Recollection: October 2023

 

 

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE WITH VENERABLE MOTHER VERONICA

 

Points To Ponder

 

Mother Veronica had a gift of mystical prayers which made her increasingly humble and compassionate. She would pray increasingly for the Sisters in India, with whom she was in touch with correspondence.

Let us under the exemplary guidance of Mother Veronica, make prayer that is an intimate relationship with the Lord our priority. We pray for various needs such as: for our Congregation, for the poor, the sick, the needy, the lonely, those facing natural disasters, for peace in the world, for the old, for the orphans, for the dying, for the souls in purgatory and for all those who need our prayers. Mother Veronica would remind us, “Prayers with the concrete actions of lending a helping hand to the needy is the most pleasing prayer in the sight of the Lord.”

Mother Veronica’s heroic obedience to the will of God, her relationship with God, her helping nature, her deep faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, her loyalty to the Catholic Church, her commitment to the Holy Cross and her outstanding humility and zeal for the missions, her vision of education especially for the girl child is an inspiration to all those who wish to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

 

How To Find A Purpose for Oneself in Life

 

-Practise gratitude – count your blessings

-Turn your pain into purpose – let everything give glory to God

-Be a part of the Community – It is you who build the community

-Spend time with people who inspire you – Receive from others & share joyfully

-Have enough knowledge of your Constitutions/ Directives/Policies

-Read/Reflect the works of Carmelite Saints

-Regularly consult your spiritual guide

-Love the Sacraments, live them daily in your life

 

Imitate Jesus

 

-Obey and follow His Teachings—- Practising Gospel spirituality

-Follow His perfect example of complete obedience to God – Philippians Chapter 2

-Give loving and cheerful service to everyone – God loves a cheerful giver

-Study the life of Jesus – Know the story to re-tell it to others

-Love God and others – Choose humility

-Be prayerful – Be a person of relationship

-Practise obedience – Obedience is better than sacrifice

 

 

 

Imitate Mother Mary

-Complete obedience

-Humility

-Prayerfulness

-Stood by Jesus to the very end [Her Purpose in Life]

 

St. Teresa of Ávila, the guide for a purpose driven Carmelite living


            St. Teresa of Ávila, a prominent Spanish Carmelite nun, mystic, writer, and theologian of the 16th century. She is best known for her profound spiritual writings, including her autobiography “The Life” and her works on prayer and mysticism, such as “The Interior Castle” and “The Way of Perfection.” St. Teresa’s life was characterised by a strong sense of purpose driven by her deep religious faith and her desire for spiritual growth and reform within the Catholic Church.

Here are some key aspects of the purpose-driven life of St. Teresa of Ávila:

 

– Mystical Experiences: St. Teresa had a series of profound mystical experiences and visions that deepened her faith and motivated her to seek a more contemplative and intimate relationship with God. Her writings often reflect her encounters with the Divine.

 

– Reform of the Carmelite Order: St. Teresa was committed to reforming the Carmelite Order, which had become lax and worldly in its practices. She emphasised a more contemplative and austere way of life. Her purpose in reforming the Carmelites was to help members grow in holiness and return to the original spirit of the order.

 

– Prayer and Contemplation: St. Teresa placed a strong emphasis on prayer and contemplation as essential aspects of the Christian life. Her writings, particularly “The Way of Perfection” and “The Interior Castle,” provide guidance on how to deepen one’s prayer life and experience union with God.

 

– Writing and Teaching: St. Teresa’s purpose extended to sharing her spiritual insights and experiences with others. She wrote extensively to help, guide and instruct fellow nuns and lay people on their spiritual journeys. Her writings continue to be influential in the fields of mysticism and spirituality even today.

 

– Suffering and Perseverance: St. Teresa’s life was marked by physical and spiritual suffering, including illness and opposition from  within the Church/Congregation. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast in her purpose, seeing suffering as a means of purifying the soul and drawing closer to God.

 

– Holding on Christ and love for Sacraments: St. Teresa had a deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ, which was at the core of her purpose-driven life. She sought to imitate Christ’s life of prayer, humility, and self-sacrifice.

 

St. Teresa of Ávila’s purpose-driven life left a lasting legacy. As a Doctor of the Church, her writings continue to inspire and guide people in their spiritual journeys, emphasising the importance of a deep and personal relationship with God. St. Teresa of Ávila’s purpose-driven life was centered on her deep faith, mystical experiences, reform efforts within the Carmelite Order, devotion to prayer and contemplation, and her desire to help others grow in their spirituality. Her writings and teachings continue to inspire and guide people in their pursuit of a closer relationship with God.

