News

Mariana was the first new member welcomed into our community after communities were permitted to resume accepting new members following the COVID-19 pandemic. A mother of three, she brings a deep love of prayer, Our Lady, and Carmelite spirituality to our community.

by Mariana (3 years, Received)

My journey toward Carmel began many years ago, inspired by Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the writings of the Carmelite saints. Their words stirred something deep within me, and over time I learned more about the Carmelite family through the Monastery of Mount Carmel in Niagara Falls and various Third Order resources.

When I discovered this Lay Carmelite community, I felt a strong and unmistakable desire to grow in prayer, deepen my devotion to Our Lady, and root myself more fully in the beautiful spirituality of Carmel. God placed in my heart a longing to walk this path, and I am grateful that He has led me here.

A little about me: I enjoy reading and prayer, and I am blessed with three children.

I was not born and raised Catholic, although many people assume that I was. In reality, I encountered Jesus in my twenties, and once I truly met Him, my life changed. I embraced the faith, entered the Catholic Church, and was baptized—one of the greatest gifts of my life.

My journey with this community has been amazing. From the beginning, the Carmelite family received me with warmth, kindness, and genuine love. I am deeply grateful for the brothers and sisters who accompany me as we walk together toward a closer union with God.

Each step of this journey has strengthened my faith, opened my heart, and drawn me more deeply into the silence, prayer, and beauty of Carmel. I look forward to continuing this path, trusting that God will keep leading me ever closer to Him through the Carmelite way of life.

March 21, 2026

Lay Carmelites and guests from across the Canada East–New York Region gathered on Saturday, March 21, 2026, for the Annual Regional Lenten Day of Recollection. In addition to those attending in person, several participants joined online, allowing members from across the region to share in this special day of prayer and reflection.

This year's retreat was directed by Fr. Eugene O'Reilly, C.Ss.R., a well-known retreat leader, speaker, musician, and author. Fr. O'Reilly is perhaps best known for his inspirational music ministry, including the songs Father, I Have Sinned and Children of the Light, which have touched countless Catholics over the years.

Drawing on Scripture, personal stories, and practical wisdom, Fr. O'Reilly spoke about the theme of forgiveness. His presentations explored God's boundless mercy, the importance of reconciliation in our relationships, and the freedom that comes from letting go of past hurts. He reminded participants that forgiveness is not simply an event but an ongoing journey of grace that transforms both the one who forgives and the one who is forgiven.

The presentations were engaging, insightful, and often humorous. Fr. O'Reilly's warm personality and gift for storytelling helped bring the message of forgiveness to life, encouraging participants to reflect more deeply on God's presence and action in their lives.

The day concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, during which participants had the opportunity to share their thoughts and ask questions about forgiveness, prayer, and the spiritual life. The discussion provided further encouragement as attendees continued their Lenten preparation for Easter.

The Regional Lenten Day of Recollection remains an important annual tradition, bringing together Lay Carmelites from across the region for prayer, formation, and fellowship. We are grateful to Fr. O'Reilly for sharing his wisdom and experience, and to all who helped make the day a meaningful and spiritually enriching event.

As we continue our Lenten journey, may we remain open to God's mercy and become instruments of His forgiveness in our families, communities, and daily lives.

Mary Jean serves as our Phase 2 Formator. Her approach to Ongoing Formation has been recognized by the Lay Carmelite Office and is now among the formats recommended for communities across North America. She has represented the Order in public interviews. In her free time, she leads weekly public online lectio divina.

by Mary Jean (16 years, Final Professed)

Carmel is home. It took me awhile to find it, but once I did, the best way to describe it is, "I’m home."

My first introduction to the Carmelite saints was through my uncle, Father Richard Donovan. He had a great devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and he felt that she was with him in a special way throughout his priesthood. My uncle passed that devotion onto me. I loved reading her Story of a Soul, and St. Thérèse has been an integral part of my journey to Carmel. The ascent of Mount Carmel can seem daunting at times, but by following St. Thérèse’s Little Way to holiness, we are assured of reaching our goal one step at a time.

