They followed Carmel’s path…
They were passionate for Jesus Christ!
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus
Her vocation in the Church’s heart.
To be your spouse, O Jesus, to be a Carmelite, to be through my union with you the mother of souls, that should be enough for me… it is not so… Without doubt, these three privileges are indeed my vocation, Carmelite, spouse and Mother , however I feel in myself other vocations, I feel the vocation of Warrior, of Priest, of Apostle, of Doctor, of Martyr; finally, I feel the need, the desire to accomplish for you Jesus all the most heroic works… I feel in my soul the courage of a Crusader, of a Pontifical Zouave, I would like to die on a battlefield for the defense of the Church…
Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
Her first days in Carmel
I have found my Heaven on earth in my dear solitude of Carmel where I am alone with God alone. I do everything with Him, so I go to everything with divine joy; whether I sweep, work or pray, I find everything good and delicious, since it is my Master that I see everywhere! (Letter 139)
Oh, you see, everything is delicious in Carmel, we find the good Lord in the laundry as well as in prayer. There is only Him everywhere. We live Him, we breathe Him. If you knew how happy I am, my horizon grows every day. (Letter 89)
Saint Teresa of Los Andes
Her Carmelite vocation
Santiago, March 25, 1919
My dear little daddy,
We only returned yesterday from Bucalemu, after having spent very pleasant days there in the company of such affectionate uncles. However, as I told you in my last letter, the days we spent with you occupy a privileged place.
Little dad, for a long time I wanted to confide to you a secret that I have kept, during all my life, in the most intimate parts of my soul. However, I don’t know what fear came over me when I wanted to confide it to you. This is why I have always been so reserved towards everyone. But now, I want to entrust it to you with full confidence that you will keep the most complete discretion for me.
