Monday, October 16, 2006

The Carmelites Are Coming

On the news this morning I learned of the 50 U.S. soldiers who have died in Iraq this month, along with 80 Sunnis murdered by Shia militia in the past few days. 2 Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan have died protecting a road they had just built from a Taliban attack. North Korea may well be able to arm ballistic missles with nuclear warheads, and their army numbers 1.5 million soldiers with 7 million reservists.

In light of all this, I give thanks for some good news: an Anglican Carmelite Order has been founded in the United States by Sister Teresa Irene of The Heart of God. The powerful witness to contemplative life offered by the Carmelites will be a real gift to the Episcopal Church. As heirs to John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, these holy women will be able to teach us much about life with God - a life of conversion, simplicity, peace and joy. May their numbers increase!

In the Diocese of California, we've been blessed by the presence of Benedictine and Franciscan religious. It would be wonderful to have a local Carmelite house as well.

No comments: