I am a secular Carmelite with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Community in Detroit, Michigan. I made my Definitive Promise on March 3, 2012, taking the name Diane Marie of the Eucharist. I served as Formation Director from 2017 to 2020.
This is a personal, online journal. All opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own, and do not necessarily reflect those of my community, the Washington Province, or the Order of Discalced Carmelites.
Our scriptures for today seem to be simple lessons at first hearing, but they contain deep mysteries that should not elude us. They concern the hidden side of our life with Christ: in contemplative prayer, and in suffering.
Fighting with love and charity doesn’t mean saying nothing at all or being a wall-flower in the face of error or spiritual immaturity. This kind of fight takes something more than physical and emotional strength – it takes spiritual strength which can only come when the soul is centered in the love of Christ. Spiritual strength is given, it is not obtained by any merit.
Life is filled with unexpected journeys, and they happen in the spiritual life. Writing is a passion, and one that helps me to think through life, especially my life as a Catholic.