Carmelite Vocation

Carmelites of Dumaguete

O.Carm

I asked Fr. Sulistya (https://twitter.com/#!/fshpocarm) about difference between an O.C.D. and O.Carm. 

Me: What's difference between O.C.D. and O.Carm?

Actually between O.Carm and OCD there is no differences. Both OCD and O.Carm are Carmelite. We use the same Rule (Saint Albert Rule), but we are using difference constitution. OCD is a member of Familia Carmelitana. OCD means : Ordo Carmelitarum Discalcetorum or bare feet Carmelite. They (OCD) became independent group in 16th century. At that time the rligious life was really bad (all orders and congregations). No wonder at that time a lot of good religious wanted to reform their religious life, for example Saint Peter Alcantara with the Fransiscan and Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross with the Carmelite.

Actually Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross had no intention of founding a new Order. They just wanted to reform the life Carmelite life. Anyway, their followers especially Nicholas oria and Jerome Gratia misinterpreted the intention of both of the Saints. So in 1590's Nicholas Doria declared to separate their group (OCD) as an independent Order. Actually the declaration OCD as a independent group happened after Saint Teresa and Saint John of the Cross passed away. Saint Teresa and Saint John still remain as O.Carm.

Both of us OCD and O.Carm right now become separate Order, but both of us still have strong conection in many aspecs, for example the liturgy of the hour, saints, Rule, spirituality and so on. Hopefully it'll make you clear about OCD and O.Carm. 

Fr. Francis Sulistya, O.Carm 

Where is the love?

"There is no commandment greater than these."

Mark 12:30-31

“You shall love"

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
~ 1 John 4:18

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 
~1 Corinthians 13:4 


Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
~ Proverbs 10:12

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
~1 John 4:7

Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
~1 Thessalonians 4:9

Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
~Romans 13:10

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
~John 13:35

"Love them anyway"

"Love is the most necessary of all virtues. Love in the person who preaches the word of God is like fire in a musket. If a person were to throw a bullet with his hands, he would hardly make a dent in anything; but if the person takes the same bullet and ignites some gunpowder behind it, it can kill. It is much the same with the word of God. If it is spoken by someone who is filled with the fire of charity- the fire of love of God and neighbor- it will work wonders."
~St. Anthony Mary Claret (from his autobiography).

"We can cure physical diseases with medicine but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more who are dying for a little love. Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So spread love everywhere you go."
~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

"Justice itself, and justice even more than any other divine perfection, seems to me to be clothed in love."

"I must anticipate the desires of others; show that we are much obliged, very honored to be able to render service. The good Lord wants me to forget myself in order to give pleasure to others."

“I know of no other means to reach perfection than by love. To love: how perfectly our hearts are made for this! Sometimes I look for another word to use, but, in this land of exile, no other word expresses so well the vibrations of our soul. Hence we must keep to that one word: love.”
~St Therese

When the soul asserts that the flame of love wounds it in its deepest center, it means that insofar as the Holy Spirit reaches its substance, power, and strength, he assails and wounds it.
~St. John of the Cross
"Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love? "
~Bishop Sheen

“Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.”
~St. Augustine

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Dear Lord:

Because love is patient:
Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen, hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage, remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind:
Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to smile and to say "Please" and "Thank You" because those little things still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud:
Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking:
Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When I'm tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there's a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs:
Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold onto a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth:
Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts:
Help me to be a refuge for those around me.When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love always perseveres:
Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. AMEN.

"Father Father Father help us 

Send some guidance from above

Cause people got me got me questioning 

Where is the love?"

~Black Eyed Peas

God LOVES You