My mother had a great devotion to Mary. My given name Mary Jean reflects the extraordinary privilege of growing up with two mothers – my heavenly mother Mary and my earthly mother Jean. Carmel would be impossible without a firm foundation in the Catholic faith, and my Catholic faith is the greatest gift my parents gave me.

I would have become a Lay Carmelite much sooner if I had know about them sooner. The fact that the Carmelites had a third order consisting of mainly lay people is something that I did not discover until much later in life. In 2010, Lourdes and Daniel started a Lay Carmelite Community in my area. They opened the doors of Carmel to me, and I am grateful to have such excellent role models. Their self sacrifice and tireless efforts have made the Blessed Trinity Lay Carmelite Community what it is today. I am blessed to be part of a community that truly embodies the Carmelite charisms of prayer, community, and service.

I was received into Carmel on September 14, 2011, and I made my final profession on September 14, 2016. It is no accident that both these momentous events in my life occurred on September 14, the day on which the Church celebrates the Triumph of the Cross. Christ is the centre of my life. Christ is the centre of Carmel. Our ascent of Mount Carmel, like Christ’s ascent of Calvary, necessarily involves taking up our cross and following Him. If we persevere, His Triumph will also be ours.

Are you making a New Year's resolution to be able to find the page numbers in Christian Prayer on your own? Are you tired of spending money and buying the wrong edition of the St Joseph Guides? Would you like to observe official celebrations beyond the General Roman Calendar (Carmelite saints, and other genuine calendars)? If yes, this article may interest you. 

You need two page numbers: the celebration, and the psalms.

1. Celebration. Look up the celebration for the date in our Community Ordo, the back of your prayer mat, or a liturgical website. Then go to that section in Christian Prayer. 

   • Celebration: Major Solemnities (p. 641-684). Proper of Saints (p. 1060-1354). If you wish to celebrate a saint, but there is no Proper, choose an appropriate Commons (p. 1355-1473).

   • No celebration (ferial): Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter: Proper of Seasons (p. 41-640). Ordinary Time: Weekday Psalter (p. 701-1059)

If any parts of the structure of the prayer are missing, it will tell you the page numbers.

2. Psalms. If it is a solemnity or feast, use Sunday Week I (p. 707). Otherwise, use the weekday psalter (p. 701-1059).

December 6, 2025

"Blessed be the Lord, who began this community in His love; may He bring to completion the good work He has entrusted to us."

(from the Canticle of Zechariah for our Founding Anniversary)

December is always a special month for our community. This year, our annual Founding Day celebration was especially joyful as we commemorated the 15th Anniversary of our community and Received two members, MC and Andolf, into the next stage of their Carmelite journey.

The day began with a special liturgy prepared for our Founding Anniversary. One of the unique aspects of our celebration was the opportunity to adapt every part of the liturgy permitted by the Church, connecting the prayers, readings, intercessions, and music to our life as a Lay Carmelite community. Throughout the celebration, we reflected on God's faithfulness over the past fifteen years and gave thanks for the many blessings, friendships, and vocations that have emerged from our community.

A highlight of the day was the Reception ceremony for MC and Andolf. Surrounded by fellow Carmelites, family, and friends, they took an important step in their formation journey. Their commitment reminds us that the Carmelite vocation continues to attract men and women seeking a deeper life of prayer, community, and service.

Following the liturgy, members gathered for a festive potluck lunch. As always, the tables were filled with an abundance of homemade dishes, desserts, and refreshments. The meal provided an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the milestones that have shaped our community since its founding in 2010.

The afternoon featured a variety of games and activities, bringing laughter and friendly competition to the celebration. One of the most anticipated traditions was our annual Secret Santa game, which once again proved to be a favourite. Members exchanged gifts, shared surprises, and enjoyed the spirit of generosity and fellowship that has become a hallmark of our Founding Day celebrations.

