Poverty, inequality, war, violence, AI, human trafficking, nuclear proliferation, crime, environmental degradation, where does it all end? Sometimes, like Private Fraser in ‘Dad’s Army’, I want to exclaim ‘We’re all doomed!’ That, however, is not the Carmelite way. I would much rather be inspired by the great 14th Century English mystic, Julian of Norwich, to hope that ‘All shall be well.’ Or, for that matter, try like Teresa of Avila to let ‘nothing disturb me.’ Our Carmelite charism of prayer, community and service to others is a contemplative one that motivates us to listen, and respond, to a wounded world. Living this charism takes us on a journey, or pilgrimage, of hope. The saints and mystics of Carmel teach us how to live this charism well. However, my favourite Carmelite role-models are not heavy-hitters, such as Teresa of Avila or John of the Cross, but the more humble Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, John of St. Samson and Blessed Angelo Paoli. None of these three have been declared official saints, but to me they represent great examples of prayer, community and service to others. They are a humble triumvirate that allow us to hope that we may ourselves respond to the universal call to holiness in these difficult times.
Brother Lawrence (OCD) (1614-1691) joined the Discalced Carmelites in Paris after a short military career and some time as a footman. Outwardly, his Carmelite vocation looked unremarkable. From joining the order until his death he worked firstly as a cook, and then as a sandal-maker. However, during this same period he made remarkable spiritual progress through what he termed ‘the practice of the presence of God.’ This entailed thinking about, and talking to, God throughout the day, no matter what circumstances he found himself in. This allowed him to view work as prayer, and to demonstrate how prayer and contemplation could be made more accessible to lay people. As someone who struggles with some of the more difficult teachings of John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, I find his simplified approach very refreshing.
John of St. Samson (O.Carm) (1571-1636) became blind from a childhood illness. He developed early interests in both music and mysticism. After some family bereavements, and a period of impoverishment in Paris, he joined the Carmelites in Dol, Brittany, as a lay brother. After an outbreak of plague, he remained in Dol to help look after the sick, and gained a reputation for caring and healing. John was later transferred to Rennes to help implement the ‘Reform of Touraine’, which was designed to return the Carmelite Order to a state of simplicity and observance. He remained there until his death in 1636.
Blessed Angelo Paoli (O.Carm) (1642-1720) was a Carmelite priest who spent the first part of his vocation in Tuscany, before being transferred to Rome where he worked for the rest of his life. He was a humble and prayerful man, best remembered for his dedication to the poor and sick. This is evidenced through his being known as ‘Father Charity’ in Tuscany and ‘Father of the Poor’ in Rome. He inspired others around him to care for the poor also. He was loyal to the people he ministered to, and declined opportunities for promotion, as this would have entailed him having to leave his flock.
These three holy men inspire great hope in me. They demonstrated faith and steadfastness in the face of very difficult conditions. They didn’t waver from their chosen paths, and led simple, prayerful and humble lives. They are still remembered for their modest achievements. My hope is also fuelled by The Rule of St. Albert which ensures continuity in the way Carmelites live out their lives. Perhaps, if we too tread a humble path, we may, like Elijah, hear the voice of God in the gentle breeze, and be spurred on to live lives of justice, peace and service to others. Hope helps sustain our faith, and our compassion towards all others. I will finish with a quote from Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection; ‘Everything is possible for one who believes, still more for one who hopes, even more for one who loves, and most of all who practices and perseveres in these three virtues’. [1]
Brendan O’Dea T.O.C.
[1] Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. Practice of the Presence of God. ICS Publications, 1994 in Carl McColman. The Little Book of Christian Mysticism. Broadleaf Books, 2018.
