Carmelite sisters at the Movies – For Greater Glory – Viva Christo Rey!
June 19, 2012 by Sister Carmen Laudis OCD
Filed under Events
The Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles rarely go to the movies, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to be a part of a premiere showing of For Greater Glory. Seventy-five of our sisters immediately said “yes” to the gracious invitation of Archbishop Jose Gomez. Why? Because it was during those days—the days of the horrendous religious persecution... Read More
I am stuck in my spiritual growth… how do I get unstuck? This is frustrating! Part II of II
May 21, 2012 by Sister Carmen Laudis OCD
Filed under Carmelite Spirituality, Conscience Exam, Q and A, Self Knowledge
Q: Dear Sister Carmen, I feel like I am stuck in mansion somewhere in mansion one or two. Is this normal? Where do most people get stuck in the journey through the mansions and is there any common way you can suggest that we get unstuck? Maybe I am just impatient. I feel like I should be growing but I am not. In our first post in this two part series we talked about a few of the reasons we get... Read More
How can we mature through the first few rooms of the Interior Castle?
March 27, 2012 by Sister Carmen Laudis OCD
Filed under Carmelite Spirituality, Meditation, Mental Prayer, Prayer, Q and A
Q: Dear Sister Carmen, in your last post you provided a really helpful summary of the first few mansions. You mentioned that they are “rooms of humility.” I would be grateful if you could help me understand the kinds of prayer that help us mature through these first few rooms. I have been advised to practice meditation for which Fr. John’s Better Part is a wonderful resource. Is this also... Read More
What does St. Teresa mean by “pesky reptiles”?
February 21, 2012 by Sister Carmen Laudis OCD
Filed under Carmelite Spirituality, Q and A, Self Knowledge, Teresa of Avila
Q: Dear Sister Carmen, In the Interior Castles St. Teresa talks about “pesky reptiles” and other creatures. What exactly does she mean when she is saying these things?” A: Those “pesky reptiles!” When you come across a snake unexpectedly, what is your immediate reaction? Well, unless you are a herpetologist it is probably fear, dread or surprise. Let me share with you the reaction of... Read More
Dark night or depression?
January 22, 2012 by Sister Carmen Laudis OCD
Filed under Aridity or Dryness, Carmelite Spirituality, Difficulties, Prayer, Q and A
Q: Dear Sister Carmen, I am struggling with prayer – it is very dry and I feel very alone but I have not given up. I believe I am in the dark night but I am also melancholy by temperament. How can I discern what I am experiencing? I don’t have access to a spiritual director because of my remote location. Am I depressed or in the dark night or both? I know you can’t know everything... Read More