As we reflected on fifteen years of community life, we gave thanks for the many members who have contributed their time, talents, and prayers to our community. We also looked forward with hope to the years ahead, trusting that God will continue to guide us as we seek to live the Carmelite charism of Prayer, Community, and Service.

May Our Lady of Mount Carmel continue to watch over our community and inspire us to follow Christ faithfully in the years to come.

Morning and Evening Prayer for our Founding Anniversary

November 14-16, 2025

Our community joined fellow Carmelites from across the Canada East–New York Region (CENY) for the Annual Regional Retreat, held at the beautiful Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

This year's retreat was led by Lourdes, our community co-founder, Area Coordinator, and Director of the Carmelite Institute of North America (CINA). Lourdes guided participants through a series of presentations and reflections designed to deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our understanding of the Carmelite vocation.

The retreat was conducted in a spirit of silence, providing participants with an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and enter more deeply into prayer. Throughout the weekend, retreatants gathered to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, listened to inspiring talks, and spent time in personal reflection and contemplation.

The peaceful setting of Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre offered an ideal environment for prayer and renewal. The silence, shared liturgical prayer, and thoughtful presentations helped participants listen more attentively to God's voice and grow in their commitment to the Carmelite way of life.

We are grateful to Lourdes for her leadership and to the Regional Council for organizing another enriching retreat experience. The weekend provided a welcome opportunity for spiritual renewal and fellowship with Carmelites from across our region.

Our Ongoing Formation this last year has been a study of "With Empty Hands: The Message of St Therese of Lisieux", by Conrad De Meester.

Many people approach God with a hidden fear: "I have so little to offer." We look at our weaknesses, failures, and limitations and wonder whether we are doing enough. Yet this is precisely where St. Thérèse of Lisieux offers one of her greatest insights.

Thérèse believed that holiness is not achieved by presenting God with a long list of accomplishments. Rather, it begins by recognizing our poverty and placing ourselves entirely in His hands. Her "Little Way" is not a path of great works, but of great trust.

Near the end of her life, she wrote:

"In the evening of this life, I shall appear before You with empty hands."

At first, this may seem surprising. Wouldn't a saint have hands full of good deeds, sacrifices, and virtues? Yet Thérèse understood that everything is a gift from God. Even our ability to love Him comes from His grace.

Empty hands are not a sign of failure. They are a sign of trust.

A child approaches a loving parent with open hands, not because the child has earned a gift, but because the child knows he is loved. Thérèse believed we should approach God in the same way. Instead of relying on our own merits, we rely on God's mercy.

This does not mean that our efforts are unimportant. We still strive to pray, to serve others, and to live the Gospel. But we do so knowing that our small acts are made fruitful by God's grace. As Thérèse taught, even the smallest act of love can have great value in God's eyes.

The wonder of empty hands is that they are ready to receive. Hands that cling tightly to their own achievements cannot easily accept God's gifts. Empty hands, however, are open to His mercy, His love, and His transforming grace.

As Carmelites, we are called to walk the path of prayer and friendship with God. Along that path, we will discover our weaknesses and limitations. St. Thérèse reminds us not to be discouraged. God does not ask us to come before Him with perfection. He asks us to come with trust.

Perhaps the greatest prayer we can make is simply this:

"Lord, I come before You with empty hands. Fill them with whatever You desire."

In the hands of God, emptiness becomes abundance, and weakness becomes a path to holiness.

Andolf is a retired professional, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a devoted Catholic husband. Though relatively new to the Lay Carmelites when this article was written, he quickly found a spiritual home in the Carmelite community.

by Andolf (1 year, Candidate)

After an extensive search and thorough investigation, we finally obtained Lourdes' contact information, and were able to join.

MC and I discovered what feels like the perfect community. I am truly honored to have such kind, generous, and spiritually grounded people as my brothers and sisters. From the very first meeting, I felt at home, and I couldn't be happier.  

