Despite facing significant opposition from her family, Maria’s determination never wavered.

At 35, Maria Candida entered the Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Ragusa on 25 September 1919. She made her solemn profession and in 1924 was elected prioress. Throughout her life, she served multiple terms as Prioress and Mistress of Novices, embodying Carmelite holiness. Her nights spent alone in the monastery choir, keeping vigil beside the tabernacle, reflect her deep eucharistic spirituality.

Maria Candida’s writings reveal a profound connection with the Eucharist, emphasizing how suffering and solitude can bring one closer to Jesus. Her reflection during her novitiate encapsulates this beautifully. Maria Candida’s spirituality teaches us that true fulfillment and beauty in life come through union with Jesus, especially in moments of suffering and solitude.

For a deeper exploration of Blessed Maria Candida’s life and spirituality, listen to our Carmelite Quotes podcast. You can find it embedded in this blog post or on your favorite platform—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart, and YouTube. Blessed Maria Candida, pray for us!

Translation from the Italian text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.

Featured image: Father Lawrence Lew, O.P. captures this image of Eucharistic adoration at Saint Jean Baptiste parish in New York City. (Some rights reserved)

https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/06/14/ep4-candida/

#BlessedMariaCandidaOfTheEucharist #DiscalcedCarmelite #Eucharist #EucharisticAdoration #inspiration #nun #Podcast #solitude #suffering #unionWithGod