Dear Mother,

      I just wrote this reflection and included it in my current bulletin article. God bless, and I will see you tomorrow.

My reflection:

“When I accepted the opportunity to offer Mass for the Carmelites a couple years ago, I knew what a privilege that was, but also that it would be a sacrifice to make that drive each week. Of course, at the heart of that choice is to give glory to God through the Sacrifice of the Mass, and to serve the Sisters who do so much for us priests and for the diocese, although their work is hidden from the world.

As I reflect on those months of walking into the cloister and offering Mass and preaching, the feeling of the sacredness of that place will never leave me. At first, I had the feeling that I was walking into a place that I did not belong, going through a door that is normally locked, down a hallway that I had not seen before, the view of the yard in the back of the cloister, and finally, the close proximity of the Sisters during the Mass. That sense never left me as the months went on, but my own appreciation of the monastic life only grew.

I believe there is a part of the priest’s soul that longs for the cloister, that longs for intimacy with the Heart of God that can be found in the “beautiful garden” of a monastic life. Yet, in my case, the priest must live in the world, with all its cares and responsibilities, while forming that “garden” in his soul through his prayer and devotion, most especially through his deep encounter with our Eucharistic Lord.

My time of offering the Mass in the cloister at Carmel allowed me to catch a glimpse of their beautiful life and the privilege to which God has called them. I know that my priesthood and my ministry greatly benefit from that time. I am so grateful to have shared that with them for those months.

My Sisters, by assured of my daily prayers you all!”
Fr. Anthony