San José, in Ávila, Spain. Founded by St. Teresa in 1562 Sometimes I wonder about the Providence that willed that the first foundation of St. Teresa of Jesus would be inaugurated on this feast of St. Bartholomew, a great missionary apostle. One might ask: what business does a contemplative order such as the [...]
Note: The following homily for the Memorial of the Transverberation of St. Teresa of Jesus was given by Deacon Br. Pier Giorgio of Christ the King, O.C.D., on the occasion of the clothing Mass of a Discalced Carmelite nun. ——— At the end of May in 1921, St. Teresa Benedicta, then Edith Stein, boarded a [...]
In this video, Fr. Michael-Joseph and Dcn. Br. Pier Giorgio speak with several college students about their personal experiences of prayer and the Carmelite saints.
This homily was preached by Deacon Br. Pier Giorgio of Christ the King, OCD, on the Memorial of St. Teresa of St. Augustine and Companions on July 17, 2020, at a Discalced Carmelite Monastery of nuns. Sisters, there is something about today’s martyrs that is fascinating. Perhaps it is because they are not martyred in [...]
Br. Pier Giorgio of Christ the King was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate on July 5, 2020. The following is his first homily, preached to the Carmelite community on July 6, the memorial of St. Maria Goretti: “Courage daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. [...]
Jesus is hidden. This week begins the Lenten season of Passiontide. Crosses and images are traditionally covered, and the readings point to the rising conspiracy against Jesus by his opponents. In our own time, things are difficult. For many of us, Jesus seems to be very hidden. Some of us have not received the Eucharist [...]
The Crucifixion (1577-1579), El Greco “You are to fast every day, except Sunday, from the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross until Easter Day, unless bodily sickness or feebleness, or some other good reason, demand a dispensation from the fast; for necessity overrides every law” (Rule of St. Albert). In the writings of [...]
What is Carmelite life? One possible definition comes from the formula of profession for the Discalced Carmelite Friars: life with Mary in allegiance to Jesus Christ. Our Lady plays a central role in the life of a Carmelite. The official name of the order puts Mary at the center: the Discalced Brothers of Our Lady [...]
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is the exchanging of Christmas cards. There’s a joy-filled wonder in checking the mailbox and seeing a colored card-sized envelope. No matter who it’s from, we love receiving personal notes of affection, awkward family photos, and assurances of prayers and love in the coming New Year...
