Carmelite Events

by Dawn Tucker, Carmel Connection member

Photo Courtesy: Sr. Christopher Jude, O.Carm.

On November 15-17, 2019, members of the Carmel Connection held their fifth reunion at Saint Teresa’s Motherhouse in Germantown, New York. The overwhelming feeling was gratitude. The Avila and Formation Sisters joined us in thanksgiving and the liturgical celebration. St. Teresa's Chapel was decorated with overflowing cornucopias and autumn flowers. Father Jim Hess, Chaplain, celebrated Mass on Saturday and Sunday and delivered inspiring words of love and appreciation that nourished the spirit.

Nourishment for the body was provided by the Kitchen Staff at Avila with a special luncheon and delicious foods all weekend. During the Saturday evening prayer service, each person hung a dove with a personal note of thanks on the Tree of Gratitude and Blessings. There was a lighting of the tree and the Salve Regina was sung by all at the conclusion of the service.

Gratitude was expressed for so many blessings throughout the reunion weekend: gratitude for loved ones, for health of mind and body, for the gift of aging, for each other, and for the connection to the family of Carmel.

Photos courtesy of Mother Mark / Sr. Catherine Angeline

Carmel Terrace celebrated their 25th Anniversary of Groundbreaking (see photos below).  New picture for the indoor garden was blessed.

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GARVEY MANOR

Story Contribution by Mother Mark Louis Anne, O.Carm., Prioress General

On Thursday evening November 7, Mother Mark and Council attended a Gala for the benefit of D'Youville Life and Wellness Center, Lowell, MA at a local country club. The Sisters of Charity of Ottawa were honored at the Gala, as they are winding down some of their ministries in the United States due to their decreasing numbers in this country. Once all necessary government and ecclesial approvals are received, the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm will assume sponsorship of D'Youville. Sr. Rachelle Watier, SCO, Superior General was present at the Gala and gave a beautiful address. (see below). She surprised the Carmelite Sisters by inviting Mother Mark and Naomi Prendergast, D'Youville CEO, to the podium to receive beautiful lanterns with the logo of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa on them. An LED candle was flickering inside each lantern. Sr. Rachelle then passed this "torch of Mission" of Mission to Mother Mark and Naomi. There was not a dry eye among the 300 guests at the Gala. Continuing the legacy of these Sisters is an honor and privilege.

Lasting Impressions Talk (167 KB)

Parishioners and friends of St. Teresa’s R.C. Church gathered for the second annual Benefit Luncheon in LiGreci’s Staaten, West Brighton, where some 300 guests came out to support the Castleton Corners parish.

by Sr. Mary Anne Dennehy, O.Carm.

On Saturday, October 5, the NY Archdiocesan forum for catechesis and youth ministry at Cardinal Spellman High School presented an opportunity to display and distribute Carmelite Sisters’ vocation materials and information on Venerable Mother Mary Angeline Teresa O.Carm.

Our Carmelite Fathers, Rev. Francis Amodio, O.Carm. and Rev. Justin Cinnante, O.Carm. were presenters and Brother Von Sadoval, O.Carm. accompanied a large group of catechists and youth ministers from the parish of St. Simon Stock-St. Joseph who participated in the educational sessions.  Bishop Gerald Walsh was the main celebrant for the liturgy. Over 400 people attended this event.

The sessions will be repeated on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Sacred Heart parish in Monroe for parishes in the upper counties of the Archdiocese of New York.

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Photos and Story Contributor: Sr. Kevin Patricia, O.Carm. 

Saint Patrick's Home celebrated the religious jubilees of some members of the Sisters of Charity who are in residence.  The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr. Michael Kissane, O.Carm.  and  was followed by a special reception in Saint Joseph's Hall.

Sr. Luke Mary renewed her religious vows in the presence of the local prioress, Sr. Bernadette Therese, O.Carm. and Fr Mark Zittle , O.Carm was celebrant at Mass.

On Tuesday, August 27, we were blessed to have a visit from Timothy Cardinal Dolan and his secretary Fr. Stephen Reis.  After speaking with Mother Mark and Council in the White House (where the Prioress General and her Council stay) and making a visit to Mother Angeline's chapel, the Cardinal offered Mass at 11:45 a.m. in the Main Chapel.  Sisters and available staff attended, and lunch followed in the Refectory.   As always, the Cardinal was warm and personable, and all enjoyed his exuberant presence and the privilege of attending his Mass. On his way out after lunch, Cardinal Dolan and Fr. Stephen said prayers at Mother Angeline's grave and were offered a very quick tour of the Heritage Center. He promised the Novices he would offer their Profession Mass, so hopefully he will make a return visit.

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GARVEY MANOR NURSING HOME & OUR LADY OF THE ALLEGHENIES RESIDENCE

Photos: Holly Keller, BSW, PCA

Director of Development, Garvey Manor & Our Lady of the Alleghenies Residence

Hollidaysburg, PA

On September 3, 2019, the Carmelite Sisters, Staff members, Residents and Family members of Garvey Manor Nursing Home and Our Lady of the Alleghenies Residence celebrated the 90th anniversary of Foundation of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.  A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Bishop Mark Bartchak at the facility's Saint Joseph's Chapel. (CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS)

MARY MANNING WALSH HOME

Photos: Sr. Maureen Elizabeth, O.Carm.

On September 3, 2019, the Carmelite Sisters, Staff members, Residents and family members of Mary Manning Walsh Home celebrated Foundation Day. A special Mass was held and our own Sr. Maureen Elizabeth made special wreaths with Venerable Mary Angeline's badges on them. They were visible as families signed in for their visits and were given out in a basket with a sign about Foundation day.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS)