2-page spread:
led many people to assume that the hermits were just another part of the parish, working for it in some capacity! But eventually this unique form of witness with its measure of silence, solitude, and prayerful presence took root in the heart of the local Church. The steady stream of prayer-intention requests began, as did the enthusiastic response to Hermitage retreat opportunities. The Brothers, with the encouragement of the Prior General, Most Reverend Joseph Chalmers, O.Carm., established a Scapular Confraternity for lay and clergy who wish to wear the Scapular as a sign of closer association with the Carmelite Order and imitation of Jesus and Mary, as well as an invocation of their protection. Canonically the community was formally “affiliated” with the Carmelite Order which means that the Order recognizes the Brothers as living the Carmelite charism, privileged to wear the habit and use the Carmelite name; it is hoped that an eventual full “aggregation” with the Carmelite Order will be attained, at which time the Brothers’ vows would be accepted by the Prior General or his delegate (currently, the status of the Brothers’ vows is governed elsewhere in Canon Law.) Even in that event, the Carmelites of Saint Joseph as an eremitical community would continue to enjoy a certain privilege of autonomy of government and their own full financial responsibility. In this time of grace, in observance of 800 years of the Rule of Saint Albert, and with the call of the Second Vatican Council to return to our charismatic origins clear in our memory, the living of the Rule in a specifically eremitical form is a gift both to the Order and to all the Church. The Carmelites of Saint Joseph welcome visitors to Annunciation Hermitage, and are happy to offer a guest room with a study and private bath for individuals seeking time of silent retreat. The Carmelite Hermits at the Annunciation Hermitage in Austin, Minnesota, can be reached by phone at 507-437-4015 or through e-mail at:
