Editorial

By: Sal Lema

The last of the fall leaves being swept away, signals the approach of the holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas and the celebration of the New Year are joyous occasions. They provide for us what computers and cell phones and the fast pace of our day do not allow, a few moments between football games to share a meal with friends and family; to enjoy their friendship, their laughter and their wisdom. It is also a time to think of the many blessings we have been given and the many we have shared with others.

This issue of Carmelite Review is full of blessings shared with us by Carmelites and their friends. We are thankful for the Father Gilmans of this world, for sisters like Mary Martin and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick. We are grateful for youngsters like Anthony Escobar and his newly made friends in Lima. We are grateful for friends of Carmel like Deacon Dave Brencic and the volunteers of Project Hope. But we are most grateful for all of you, who continue to read about the wonderful priests and brothers of Carmel. These men honor all of us each day by their good works. Without your generous support their talents and lives could never be seen and appreciated.

Yes, Christ has blessed us beyond measure. In doing so, God does ask more of us. As vocations to the priesthood remain slow, it is up to us to help the Catholic Church regain its leaders. It is through prayer, by asking our Lady of Mount Carmel to intercede for us that more young men like Father Ernie Larkin and Father Robert Flaherty will receive this call to serve.

As Thanksgiving gives way to Christmas, may we include under our tree the hopes and wishes to see Carmelite houses full to the brim with more interested men like Giovanni or Eric or Vincent; men who are inspired by Saint John of the Cross or Blessed Titus Brandsma. May the coming year signal a turn-around in vocations, and may Carmelite Saints who have gone before us help to achieve this goal.

Have a Blessed Christmas!

Editor's Post

Mr. S. Landek, President of the Village of Bridgeview, Illinois, writes: Regarding Mr. Hogan’s comments that, “Sal Lema should be at least a Lay Carmelite and live the Carmelite way,” “I don’t think Sal needs to be a Lay Carmelite to tell the story of their good work. Perhaps he has an even better perspective of the Carmelite Way by viewing it from the outside. The magazine is always interesting.”

Ms. J. Bell from Galveston, Texas, writes, “I enjoy the magazine and really appreciated the stories on the Sisters in New Orleans and the surrounding area. How wonderful that the deacons from Chicago are helping!”

Mr. J. Rooney from New Jersey writes, “Elizabeth Larson’s article, ‘Here I am, Lord’ (November, 2005) was excellent. Keep her writing for the Carmelite Review.”
Dear Mr. Rooney, I agree with you about Elizabeth. I hope you find her article, Ministry on the Road, in this issue equally enjoyable.

Mr. R. Meier, T.O.C., from Falls Church, Virginia, writes, “The Carmelite Review is a joy to read. I am blessed to be a part of the Carmelite family!”