By: Sal Lema

During the month of October the country experi- enced dramatic market swings. Many of us of the  baby boomer generation saw our savings melt before our eyes like a popsicle left in the sun. Crises come and go. They are a part of life. Many will remember the gas crisis or the tissue crisis of the 70s. There was the milk crisis, the bee crisis, the ice-age crisis. Plans for retirements thaw and re-freeze with each fear or event.

In our Spring issue I wrote about Father Jerry Payea, O.Carm., a modest Carmelite priest who serves in Peru. Peruvians have no heating systems. When it is cold, those in Peru, just live with the cold. Father Jerry seldom complains about the lack of basic necessities. Carmelites continue to give of themselves in a way that I could not. I will honor him by lowering my thermostat and wearing a sweater this winter.

In this issue, I turn your attention to another Carmelite, Father David Blanchard. I invite you to read page 7. Once you do you may be compelled to help Father David and the students who live in El Salvador. My family intends to share what gifts we can with them during this Christmas season. It is all about basic needs; in this case, protein.

With the current economic crisis, charitable institutions have seen a decline in donations because many people cannot give as much and some have had to stop giving altogether to their favorite charities. This decline is also affecting the Carmelites. By necessity, funding from the Carmelite treasurer’s office for the various Carmelite ministries has had to be reduced. It is hard for me not to beg for your help when I see the men cutting back on basics like food, heat, or drinking water.

If we were to shut down this magazine and send the money to Father David you would not know of the Good News that is being delivered around the world or this El Salvadoran Carmelite student sacrifice. I choose to use this space to ask for your help. Please, continue to give to Carmelites around the world. Even the proverbial ‘widow’s mite’ (Mark 12:42) can help, especially when given from the heart. So, give from your heart. With your help we can see the various Carmelite ministries continue through these tougher economic times.

During the holiday season, I ask you to spend some time reflecting on the gifts you have been given through Carmelite presence in your life. How have they enriched you? Perhaps you are coping with the hardships of the times just a little better because of their association. As for me, I am blessed by their company and by my connection with Carmelite saints.

Markets may decline and investment portfolios falter, but haven’t we weathered through crisis after crisis? I am not afraid because of the spiritual direction I receive through Carmelite presence in my life. My work is the enjoyment of this presence. A presence, I thank God for always.

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