Carmelite Customs

[graciandelamadrededios]

photos of Italian Discalced Carmelite Nuns with wooden crosses on top of their scapulars:

 

 

 

 

Video of the Italian Discalced Carmelite Nuns with wooden crosses on top of their scapulars:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC1Ffo78lxw

 

 

The music is inappropriate but the quality of video is very good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[graciandelamadrededios]

photos of Austrian Discalced Carmelite Nuns with wooden crosses on top of their scapulars:

 

 

 

 

 

Sr. Aloysia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[VeniJesuAmorMi]

JM+JT

 

Praised be Jesus Christ! Now and forever.

 

I posted this in another thread, but the thread isn't around anymore, I purchased this book at a Carmelite monastery gift shop called, "Following the Path of Divine Love" by the Discalced Carmelites of Cerro de los Angeles and La Aldehuela Spain and it was translated into English by the Carmel in Buffalo NY. It just came out a year ago. It's about the life of Saint Mother Maravillas and about Carmel. (It can be bought at this website here: http://www.carmelite.org.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_SAINTS___BLESSEDS_OF_CARMEL_37.html ... it'll be somewhat expensive and shipped from the UK but I haven't found where else it can be purchased online.)

 

It is one of the best Carmelite books to read for one wanting to know more about Carmel and the customs (especially the Spanish customs.) Reverend Mother where I visited highly recommended for wanting to know more about life in Carmel it and it's really great. I just finished reading a chapter called "Our Life is a Very Good One" about the customs that are kept in Carmel throughout the year (what they do for feast days are beautiful and very touching) and letters from Mother Maravillas written to girls that were seeking entrance and the advise she gave them. If I have more time to spend on the computer sometime then maybe I could type up some of that chapter. Anyways, its a book to read for all those who are wanting to know more about Carmel and all of us with Carmelite hearts. :)

 

Edited June 4, 2013 by VeniJesuAmorMi

[OnlySunshine]

Have any of you ever read "Divine Intimacy" by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD?  A friend of mine entered the Buffalo Carmel and she told me, after her visit, that Mother Miriam said they read this.  It has daily meditations.  She said she purchased it for $25 or 35 for the full volume (hardback) in their gift shop which is a great deal considering it usually is $50 or more.  I really want to buy it because I love Fr. Gabriel's writings.  :)

[BarbTherese]

Oh no!  What did I do? 

 

Hahaha!  I feel like a complete idiot!

 

Welcome to Phatmass. :)

I wish I could help you and am hoping a member who knows more about Phatmass and computers than I do (my knowledge is not much at all) will post a reply or private message you and help you out - and perhaps some kind member has already done so.

 

  I have sometimes done the same as you did with no idea why it happened except that with me it is operator error and for me, not at all difficult to do on Phatmass - and I've been a member for a few years now.

 

Barb

[BarbTherese]

Have any of you ever read "Divine Intimacy" by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD?  A friend of mine entered the Buffalo Carmel and she told me, after her visit, that Mother Miriam said they read this.  It has daily meditations.  She said she purchased it for $25 or 35 for the full volume (hardback) in their gift shop which is a great deal considering it usually is $50 or more.  I really want to buy it because I love Fr. Gabriel's writings.  :)

 

I have read it, or read some of it, but quite some years ago now and don't remember anything about it and doubt I would have understood that much of it back then for sure anyway and possibly why it has vanished out of memory as to content.  The cover is quite familiar, as well as title and author.  I could only have borrowed it from somewhere or other as no way years ago could I afford to buy a copy - once over $25 - $30 books tended to be outside my budget reach.   Perhaps I bought a copy when married and in a better financial position.

 

The Amazon prices are totally alarming and in the hundreds of dollars, even for used copies - apparently due to the fact that it is out of print.  I wonder why it has gone out of print being a well known and read spiritual classic, and if it will be reprinted and bring those dreadful prices right down. .

 

I really hope you will be able to find a reasonably priced copy.

