Editorial

The world’s decisions are made at the coffee table. It’s funny but that’s exactly right. And one day over a cup of Starbucks, (Father Greg’s favorite,) we came to a conclusion that would solve one of his problems, not having enough time to do all that he was asked to do…I simply volunteered to help out, and before you knew it, I was the new editor of Carmelite Review. There over a cup of java, before anything was finalized or even considered our request was cast in stone. And almost as quickly as our discussion was the decision accepting it. The baton was tossed. As the first non Carmelite in the long lineage of acclaimed editors, I wondered where I would fit into history. Would I be viewed as a bump in the road…or the beginning of a new age?

God’s community is undergoing an overhaul. It will take time before the pendulum swings back to the days some still remember, where churches sprung up in every neighborhood; when seminaries had waiting lists filled with men and the thought of a priestly vocation was the highest career one could hope to achieve. Until this day comes, I will do my part, as small as it is so that these Carmelite great priests and brothers who I have grown to know and appreciate can continue to do good work for Gods people.

I implore you to circle the wagons. While reading this magazine over a cup of your favorite beverage, ponder about the future. It is time for the people of God to welcome vocations from within our families, our friends, and our neighbors. We are claimed for Christ at Baptism. It is our obligation to search within our ranks so that the water can continue to flow for generations to come.

Blessed Titus Brandsma, martyred at Dachau (1942) wrote in his Historical Mystical Sketches, “Carmel must ever feel that glow of its founder, Elijah’s, zeal; it is the mark of the true follower of Elijah and it burns in every Carmelite heart.”  The Order of Carmelites is looking for those with zeal today, perhaps one will be found around your table.

– Sal Lema
Editor-In-Chief