I am incredibly grateful for my journey so far, learning something new each week. The community meetings and formation classes are the highlight of my month. The members of this community are remarkable, holy men and women who continually inspire me. As I mentioned earlier, I truly feel at home here. 

July 16: Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Each year on July 16, the Carmelite family throughout the world celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is a joyful feast that honors Mary as Mother, Patroness, and Sister on our journey of faith.

For many Catholics, this feast is closely associated with one of the most beloved sacramentals of the Church: the Brown Scapular.

The Brown Scapular is simple in appearance—two small pieces of brown cloth connected by cords and worn over the shoulders. Yet its spiritual meaning is profound. It is a visible sign of our desire to belong to Mary and to follow her Son, Jesus Christ.

The Scapular reminds us that the Christian life is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of living. Just as a garment covers the body, the Scapular symbolizes our desire to be "clothed" in Christ and to live according to the Gospel.

For Carmelites, the Scapular is also a sign of Mary's loving care for her children. Through it, we are reminded that she watches over us with a mother's concern and continually intercedes for us before God. We turn to her in confidence, asking her to present our needs to her Son and to obtain for us the graces we need to live faithfully as disciples of Christ.

It is important to remember that the Brown Scapular is not a good-luck charm or a guarantee of salvation. Rather, it is a sacramental of the Church—a sacred sign that disposes us to receive God's grace. Its value lies not in the cloth itself, but in the faith and commitment it represents.

To wear the Brown Scapular is to accept an invitation: an invitation to prayer, to conversion, and to a deeper relationship with Jesus through Mary. It is a daily reminder that we are called to live as disciples in the ordinary circumstances of life—at home, at work, and within our communities.

On this Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we give thanks for Mary's maternal love and for the gift of the Brown Scapular. Whether we have worn it for many years or are only beginning to learn about it, the Scapular points us to the same truth: Mary always leads us to her Son.

May Our Lady of Mount Carmel help us to live the Gospel with faith, hope, and love, and may she draw us ever closer to Jesus Christ.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Steve is an elementary school teacher and currently serves his second term as Community Director. He studied Religious Studies at the University of Toronto, earned a Certificate in Carmelite Studies from CIBI, and has shared his knowledge of Carmelite spirituality as a speaker at the last provincial convocation.

by Steve (11 years, Final Professed)

I always considered myself a faithful Catholic.  I went to Church every Sunday without fail and did my best to live a good Christian life.  However a few years ago I felt God was calling me to something more; that there was more to being Catholic than how I was living.  

One Sunday as I was sitting in Church I was browsing through the Parish bulletin and noticed an advertisement describing the Carmelite Third Order.  I felt a nudge inside to contact the Formation Director – Lourdes – who graciously invited me to their next Community Meeting.  After attending the meeting I was given the article “Nine Themes in Carmelite Spirituality” by Fr. Patrick McMahon, OCarm to read.  The idea that Carmelite Spirituality stresses the centrality of Christ, the Eucharist and the Sacred Scripture spoke to my heart and I knew this was something I needed to pursue further.  

It has been 11 years since I joined the Blessed Trinity Community and I feel blessed to be part of this wonderful group of people.  The graces I have received by learning and living Carmelite Spirituality are beyond measure.  I have grown in my relationship with God, deepened my prayer life through the practices of Lectio Divina and the Liturgy of the Hours and I have learnt to reflect on the different aspects of my life to discern where and how God has been present.  I have come to appreciate that becoming a faithful Catholic is something which takes a lifetime to achieve and requires openness to accepting God’s invitation to enter ever deeper into the mystery of God’s love.

"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:9)

Lectio divina [Latin, "divine reading"] is a prayerful way of encountering Christ through Sacred Scripture.

For centuries, Carmelites have used this method of prayer to deepen their friendship with God. Rather than studying the Bible for information, lectio divina invites us to listen for what God is saying to us personally.

