Editor's Post

By: Sal Lema

In the past few months the Carmelite Review, as a result of this year’s annual appeal, received a stack of comment cards that piled one on top of another measures two and half inches tall. Please accept my thanks for your most generous gifts. The Review humbly appreciates your goodness. Several of you requested a column from the editor where your requests and questions could be addressed. The Editor’s Post will run in alternate issues. Here are just a few of the many comments that were received. Please feel free to continue to write to the Carmelite Review at any time. I thank you for your sincere thoughts about our magazine and express my thanks to all of you who have offered prayers for my success!

R. P. Streng, from Grand Rapids, MI, writes, “At the age of 65, I’ll be entering the Seminary again at Hales Corners, Wisconsin at Sacred Heart School of Theology, sponsored by the Grand Rapids, Michigan, diocese.

Dear Mr. Streng, God calls us in His time not ours. I was ordained a deacon at 51 years of age. It is never too late to serve God’s community. Our prayers are with you.

Father T.J. Alkire, O.Carm., of Los Angeles, CA, writes, "You have a timely as well as an attractive magazine. I look forward in receiving future editions.”

J. Fyn, from Fraser, MI, writes, “I continue to enjoy reading the Carmelite Review from cover to cover”.

J. Schultz, of Houston, TX, writes, “The magazine has really come a long way. I truly enjoy reading articles about what some of my Carmelite friends are doing. Keep up the good work. I am from New Orleans and the recent articles about the Mount Carmel Academy were inspirational.”

N. A. Caruolo, of Johnston, RI, writes, “I love news about the new-recruits and their journey; also our active Carmelites, retirees and deceased.”

Sister J. Alice, from Indianapolis, IN, writes, “Your magazine is beautifully and professionally done—we are pleased to receive it.”

R. Hogan from White Bear Lake, MN, writes, “Sal Lema should be at least a Lay Carmelite and live the Carmelite way.”

Dear Mr. Hogan, The Lay Carmelite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (historically known as the Third Order) is an association mainly of laypersons. Its members, responding to a special call of God, freely and deliberately commit themselves “to live in the following of Jesus Christ” according to the Charism, traditions and spirit of Carmel under the authority of the Prior General of the Carmelite Order.

To become a member of the Third Order one must prepare through eight years of instruction, giving much time to both study and practical attendance and most importantly, have the calling to become a Lay Carmelite. When I first took on the duties of Communication Director for the Province, I did inquire about the Third Order. But as a husband, ordained deacon, and one who serves the Order in full time employment, my life is packed with responsibility and service. And as you have read, my call to serve those in need especially the Sisters of Mount Carmel in New Orleans through Project Hope is of vital importance to me. But even though my days are full, the bottom line is that you must have a calling from God which you follow to become a Lay Carmelite.

While I have a great love and admiration of many Carmelites that I personally know, who touch me deeply each and every day, and I continue to grow closer to Carmelite saints as I read and learn more about them, at this time in my life, I simply do not have a calling to become a Lay Carmelite. Teresa of Avila: said, “Lord, I do not think that I can give you everything that you ask for, but I will allow you to take it, and I pray that I will not try and prevent you.” I ask for your continued prayers as I let God take my calling where he will.

Letters to the Editor can be addressed to: Editor’s Post, Carmelite Review, 8501 Bailey Road, Darien, IL 60561.