[Yaatee]

check out bookfinder.com

 

http://www.bookfinder.com/search/?ac=sl&st=sl&ref=bf_s2_a1_t1_1&qi=f9jGfoYAiWbDPawtELgFRHtC6ug_9920980129_1:1515:10106&bq=author%3Dfr%2520gabriel%26title%3Ddivine%2520intimacy%252C%2520vol%2E%25202

 

 

for "Divine Intimacy" in the title search box, I found offerings for vol.II and vol.4 from about 14.00 on up.

 

There were a lot of other books with "divine intimacy" in their titles which may be of interest.

 

I assume that this is the same "Divine Intimacy".

 

Bookfinder.com is great. It is a meta-search site. the only caveat is that you have to try multiple different approaches if our search doesn't come up. this is why I didn't use Fr. Gabriel's name in the search. It is complicated and may compromise the search.  The search engine isn't like google, where it can say "...do you mean"  (Is google alive?!)

 

 

[Chiquitunga]

bookfinder.com is great!! :like: Those shorter volumes of Divine Intimacy are a version of it re-arranged with the new/Ordinary Form calendar. I believe Buffalo Carmel probably still has copies of the old one volume leather version for $25. They have so many wonderful things in their little gift shop area for the lowest prices. They say they want to keep the prices low so more people can buy them and benefit from them spiritually :pray:

 

A number of Carmels read from DI before their mediation time every day. The JMJ Carmels even require those entering to bring their own personal copy when they enter.

[graciandelamadrededios]

Welcome to Phatmass. :)

I wish I could help you and am hoping a member who knows more about Phatmass and computers than I do (my knowledge is not much at all) will post a reply or private message you and help you out - and perhaps some kind member has already done so.

 

  I have sometimes done the same as you did with no idea why it happened except that with me it is operator error and for me, not at all difficult to do on Phatmass - and I've been a member for a few years now.

 

Barb

 

 

Thanks Barb!

 

I have done of mistakes here and I thank you all for your patience.

[graciandelamadrededios]

REGULAR CUSTOMS OF THE DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS TO SUPPLEMENT THE CONSTITUTIONS AND CEREMONIAL OF THE ORDER TAKEN FROM LES USAGES DES CARMELITES DECHAUSEES PUBLISHED BY THE DISCALCED CARMELITES OF MONTELIMAR, FRANCE   SIGNS

   

            In order to observe silence more perfectly, the Religious will make use of certain signs, to designate the most ordinary things.  This custom dates from the time of our holy Mother, St. Teresa, and has always been maintained in the House of our Order.  The signs will be made as intelligibly as possible, and the Religious will not invent new ones, which would cause distraction to those whom they address. 

 

            The Mother Prioress – Touch the Veil.

            The Mother Sub-Prioress – Touch the Toque.

            The Mistress of Novices – Touch the Scapular.

            The Calvaries – Make a sign as if writing.

            The Sacristan – Form a cross with the two forefingers.

            The Turn Sister – Form a circle in the palm of the left hand, with the forefinger

       of the right hand, as if to designate the Turn.

            The Provisor – Close the left hand.

            The Infirmarian – Bow the head and place the opened hands on the forehead.

            The Vestier – Make a sign as if sewing.

            The Cook – With the right hand, make a sign as if cutting something on the

                                 left hand.

            The Choir – Raise the hands as if in prayer.

            The Chapter Room – Strike the breast two or three times with the opened hand.

           

Dormitory – Make the sign of sleeping, which is to lean the head a little against

                                 the opened hand.

            Refectory – Make the sign as if for bread, namely, a circle by joining the ends of

                                 the thumbs and two forefingers.

            The Speak-Room – Make the sign of the Grate, which is, to place the fingers

                                                of one hand over those of the other, leaving an opening

                                                between.

            The Humble Office – Place the left hand on the breast.

           

The Large Veil – Pass the opened hand over the face and person,

                              as if covering it with a veil.

Scissors – With the index and middle fingers, make the motion of cutting.

A needle – Show a pin, and make with it the motion of sewing.

A cup – Turn the palm of the right hand upward, join the fingers and raise

               It to the mouth as if dinking.