1. Reading (Lectio)

Begin by choosing a short passage from Scripture. Read it slowly and attentively, ideally out loud. If a word or phrase catches your attention, pause and stay with it.

Ask yourself:

• What is happening in this passage?

• What word stands out?

Do not rush. Allow the Word of God to speak.

2. Reflecting (Meditatio)

Read the passage again and consider what God may be saying to you through these words.

Ask yourself:

• What touches my heart?

• How does this passage relate to my life today?

Listen with openness and trust.

3. Responding (Oratio)

Speak to God from your heart. Thank Him, praise Him, ask for help, or share your concerns.

This is not a formal prayer. Simply converse with God as a friend speaks with a friend.

4. Contemplating (Contemplatio)

Set aside words and remain quietly in God's presence. Allow His love to work within you.

There is nothing to achieve. Simply be with Him.

5. Acting (Actio)

Lectio divina does not end when the prayer period is over. Ask yourself:

• What is God inviting me to do?

• How can I live this Word today?

Carry the Scripture with you throughout the day.

Beginning Your Practice

You do not need a long period of time to pray lectio divina. Even fifteen minutes can be fruitful. Choose a quiet place, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, and open the Scriptures with a listening heart.

The goal is not to finish a passage or gain knowledge, but to encounter the living God. As we listen to His Word, we discover that He has been speaking to us all along.

April 16, 2026

Several times each year, members of the community gather for a Craft Night. These evenings provide an opportunity to enjoy fellowship, share stories, and create handcrafted items that support our Carmelite way of life.

Over the years, members have worked on a variety of projects, including hand-stitched leather covers for Christian Prayer books, heat-pressed community logos on shirts, sewn scapular pouches, leather key fobs, and simple prayer bracelets. Each project combines creativity with community, resulting in useful items that support prayer and daily life.

This February, our community undertook one of its most ambitious projects yet: Liturgical Candle Crucifixes.

The idea began with a desire to create a prayerful centerpiece suitable for personal devotion, home prayer spaces, and community gatherings. Pine was selected as the primary material, both because it has traditionally been associated with the wood used for crucifixes and because the scent of pine stimulates reflection and contemplation—an ideal choice for Lay Carmelites.

The project involved numerous steps. Members reviewed possible designs on our chat group before selecting a final version that would be both beautiful and practical. Pine boards were planed to the desired thickness and cut into strips for the cross and base. Holes were drilled to accommodate a vigil candle holder, and all pieces were carefully sanded before assembly.

The base and cross pieces were then glued together and stained. A corpus was attached to each cross, and custom 3D-printed Lay Carmelite logo medallions were added to the bottom of the cross. To reflect the liturgical year, interchangeable mats were prepared for the various liturgical seasons. Finally, each crucifix was fitted with an elegant glass vigil candle holder and a battery-powered candle.

As with every Craft Night, the project was about more than woodworking. While waiting for glue, stain, and finishes to dry, members enjoyed refreshments, exchanged stories, and strengthened friendships. The evening was filled with laughter, conversation, and the camaraderie that characterizes our community.

Several members chose to make multiple crucifixes to give as gifts to family and friends. One dark-brown stained crucifix has already found a permanent home at our monthly meetings, where it now serves as a focal point for prayer.

The Liturgical Candle Crucifix project was a wonderful example of how creativity, craftsmanship, prayer, and community can come together in the Carmelite spirit. We look forward to our next Craft Night and the opportunity to create something new together.

Daniel currently serves as Councillor 1 of our community. He previously served two terms as Community Director of Our Lady of Peace Lay Carmelite Community and two terms as Regional Formation Coordinator. He is a co-founder of the community. With a background in adult education, he has been involved in Lay Carmelite formation and leadership for many years.

by Daniel (33 years, Final Professed)

Hello, my name is Daniel.

