Strongest of armor, We trust in thy might: Under thy mantle, Hard press’d in the fight, we call to thee. Our way uncertain, Surrounded by foes, Unfailing counsel You give to those who turn to thee. (From the Flos Carmeli_
Day: July 16, 2025
Florence: Art, Beauty and Truth
Firenze! Even the name – at least in Italian – signifies energy, exuberance, enthusiasm. What is one to say of Florence in a few words? I spent but an afternoon wandering the glorious city of saints and sinners, politicians and potentates, of geniuses and giants. One cannot take it all in, even in a lifetime. There[…]
Pope John Paul II and Our Lady of Mount Carmel
A young Karol Wojtyla, while discerning his vocation as he matured in his hometown of Wadowice, thought of becoming a Carmelite, drawn to their contemplative life and deep spirituality, prayer, devotion to Our Lady, silence, and total focus upon God. His spiritual director recommended rather that he follow the path to the diocesan priesthood –[…]
The Eschatological Message of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Around this time of year in the Office of Readings, or Lauds, we follow the travails of the prophet Elijah from the Book of Kings, his battle with the Ahaz, the false prophets of Ba’al, the whole spiritus mundi – and the Jezebel behind the throne. He was indeed a ‘burning fire’, refusing to compromise[…]