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Oasis
in the Desert:
Carmelite
Spirituality |
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Carmel has its own special
place within the spiritual treasure of the Church, conserving and
expressing a dual nature: the stark reality of truth in the desert, and
the beauty of an enclosed garden - an oasis in the desert. |
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A life wholly given to God is
more useful than a life divided between God and what is not God.
(Cloister walk)
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The hermit's way of serving his
neighbor is to remain true to his vocation as a hermit. His very
responsibility towards his neighbor obliges him to be perfectly what he
should be.
(The hermit's oratory in his
cell)
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Though the hermit lives in the
aridity of the desert, he is nourished by the Word of God and the beauty
of nature, so that he may bear abundant fruit for the good of the Church
and the salvation of souls.
(A hermit takes his meal to
his cell)
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The Eremitical life emphasizes
the transcendence of God and it is fitting that the Hermit should
dedicate his whole existence to seeking Him, living in His presence and
offering Him his constant homage, adoration, thanksgiving and
supplication.
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The Hermit lives in allegiance
to Jesus Christ and in obedience to a Prior as he endeavors to a life of
silence, solitude and intimacy with God.
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To remain in solitude is one of the conditions of
the eremitical life. Solitude has but one aim: to allow Christ to
abide in us. Solitude is the fortress surrounding and preventing
the enemies of Christ to enter into the Hermit's soul. Solitude
delivers us, and once we possess ourselves, we can realize the true
worth of all things.
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The Hermits chant the Solemn Salve Regina in honor
of Our Lady each Saturday.
"How beautiful you are, how charming, my
love, my delight! Your head is held high like Carmel..."
(Song of Songs 7:5-6)
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