New Liturgical Movement is pleased to make this announcement on behalf of the Carmelite sisters of Fairfield. Their noble project will be of great interest to many of our readers. Pray for God's blessings on their worthy endeavors.
A New Carmel
To continue and perpetuate the vital work of love in the heart of the Church, a new beautiful Monastery of Discalced Carmelite Nuns is being constructed (http://fairfieldcarmelites.org) in the quiet rural farmland of Fairfield, Pennsylvania. This beautiful new property will provide a fitting home for an interior blossoming of monastic life and will be ready to receive a constant stream of vocations zealous for God and His Church.
The Carmelite in the Heart of the Church
The Carmelite Nun is a consecrated bride of Christ who is called to give herself unreservedly to the work of her Divine Bridegroom: the salvation of the world. In union with the Savior and imitating the Blessed Virgin Mary, Carmelites are hidden away in the heart of the Church, beating day and night with the rhythm of continuous prayer and sacrifice, in order to bring the vital flow of divine grace to the other members of the Mystical Body of Christ. Like the heart concealed in the chest, behind grilles, turnstiles, and high enclosure walls, they joyfully pursue a life of prayer and sacrifice so that they might glorify and love God—even for those who do not—and make reparation for sin, obtain heavenly aid for the clergy, support the labors of missionaries, preserve the unity of families, and increase divine charity in all the faithful for their eternal benefit.
“The smallest act of pure love is of greater value in the eyes of God, and more profitable to the Church, than the greatest works.” (St. John of the Cross)
The new Carmel in Fairfield is a daughter of the vibrant and growing Carmels in Valparaiso, Nebraska and Elysburg, Pennsylvania. The Nuns pray the full traditional Divine Office and have the Traditional Latin Mass daily, which is open to the public.
Making History
This Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Fairfield is being built according to the traditional style of an original 16th Century Spanish monastery, not merely for its aesthetic value, but for the quality and integrity of religious observance that is fostered by the beauty and simplicity of traditional monastic architecture. As the Nuns draw from the riches of their Spanish Carmelite architectural heritage, this new monastery will also be built using traditional building methods. Thus, stone masonry, timber framing, slate, plaster, and reclaimed wood for flooring will be used to recreate the simple but edifying style of an original 16th Century Carmel, for a shining example of the beauty of the Catholic Religion and a testimony to the world of the glory of God.
Visitors to the Carmel will be able to be immersed in the graces of the prayer of Nuns, which reverberates within their cloister walls in the silence of holy contemplation, echoes in their devout recitation of the Divine Office, and resounds on high in the sublimest chant at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Furthermore, the contemplative religious brothers and priests of the Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the area will help provide the Sacraments to visitors and a place of hospitality in a guest and retreat house near the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, helping to make Fairfield, within driving distance of many Catholics on the East Coast, a center of prayerful retreat and spiritual refreshment for priests, religious, and the lay faithful coming from the region and around the country.
Going on now and until July 25th, 2018, a series of stone and timber framing workshops will be held by professional craftsmen from Europe to begin construction on some of the initial facilities for the Carmel. These and future workshops are aimed at cultivating a workforce comprised of both volunteers and professionals. No previous experience or training is required. Both volunteers and professionals are invited to participate and can gain new certifications through this project. There is no charge for the course, and those who are interested in registering may call the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at 570-672-2122 to learn more.
“Build the house: and it shall be acceptable to me, and I shall be glorified, saith the Lord.” (Haggai 1:8)
How You Can Help Make History
As these Carmelite Nuns offer their spiritual labors day and night for the eternal benefit of souls, this unique and historic work for Our Lord and Our Lady depends on the material support of the faithful in the construction of this house of God for generations to come. Organizations, families, and individuals are welcome to contribute or volunteer in a variety of ways in the construction and support of the Carmel, at any time of year. Also, your generous financial donation is much appreciated to realize in Fairfield a center of beautiful traditional liturgy for the enduring benefit of many souls. The St. Teresa of Jesus insisted to her religious daughters: “we live upon alms.”
For more information and to support this Carmel in making history, please visit http://fairfieldcarmelites.org. May God reward you!
