Hesitant, sinful or maybe unwilling — and yet they are chosen, the Carmelite Nuns realize

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep. 19, 2012 - Are those in religious life holy because they have chosen a life which will bring them closest to God? Or does it happen that they are the ones who have been chosen – hesitant, sinful, and oftentimes unwilling? Speculate as much as you wish, but the answer can perhaps be found in speaking to members of religious communities themselves.

The Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Philadelphia consider the decision to enter religious life a calling. They have come to the religious life not because of their desires, but by the call of Jesus, who is Love incarnate. Because of this their vocation is for love alone. Jesus beckons us to seek his company, and waits for our answer. The nuns are the first to tell you that their vocation can hardly be thought of as an achievement of theirs. None of them could have merited it without the grace of God. The nuns firmly believe it is Jesus who calls for them, rather than them choosing Christ!

The calling is a gift

As one of the nuns describes it, each woman has been led by an interior pull. While there may be doubt at first, this pull turns into a desire to live the life of a Carmelite Nun. The vocation that each woman receives is a no more than a gift, and the call is a great honor. Called to a life of enclosure, austerity, and contemplative prayer, Christ's call to become a Carmelite Nun is one received with immense joy.

The Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Philadelphia recently launched a new website,  http://www.discalcedcarmelitesphila.org, from which this article was inspired. Be sure to watch the three new videos posted and learn more about this religious community. See their video, “The Call,” on YouTube at http://youtu.be/BsWXENFFvig.




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