 

                                          Purpose driven life of Mother Veronica

-To serve the poor

To nurse the sick

To be humble

To educate the child in India

Obedience

Prayerful life

Mother Veronica’s purpose driven life is very much in tune with the life and teachings of St.Teresa of Avila whose Feast is imminent.

Mother Veronica dressed as an adventurous woman breaking the shackles of tradition to search a place for a Convent

How can I re-live her purpose making it my own in the present times?

 

 

                                                Reflective Questions

 

* Do I pray regularly when I get up in the morning and before retiring to bed?

*  Am I a Jesus centred religious or a mobile centred one?

*   What is my first and last act of the day ?

* Am I selfless in my religious living? In what area I should make some more progress?

* Is joyful obedience the hallmark of my life?

* What is humility to me? Who is my role model for a life of humility?

* Humility without humiliation is not possible. How do I respond to not so happy situations of my life?

* Do I take up my cross joyfully and follow Jesus?

* What are my plans/vision to help the children other than those who come to my School /Community?

* What concrete steps we would like to take as a community to improve the conditions of the marginalised?

* Am I polite in my speech, attitudes and deeds?

* Am I a role model to others in the community especially to the Junior ones? Women empowerment should begin from my community

* Is evangelisation an integral part of my life?

* What is the level of my sincerity, will Jesus find any hypocrisy in me? Refer Psalm No. 138/139 (Where can I hide from Your Presence ?)

* What is my vision for the mission I have undertaken as a CCR?

 

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Mother of Carmel, and the Saints of Carmel, Pray for us.

Prayer Request and Enquiries





    Provinces

    CCR Generalate

    Superior General
    Sr. Molly Attully CCR
    CCR Generalate,
    All Saints’ Campus,
    Chackai P.O
    Thiruvananthapuram–695 007,
    Kerala, India

    St Therese’s Province

    Provincial Superior
    Sr. Lucy Mary CCR
    St. Therese’s Provincialate, House
    “Pushpadhara”, Kizhavoor,
    Mukhathala, P.O.
    Kollam-691577

    St Teresa’s Province

    Provincial Superior
    Sr. Wilma Mendes CCR
    St. Teresa’s Provincialate,
    Teresian Mansions,
    St. Teresas’Campus, S. V. Road
    Santacruz (W), Mumbai–400 054

    St Joseph Province

    Provincial Superior
    Sr. Jane Bavelil CCR
    St. Joseph’s Provincialate,
    Sachidanand Niwas
    Opp.Mahalakshmi Lawns
    Nagar Road, Aple Ghar Kharadi,
    Pune-411014


    © 2025 The Congregation of The Carmelite Religious. All Rights Reserved.

    Mother Mary Michael of the Redemption (1860-1926)

    Mother Michael was our first Mother General. Elected in 1908, this first architect of our Congregation, established her foundations with steadfast courage and great patience despite lack of personnel and funds, the first one at Anjengo (1916), the next at Santacruz (1922) followed by another at Neyyatinkara (1926) and the last one at Karwar (1926) where she was called to her heavenly abode. She was at the helm from 1908 to 1926.
    With a heart of gold, intrepid spirit and the virtue of a saint, Mother M. Michael proved herself a skilled captain steering the ship of the infant Congregation through stormy waters and safely to harbour, with firm faith and confidence in God. She had the satisfaction of seeing the Congregation firmly established.

    Every moment of her life was characterized by the spirit of humility, simplicity and charity to the poor, the sick and the orphaned. God accepted every sacrifice made by Mother M. Michael for the sake of the Congregation she loved so well and served so nobly – even the supreme sacrifice of dying and being interred far from her beloved daughters in Mangalore

    Rev. Mother Mary Archange of the Sacred Heart (1879-1944)

    Mother Archange, our second Mother General was trained by Mother Mary Elias of Jesus at Ypres in Belgium. Her great and loving heart was ever open to all and she devoted her life especially to the poor and needy in the missions in India. Concentrating on prayer and spirituality she used her talents in God’s service, to draw her Sisters nearer to God. The sentiments voiced by an English lady, D. H. Watts, an ex-student of Holy Angels’ School capture Mother’s beautiful personality. “With spiritual qualities she combined an intellect, disciplined by reading of the literature of more than one country, the intuition and receptivity of an accomplished musician and artist, a talent for organization and reaching straight to the heart of things and understanding our human frailty. Hers was the all- embracing charity, which Christ ranked above all other virtues.”
    An outstanding educationist, blessed with generosity and greatness of heart, she was also an ardent lover of nature. Her sincerity and straight-forwardness, her culture and refinement, her foresight and zeal, her love for the Church and the Congregation did much to lead the Sisters along the path of progress. Mother Archange was Mother General from 1926-1944.