I am blessed with a loving wife and two children, and I work as a data analyst. Last November, I quietly celebrated the 30th anniversary of my Final Profession as a Lay Carmelite—and no, I did not make my profession when I was twelve.

I first encountered the Lay Carmelites while discerning a possible vocation to religious life. My spiritual director sensed strong Carmelite leanings in my writing and lifestyle. Then, through Providence, a Lay Carmelite community from two cities away placed an invitation in my parish bulletin that very weekend. I attended a meeting, and from the moment I walked through the door, I recognized something deep and familiar. I knew I had found the place where God wanted me to walk.

One of the great lessons Carmel has taught me is humility. It may sound contradictory, but after all these years, I know less about the spiritual life than when I began. Prayer, community, and service continually reveal who I am, who God is, and how I am called to live in the world. Yet the more I learn, the more I discover how much remains beyond my understanding.

Carmel has also taught me about attachments. When I first entered formation, I imagined that spiritual growth would mean having fewer attachments. Instead, I became more aware of them. The closer I try to follow Christ, the more clearly I see the many things that compete for my attention and draw me away from God's will.

Perhaps the most unexpected lesson came from a Carmelite hermit who once told me: “You can do many good things, but unless they are God's will for you, they are not the best things.” Those words changed me. They taught me not to pursue every good opportunity, but to focus on the good things that God is specifically asking of me.

Carmel is an ancient path shaped by prophets, saints, and mystics, yet it is walked by ordinary people living ordinary lives. It is a journey of prayer, community, and service—a school of friendship with God in the midst of everyday life.

After more than thirty years, the Carmelite vocation remains one of the greatest blessings of my life. It continues to challenge me, teach me, and draw me closer to Christ. For those who long for a deeper relationship with God while remaining fully engaged in family, work, and society, it is a beautiful way of life.

Do you dread it when put on the spot to say a prayer at a meeting, retreat, or parish event? Dread no more! Borrowing the simple structure of the Collect can help.

address > past > present > future > we ask this

The Collect is an ancient liturgical prayer that collects the intentions of those gathered into a single prayer. 

1. Address

• Almighty God

• Heavenly Father

• O God

• Lord, Jesus Christ

2. Past: What God has done

• who called the prophet Elijah to Mount Carmel,

• who filled St. Thérèse with confidence in your mercy,

• whose love never fails,

3. Present: What we ask him to do now

• grant us the grace to persevere in prayer

• help us to listen attentively to your Word

• strengthen us in faith and charity

4. Future: Our hope

• that we may serve you more faithfully

• that we may bear witness to Christ in the world

• that we may grow in holiness each day

5. Conclusion: We ask this through Christ

• We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Putting It Together

Develop a collect for your personal prayer, grace before meals, or a meeting you are frequently asked to lead in prayer.

Sample for personal prayer:

(address) O God of Mary and Elijah,

(past) who speaks to his people through the Sacred Scriptures,

(present) grant us attentive hearts to hear your voice,

(future) that we may grow in friendship with Christ and faithfully live your Word each day.

(we ask this) We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sample for grace before meals:

(address) O God,

(past) who in your providence sustain all living things, 

and daily provide for the needs of your children,

(present) bless these gifts which we are about to receive from your bounty,

(future) that, strengthened by this food,

we may serve you faithfully

and come at last to the heavenly banquet you have prepared for your saints.

(we ask this) We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sample for a meeting:

(address) O God, source of all wisdom and charity,

(past) who have called your people together throughout the ages to seek your will and to build up your Church,

(present) be present among us as we gather in fellowship and prayer, that our discussions may be guided by your Spirit, our decisions shaped by your truth, and our hearts united in mutual respect and love,

(future) so that, strengthened by this time together, we may serve you more faithfully and bear lasting fruit for the good of your people and the glory of your name.

(we ask this) We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The beauty of the Collect lies in its simplicity. By following this ancient pattern, we join our voices to a tradition of prayer that has nourished the Church for centuries.