The call to 'Have some sort of Work to do' : Carmel Rule 20.

As we celebrate the Feasts of St. Thérèse of the Infant Jesus and

the Holy Face and St. Teresa of Jesus this October, let us meditate

on the message of Pope Leo XIV to our Order in September at the

General Meeting in Indonesia:

“Indeed, the call to ‘have some sort of work to do’ (Carmelite

Rule, 20) holds profound significance in your ministry, inviting

you to embody Christ's loving gaze, which embraces each person

with mercy and tenderness.

Whether through preaching retreats, spiritual accompaniment,

parish work, or educating youth, I pray that the band of charity in

your communities bears witness to the gift of unity, especially in

those parts of society fractured by division and polarization.

With these sentiments, I entrust the General Chapter to the

intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, under whose mantle

you find protection and peace, and I cordially impart my

Apostolic Blessing to all in the Order as a pledge of wisdom, joy

and peace in the Lord.” --- From the Vatican, 5 August 2025.

Our Community lives the Carmelite Rule 20 “have some sort of work to

do” as demonstrated this last Memorial of our Lady of Sorrows by

providing catechesis of the Brown Scapular and enrollment in the

Confraternity of the Brown Scapular to all Catholics in the Rochester

Community. Three beautiful ladies were enrolled (see above image).

We are very grateful for Melissa who manages St. James Coffee. As your

Directress I’m very grateful for Deacon Randy and the Lay Carmelites in

our Community who participated witnessing their holy, prayerful

presence to our newly enrolled.