    Rev. Mother Mary Louise of the Holy Angels (1882-1981)

    A towering personality, Mother M. Louise our third Mother General infused in her daughters a deep Carmelite Spirituality. Mother incessantly endeavoured to instill in her daughters, by example more than by precept, a love for prayer and the interior life even while engaged in the active apostolate of teaching, caring for the destitute and orphans.

    A good helmsman, Mother M. Louise was steadfast in spirit, sturdy of heart and steady of purpose, both spiritually and morally. Her virtue was genuine and truly heroic. The light of the Holy Spirit, a guiding star all through her life, infused into Mother prudence, tact and discretion.
    Mother’s term from 1944 to1975 was an era of expansion, progress and change for the Congregation. During her term the Congregation was declared a Pontifical Religious Institute in 1950 and the brown Carmelite habit was changed to white. The vestition ceremony was replaced by the Rite of Initiation into the Religious Life. Foundations increased in countries outside India.

    Rev. Mother Mary Angela of the Resurrection (1916 - 1995)

    Mother Angela, our fourth Mother General was a gracious and elegant person who steered the Congregation to great heights. As a leader, she was strikingly superior in every respect first as Secretary General, as Councillor and later as Mother General. With authority, fervent energy and an irresistible urge for perfection, she forged ahead, fostering unity and ensuring that the Sisters did their best.

    A pioneer in many ways Mother started a New Novitiate in Pune due to the increase in the number of Aspirants during her time. Sisters were sent abroad for studies. Twenty-three Convents were started both in India and outside. Mother offered the services of our Congregation to the International Church in Rome – Collegio Missionaries Internazionale San Paolo Apostolo. The All Saints’ College was her biggest enterprise in the field of education. The Congregation was divided into four Regions for better administration and support as it had grown considerably during her tenure. Regional delegates were appointed and the code of governance given.

    Her commanding personality impressed one and all. A tower of strength and spirituality, her kindness, generosity, beneficence and munificence was unparalleled. Seminarians, Institutions, hospitals, families, several spiritual and social enterprises like the Home for the Aged were funded by her and even strangers benefited. With her charming smile, polite demeanour and the softness and warmth of a mother, she endeared herself to everyone.

    Mother was at the helm for twenty years from 1975 to 1995. She was a beacon light to the coming generations, the dreamer and shaper of the Congregation’s destiny.

    Rev. Mother Mary Frances of Holy Mary (1946)

    Mother M. Frances, the fifth Mother General focused on development and renewal. She urged the sisters to update their knowledge in Theology, Biblical studies, academics and other professional courses. Her approach to renewal was to overhaul Formation and instill a deep Carmelite spirituality and love for the interior life even while being engaged in an active apostolate. Her simple, charming, humble and humane personality won the hearts of all who interacted with her. Her love for nature was phenomenal and she completely changed the landscape of All Saints’ College during her time as Principal. A seasoned orator she could hold an audience spellbound as she spoke. The highlights of her tenure were the shifting of the Generalate to the serene campus of the All-Saints’ College, organization of Provinces and the Revision of the Constitutions and Directives. Though faced with many challenges, Mother Frances forged ahead valiantly to open new convents in Assam, the United States of America and Africa.

    Rev. Mother Mary Elma (1952)

    Mother Mary Elma, the sixth Mother General, with deep faith and trust in God, accepted the role of Superior General, knowing that He who chose her would guide her all through. She worked zealously and sincerely for strengthening and developing the existing institutions. Prior to this Sister Elma was in the Formation team and thereafter she was elected Provincial of the Kerala Province. In her early days she was sent to Africa, where she worked whole heartedly in that mission. She was very sensitive to the needs and did her best to keep the boys cheerful and happy.

    Soft spoken, calm and serene, with her gentle smile and sparkling wit, she added joy to the sisters on her rounds to the various convents, advising them to use freedom with responsibility.

    Sr. M. Elma forged ahead with great fidelity to duty, firm in the assurance that God watched over her, leading her to guide the Congregation to green pastures.

