|
 The
nuns are always at home. Under the tender guidance
and protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a
Carmelite monastery radiates the joy and peace of
Nazareth in the simple monastic life based upon the
liturgical seasons as each day quietly
unfolds itself. Clad in the holy habit of Carmel,
the Carmelites of Armstrong, B.C., spend their day
in prayer - which is the center and purpose of
Carmelite life. Enclosure, solitude and silence all
help to create an atmosphere for this prayer life
where they may listen to the voice of Christ and
grow in union with Him. Apart from the Divine
Office recited in choir at stipulated times
throughout the day, thus sanctifying and offering to
God their entire day and night, each nun spend two
hours in mental prayer. Their endeavor to live
constantly in God's presence, draw its inspiration from
Sacred Scripture and the liturgy of the mass.
Since the Rule commands them "to
meditate day and night on the law of the Lord", their
prayer life
overflows into the time given to manual
labour. (The rule of Carmel states: "those who do not
work,
should not eat". Manual labour is done in silence,
joy and union with the humble Christ. It demonstrates
their life of poverty and gives a balance to their times
of prayer)
Belonging to a mendicant Order
and having to support themselves, they work hard and
largely rely upon Divine Providence to meet their
needs. They engage every day in
manual and creative work, in silence and solitude
which is balanced by two hours of
recreation. During the summer season, they spend
many hours working in their garden to raise
vegetables for winter use, and throughout the year,
care for the llamas and alpacas who provide them
with fibre for knitting. One must not forget either
the ordinary and sometime not so simple tasks
necessary to run a household. Simplicity, joy, love,
acceptance, sharing and concern among all the
sisters characterize their life together as a strong
united loving family living "around Jesus, and bound
together by His love".
As part of a long contemplative tradition in the
Church, the Carmelite way of life centers on the
deepest aspect of the person, their capacity for
union with God. Growth in divine intimacy is at the
heart of Carmelite life and faith in their mission
within the Church strengthens their dedication.
|