A spoon – With the index and middle finger of the right hand, make a motion

                   as if taking something from the left.

A dish – Open both hands, and bring them together in concave form. 

Water – Make a movement as if pouring a vessel.

Milk – Touch the lips with the little finger.

Butter – Pass the forefinger of the right hand over the palm of the left,

               as if you were spreading something. 

            Eggs – Show a hand with the ends of the thumb and fingers joined.

            The Bell – Make the sign as if ringing.

            To ask the hour – Join the two little fingers.

            To answer – Show as many fingers as there are hours; for the quarter,

                                    With the forefinger of the right hand touch the first joint

                                    of the forefinger of the left hand; for the half hour, touch

                                    the first and second joints, and for the three quarters

                                    touch the three.

            To Beg Pardon – Incline the head and body with the eyes lowered and hands

                                           joined.

            To Indicate Silence – Make a cross on the lips with the right thumb. 

            To say that the silence Bell has rung – Make the sign of silence

                                                                                then of the ringing bell.

            Confession – Join the fingers of the right hand and strike the breast.

            Communion – Gently place the forefinger of the right hand on the end of

  the tongue.

            Holy Mass – Make the sign of the Cross, then join hands. 

            To say the Divine Office – Open the hands, as if you were opening a book.

            For the Office of Server – Make a motion as if you were carrying the

         Serving Board. 

 

[BarbTherese]

Thanks Barb!

 

I have done of mistakes here and I thank you all for your patience.

 

 

[VeniJesuAmorMi]

Have any of you ever read "Divine Intimacy" by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD?  A friend of mine entered the Buffalo Carmel and she told me, after her visit, that Mother Miriam said they read this.  It has daily meditations.  She said she purchased it for $25 or 35 for the full volume (hardback) in their gift shop which is a great deal considering it usually is $50 or more.  I really want to buy it because I love Fr. Gabriel's writings.  :)

 

I do have this. It's great to have before starting prayer. I wonder if you were to contact that monastery to buy one if they would send it to you? I don't know if this could be done? The cheapest I have found online as you said is $50. I have found it online at other places for so much more and its sad it can't be bought cheaper. I hope you can get this book, and that it won't be so expensive. :)

[VeniJesuAmorMi]

REGULAR CUSTOMS OF THE DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS

TO SUPPLEMENT THE CONSTITUTIONS AND CEREMONIAL OF THE ORDER

 

TAKEN FROM

 

LES USAGES DES CARMELITES DECHAUSEES

 

PUBLISHED BY THE

 

DISCALCED CARMELITES OF MONTELIMAR, FRANCE

 

 

 

SIGNS

 

   

            In order to observe silence more perfectly, the Religious will make use of certain signs, to designate the most ordinary things.  This custom dates from the time of our holy Mother, St. Teresa, and has always been maintained in the House of our Order.  The signs will be made as intelligibly as possible, and the Religious will not invent new ones, which would cause distraction to those whom they address. 

 

            The Mother Prioress – Touch the Veil.

            The Mother Sub-Prioress – Touch the Toque.

            The Mistress of Novices – Touch the Scapular.

            The Calvaries – Make a sign as if writing.

            The Sacristan – Form a cross with the two forefingers.

            The Turn Sister – Form a circle in the palm of the left hand, with the forefinger

       of the right hand, as if to designate the Turn.

            The Provisor – Close the left hand.

            The Infirmarian – Bow the head and place the opened hands on the forehead.

            The Vestier – Make a sign as if sewing.

            The Cook – With the right hand, make a sign as if cutting something on the

                                 left hand.

            The Choir – Raise the hands as if in prayer.

            The Chapter Room – Strike the breast two or three times with the opened hand.

           

Dormitory – Make the sign of sleeping, which is to lean the head a little against

                                 the opened hand.

            Refectory – Make the sign as if for bread, namely, a circle by joining the ends of

                                 the thumbs and two forefingers.

            The Speak-Room – Make the sign of the Grate, which is, to place the fingers

                                                of one hand over those of the other, leaving an opening

                                                between.

