Talking to College Students about Prayer
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.
The Martyrs of Compiègne
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 [...]
Deacon Br. Pier Giorgio – First Homily
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. [...]
Let Him Sleep
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 Exaltation of the Holy Cross
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 [...]
The Patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
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 [...]
A Christmas Card from the Child Jesus
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...