    Rev. Mother Mary Frances of Holy Mary (re - elected in May 2017)

    A golden jubilarian in her religious life Mother M. Frances, the seventh Mother General bears the stamp of a sagacious, enterprising and dynamic leader. An astute visionary, an amazing organizer, a prayerful guide blessed with wisdom, prudence and efficiency beyond her years, her tenure marks the significant growth of the Congregation. She began her apostolate as a Professor in English at All Saints’ College, Trivandrum, teaching students at the UG and PG levels, instilling in them a love for the language. A gifted educator, her inspiring presence touched numerous young minds. As Principal in the same prestigious Institution, she renewed the infrastructure and led the Institution to lofty heights of excellence in academics and extra-curricular activities. From sandy dunes to a beautiful clean verdant paradise, the astounding transformation of the campus bears testimony to Mother’s ingrained love for nature and a deep concern for the ecology. Today as its Corporate Manager, she spearheads the move to revamp and re-energise the Institution in its march towards the future.

    As Superior General for two and a half terms from 1996-2011, she shepherded the Congregation through its transitional phase which witnessed the decentralisation of power and the formation of Provinces. Blessed with innate humanity, a responsive heart, golden eloquence and wide contacts Mother is well known and loved. Re-elected in 2017, she leads the Congregation into the future, bestowed with grace, turning vision into reality.

    Sr Molly Attully CCR

    Superior General

    An endearing personality blessed with a compassionate heart, Sr. Molly touched the lives of many as a Teacher and Head of Institutions in
    • Maria Assumpta Convent, Kashipur
    • Queen of Angels Convent H.S.S, Baruch, Gujarat.
    • Sacred Heart Convent H.S.S Mathura, U.P.
    • Lecturer in St. Teresa’s Institute of Education, Mumbai.
    • Holy Angels Convent H.S.S Trivandrum.
    • Elected General Councillor for Education and Mission in 2011
    • Re-elected as in 2017 as Assistant Superior General and was in charge of Spirituality and ongoing Formation.
    • In 2023 elected as the Superior General.

    Sr Paulina I V CCR

    General Councillor of Formation and Vocation Promotion

    – Served as a Teacher, Headmistress and Animator.

    – Councillor to the Provincial of St. Joseph’s Province, Pune from 2014- 2017.

    – Vocation Promotor and Formator of St. Joseph’s Province, Pune.

    – In 2023 elected as the General Councillor for Formation.

    Sr Mary M M CCR

    General Councillor of of Finance

    – Served as a Teacher, Headmistress and Animator of Communities.

    – Provincial Councillor of St. Therese’s Province, Kerala for Education and Mission from 2008- 2011.

    – Elected as the Provincial Superior of St. Therese’s Province, Kerala from 2011- 2017.

    – In 2017 elected as the General Councillor and in 2023 re-elected as the General Councillor for Finance.

    Sr Clare D’Souza CCR

    General Councillor of Education and Social Apostolate

    – Served as a Teacher and Principal.

    – Provincial Councillor of St. Teresa’s Province, Mumbai from 2006 – 2014.

    – Provincial Superior for the St. Teresa’s Province, Mumbai from 2014- 2021.

    – Elected as the 2nd General Councillor in 2023.

    Sr Philda Varghese CCR

    General Councillor of Spirituality and Ongoing Formation

    – Served as a Teacher, Assistant Headmistress and Animator of the community.

    – Assistant Provincial of St. Joseph’s Province, Pune from 2014- 2017.

    – Provincial Superior of St. Joseph’s Province, Pune from 2017- 2023.

    – In 2023 elected as the Assistant Superior General.

    Sr Mary Carmel CCR

    Secretary General

    Served as a teacher in:

    • Infant Jesus Convent ISC School, Murukkumpuzha, Kerala.
    • Rosa Mystica Convent School, Kamalapuram, Telangana.
    • St. Teresa’s Secondary School, Mbooni, Kenya, East Africa.
    • Tassia Catholic Primary and Nursery School, Nairobi, Kenya.

    Assistant Headmistress at Tassia Catholic Primary and Nursery School, Nairobi, Kenya.

    Animator at Little Flower Convent, Nairobi, Kenya.

    Appointed as General Secretary in 2023.

    Sr Teresa Joseph CCR

    Bursar General

    Primary Teacher & Office Administrator,

    St. Paul’s Convent School, Dadar

    Assistant Teacher:

    • St. Joseph’s Convent High School, Jalgaon (1996 – 1998)
    • St. Joseph’s Convent High School, Khadki, Pune (1998 – 2007)

    Secretary to the Provincial Superior (2007 – 2008)

    Provincial Councillor in charge of Finance (2008 – 2014)

    Principal, St. Joseph’s Convent High School, Khadki (2010 – 2022)

    Provincial Bursar (2014 – 2017)

    Animator – in Wagholi for one year. 2022- 2023

    General Bursar (2023 – Present)