The Gift of Our Holy Father and Saint Angelus

Dear Lay Carmelites, 

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has passed onto the House of the Father on the Easter Monday of the Angel. 

Regina Caeli 

V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. 

R. For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia. 

V. Has risen, as He said, alleluia. 

As we mourn in hope, let our hearts pray for Pope Francis in gratitude for his beautiful model of the merciful Father, the simplicity of Christ and his life of service to our Catholic Church.

Let us also recall that on May 5th we celebrate the Feast of Saint Angelus. Here is a Carmelite shield of the  Ancient Observance in the image. The palm and the lily signify the first saints of the order: St. Angelus of  Sicily (signified by the palm of martyrdom) and St. Albert of Trapani (signified by the lily): 

Six pieces of spiritual armor are described in the rule of the Order; the cincture is the symbol of purity, indispensable for one who desires to reach the holy mountain of the vision of God:

"Blessed are the pure of  heart, for they shall see God".

The corselet which protects the vital parts of the body represents good thoughts:

"Holy thoughts will protect you".

The breastplate which covers the whole body represents justice, a well-regulated life, the observance of the commandments and duties of  daily life.  

The shield is faith; for a living faith is the best safeguard for the spiritual life. The helmet symbolizes hope,  confidence in God, which gives us the right to walk with freedom and confidence. Finally, the sword  indicates conversation with God which as a double edge blade comes to our aid and defends us in all our  difficulties.