| “Searching for peace in the chaos of my life, I happened upon a community of men who lived a simple life of prayer, living as brothers to one another, who welcomed me into their lives. They walked with me in my search. Their greatest act of service was to listen with me so that I might discover the still small voice that spoke words of a loving peace in the quiet heart.” – anon. |  The Carmelite Charism: Contemplation through prayer, community & service |
Carmelite spirituality journeys into the human heart. There, in the depths of our heart, are all the things we long for and desire, all our joys, pains and purpose, the very mystery of our lives. Over the centuries, the charism or gift that Carmelite spirituality fosters is often described as contemplation lived out in ways of prayer, fostering hospitality and solidarity in community and living acts of loving service with those in need.
At the heart of Carmelite spirituality are three biblical figures: Elijah, the prophet of Mount Carmel, Mary, the mother of Jesus and woman of Mount Carmel, and Jesus, the beloved one of God. Like Elijah, Carmelites seek to live in the presence of the living God who is the way to freedom of heart. Like Mary, Carmelites foster a space and an openness of heart that we might truly hear others when they speak. Like Jesus, Carmelites strive to become the mind, heart and hands of the love of God that forgives, heals and brings about fullness of life.
Over the 80 year history of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School, Coorparoo, students, teachers and families have been invited into sharing the Carmelite spirit that is fostered in practices of stillness and silence, prayer, listening, building a welcoming and inclusive community and reaching out to those in need. As we live in these ways, we discover the gift of living Carmelite spirituality, growing in ways that fill our hearts with the joy and peace of living well as a community in the presence of the God who shares love and life with us.
At the heart of Carmelite spirituality are three biblical figures: Elijah, the prophet of Mount Carmel, Mary, the mother of Jesus and woman of Mount Carmel, and Jesus, the beloved one of God. Like Elijah, Carmelites seek to live in the presence of the living God who is the way to freedom of heart. Like Mary, Carmelites foster a space and an openness of heart that we might truly hear others when they speak. Like Jesus, Carmelites strive to become the mind, heart and hands of the love of God that forgives, heals and brings about fullness of life.
Over the 80 year history of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School, Coorparoo, students, teachers and families have been invited into sharing the Carmelite spirit that is fostered in practices of stillness and silence, prayer, listening, building a welcoming and inclusive community and reaching out to those in need. As we live in these ways, we discover the gift of living Carmelite spirituality, growing in ways that fill our hearts with the joy and peace of living well as a community in the presence of the God who shares love and life with us.
Br Matthew Tonini, O.Carm.
Next time: Carmelite Prayer
Next time: Carmelite Prayer
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