            The Humble Office – Place the left hand on the breast.

           

The Large Veil – Pass the opened hand over the face and person,

                              as if covering it with a veil.

Scissors – With the index and middle fingers, make the motion of cutting.

A needle – Show a pin, and make with it the motion of sewing.

A cup – Turn the palm of the right hand upward, join the fingers and raise

               It to the mouth as if dinking.

A spoon – With the index and middle finger of the right hand, make a motion

                   as if taking something from the left.

A dish – Open both hands, and bring them together in concave form. 

Water – Make a movement as if pouring a vessel.

Milk – Touch the lips with the little finger.

Butter – Pass the forefinger of the right hand over the palm of the left,

               as if you were spreading something. 

            Eggs – Show a hand with the ends of the thumb and fingers joined.

            The Bell – Make the sign as if ringing.

            To ask the hour – Join the two little fingers.

            To answer – Show as many fingers as there are hours; for the quarter,

                                    With the forefinger of the right hand touch the first joint

                                    of the forefinger of the left hand; for the half hour, touch

                                    the first and second joints, and for the three quarters

                                    touch the three.

            To Beg Pardon – Incline the head and body with the eyes lowered and hands

                                           joined.

            To Indicate Silence – Make a cross on the lips with the right thumb. 

            To say that the silence Bell has rung – Make the sign of silence

                                                                                then of the ringing bell.

            Confession – Join the fingers of the right hand and strike the breast.

            Communion – Gently place the forefinger of the right hand on the end of

  the tongue.

            Holy Mass – Make the sign of the Cross, then join hands. 

            To say the Divine Office – Open the hands, as if you were opening a book.

            For the Office of Server – Make a motion as if you were carrying the

         Serving Board. 

 

 

Nice list. Thanks for posting it.

 

When I entered a Carmelite monastery we had these kinds of signs for customs, but some were a bit different then what this list says. The ones that come to mind the most is the sign for Reverend Mother which was to pat the top of your head. Mother Sub-Prioress is a little sign of the cross on your forehead. Confession was the same as the sign for mea culpa (closed fist tapping the breast), the sign for asking permission or being told to turn on or off a light looked like blowing out a candle. You would put your index finger to your mouth and make that blowing out look with your lips. The only sign the postulants and novices could make to each other without permission, and it was the sign I think was most used by every Sister was for may God reward you. This was just using the index finger to the Sister (as if pointing up to God.) There are more I could share but it would sound confusing trying to type them!

 

A couple of funny stories to share:  When I first entered, I don't remember if it was the first day, but I did an act of charity for a Sister (I think it was that I just opened the door for her) and she turned around and held up her index finger and smiled (the sign for may God reward you) I didn't know what this meant at the time so I looked up wondering what she was pointing at.

 

Another one, a postulant was sitting in the Mass choir and Reverend Mother came in and signed for her to turn on the lights, as that was where she sits, so Mother made the sign to her (with her index finger to her lips like blowing out a candle look) Sister thought Mother was blowing kisses at her and thought "how sweet" not getting that Mother kept signing for her to turn on the light. We all got a laugh at this one at recreation! There were many times that this kind of sign language was misinterpreted and caused some funny stories to be told at recreation! :)

 

edit: fixing all of my spelling mistakes! :)

Edited June 5, 2013 by VeniJesuAmorMi

[graciandelamadrededios]

This list of signs is taken from a Pre-Vatican II Custom Book of a French Carmel.

 

Did you enter a Spanish line Carmel or French line Carmel?  That might account for the differences in signs.

 

Sorry, I need to edit as well! :saint2:

Edited June 5, 2013 by graciandelamadrededios

[VeniJesuAmorMi]

This custom if taken from a Pre-Vatican II Custom Book.

 

Did you enter a Spanish line Carmel or French line Carmel?  That might account for the differences in signs.

 

Hello graciandelamadrededios. :wave:

 

This Carmel is more Mexican than Spanish and so some of the customs are different (no French customs.)