Baton Rouge Carmelites, OCDS

This Sunday, April 12 is our Baton Rouge Discalced Carmelite seculars meeting. Our special guest will be Bishop Duca. Come check out our community and hear the bishop’s talk.
Carmel might be for you if you long for a deeper prayer life, closer union with God and are married, single or a diocesan priest. You are most welcome and there is no obligation. Come see us this Sunday at 1 pm in the parish activity center at Our Lady of Mercy parish. Become a member of the Order of so many amazing Saints, and three Doctors of the Church!

**A Contrite and Humble Heart**
_**Saint Mariam of Jesus Crucified on falling, hope, and Psalm 51**_

**Everything passes on this earth.**

Thank you, my God—how good it is to fall a thousand times in order to say to you two thousand times: I hope in you. Lord, you alone are my strength. See my weakness, my misery, my malice. Thank you for letting me know and feel what I am. I prefer that to miracles; it is better for me. I would like everyone to see me fall. Oh, poor proud one that I am—where shall pride find its nourishment? Lord, once again, thank you.

My God, give me a contrite and humbled heart in order to love you; an upright and steadfast spirit to think always of you; a strong and generous body, and patience to serve you.

My God, give me a contrite and humbled heart… There it is—the Miserere, the prayer I love.

— Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified (Mariam Baouardy)

St Therese, pray for your Carmelite family this Lent…and always. 🙏🌹

Ash Wednesday.

“Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.”

Today the Church places ashes upon our foreheads, not to shame us, but to awaken us. To remind us that this passing world is not our home, and that love alone will endure.

Saint Thérèse teaches us that penance is not always great outward austerity. It is the hidden sacrifice. The gentle surrender. The small act offered with trust.

An ash cross upon the brow.
A crucifix held close to the heart.
A single rose given back to God.

Let this Lent be simple. Let it be faithful. Let it be offered.

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, teach us the Little Way of repentance and love.