CARMEL OF JESUS, MARY, AND
JOSEPH
Discalced Carmelites
Valparaiso, Nebraska
NOTE: These webpages brought to you by the Las Vegas Marian Information Center.
With gratitude to the Discalced Carmelites for allowing us to share their photographs
on the construction of the Monastery of the Carmel.
Please link here to contact us re: this Center. Thank you.
+JMJ
April 17, 2001
Solemnity of Easter
Praised be Jesus Christ!
We hope you all had a happy and blessed Easter. We sure did here in Nebraska. This was the first time that we have been able to attend the Easter Triduum with the Sisters. Last year we had commitments with our local parish and weren't able to attend. This year, however, we were able to attend all Holy Week Masses with the Sisters. What a blessing! It is a privilege that we thank God for everyday.
We also thank God for the "miraculous" healing of Madrecita. Her health has improved dramatically during the past 2 weeks. She is no longer on oxygen. She is no longer confined to a hospital bed. Her blood pressure and pulse are normal. She attends Mass in the choir with the Sisters and we could hear her voice loud and clear. Thank you Lord for hearing our prayers and thanks to all of you for the many prayers offered for Madrecita.
During the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening we celebrated our Lord's resurrection with bells and alarms and flashing lights and horns ...(the incense was a little too much for the small temporary chapel, and it set off the smoke alarms. Strobe lights and shrieking alarms!) Sr. Perpetua raced into the public side of the chapel to disable the alarms, while I ran into Rev. Mother's office to call the security company. Sister's security system is tied directly in to the 911 system. If an alarm sounds, we have 2 minutes to call them and let them know it's a false alarm otherwise it automatically sends the fire department. All during the commotion, Msgr. Thorburn and the rest of the Sisters maintained their composure and never flinched. Mass continued on as if nothing ever happened.
A lot has been happening with the Monastery. The north wing which consists of the Novitiate and some of the Professed cells is nearly complete. The tile floors have been put down and electrical fixtures will be installed soon. The concrete walls for the Novice's Oratory (to the left of the dome) are done. They have been working on the two bell towers also. The concrete walkways in the Cloister Walk are nearly complete. Electrical work continues in the south wing which consists of the Kitchen, Refectory, Recreation Room, Library, Offices, etc. The walk-in cooler and freezer were installed last week in the kitchen.
Keep in mind that the Sisters are making a retreat this week. They are not taking phone calls or visitors until next week. Rev. Mother wanted me to let you know that they are keeping all of you in their prayers.
Pax Domine sit semper vobiscum,
Bob & Susan