When we arrived in the Diocese of Brooklyn, 16 years ago, to begin this foundation, we were given a property which had a former Franciscan Monastery on it, for our use, with the understanding that if we ever left, the property would return to the Diocese without any revenue given to our Community (in spite of any renovations which we might have to make ,and have made,on the existing structure.)
Now that we are unable to find another suitable place to relocate within the Diocese of Brooklyn, but a beautiful property has been donated to us by a generous family in the Diocese of Scranton, we find ourselves without any means to build! And this is where we need your help.
Many people are interested in bequeathing their money to their Alma Mater’s or other popular charities. However, there could be no better way to make an investment toward eternal life than helping to build a Monastery where God might be glorified through the beautiful traditional Latin Liturgy, and where you will be perpetually remembered in the Masses, prayers and sacrifices of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, as a benefactor of the Community. Even after you have died, and the rest of the world has forgotten about you...these Carmelites will not forget and continuous prayers will be offered for your soul which may be greatly in need of these graces in order to be freed from Purgatory and to enter Heaven. Helping to found a Monastery is a true investment that will always yeild interest - for eternity!
The letter of St. James tells us that “whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”(James 5:20) Just think of the souls that are saved by the prayers and Masses offered up in a Carmelite Monastery, and these souls will one day be able to thank you for making a Carmelite Monastery possible where these prayers could be offered. Hence, you too can help to bring back sinners from the error of their ways and hope, by the mercy of God to cover a multitude of sins by your charity. When Our Lady appeared at Fatima, she told the three shepherd children, “pray much and offer many sacrifices; there are many souls who go to Hell because there is no one to pray and offer sacrifices for them.” We want to heed Jesus and Mary’s plea for the salvation of souls, and you too can be a part of this work by enabling us to continue our contemplative presence on their behalf.
It is recorded in the Book of the Foundations, of Our Holy Mother St. Teresa of Avila, foundress of many Carmels, that she had visions of what great glory was given to God through the benefactors who helped to build her Carmelite Monasteries, and how useful such a work was for the Church. She also saw what great benefits were given to those who generously contributed to build her Carmels, and the countless graces which they received from using their means to advance the founding of a Contemplative Monastery. One particular man who had the misfortune to die in mortal sin, was saved by what He did to purchase a property for a Monastery, and his soul was released from Purgatory on the day when the first Mass was offered in the new Carmel.
You can contribute to the sanctification of priests, which is the main aim which Our Holy Mother St. Teresa of Jesus had in beginning the strict Carmelite Reform, bringing back the Primitive Rule and writing Constitutions for her daughters. She reformed the Carmelite Nuns, moved by an apostolic impetus, to give aid to the apostles who were on the front lines, especially through her and her daughter’s faithful observance of the Evangelical Counsels. She wrote, “though enclosed, we fight!” How we need holy priests during this time of crisis in the Church and if these poor Carmelites can continue to be “love in the Heart of the Church”, we hope by the mercy and goodness of God, that with your help, together, we can contribute to a harvest of holy and valiant laborers.
Considering the generous gift of property which we have already received, and with our plans for the future Carmel in the making, will you help us take the next step of building a Monastery which will contribute so much to God’s glory, the greater good of the Church and the salvation of souls? We hope to hear a resounding yes! If the Holy Spirit touches your heart, and you think that Our Lord may be moving you to help us, we hope to hear from you!