Apostolate

of the Little Flower Vol. 84 No. 2 Summer 2016

2

EDITOR

Fr. Luis Gerardo Belmonte-Luna, O.C.D.

CO-EDITOR

Cheyenne Raine Cisneros

PUBLISHER

Basilica of the National Shrine of

the Little Flower

ADMINISTRATOR

Gloria Acosta

PICTURES

Carlos Ramirez

Apostolate of the Little Flower ISSN (1049-

9520) is published quarterly by the Discalced

Carmelites of the Province of Saint Thérèse, lo-

cated at 906 Kentucky Ave, San Antonio, Texas,

78201.

Business and Editorial Offices:

824 Kentucky Ave

San Antonio, Texas, 78201.

Accounting and Circulation Offices:

Discalced Carmelites of the Province of St. Thérèse

906 Kentucky Ave

San Antonio, Texas, 78201.

Apostolate of the Little Flower is a non-profit

Publication whose purpose is to spread devotion to

Saint Thérèse and to assist the Discalced Carmelite

Friars in their various ministries. Call (210) 735-

9126 to subscribe.

Postmaster:

Send address changes to

P.O. Box 5280

San Antonio, Texas 78201

All writers , consultants, and staff contribute to

this magazine on a volunteer basis and receive no

remuneration for their services except for the

editor. Free-lance articles are accepted in accord

with this genre of publication. Unsigned articles

are attributable to the editor.

All photographs of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

and Holy Face, OCD are used with the permis-

sion of the Office Central, Lisieux, France.

Contents:

The Solemnity of Our Lady

of Mt. Carmel

Homily by Fr. Emmanuel Nnadozie, OCDS

4

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel:

The mother of interior life

5

Mary, the little cloud rising from

heaven, the mother of grace

6

Our response to god

through Mary

7

The brown scapular of

our lady of mt. carmel

By Ezequiel L. Machado, OCDS, MTS

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Discalced Carmelite fathers

Provincial assembly 2016

10

History and Description of the

Basilica of the National Shrine of

the Little Flower

11

Pilgrimage to Mission San JosÉ

By Marina Pastraña

12

La Experiencia de La Misericordia

en las teresas

15

Pilgrimage to the little flower ba-

silica during the year of mercy

16

Decree given by the Holy See 17

Canonization of blessed Elizabeth

of the holy trinity

18

3

From the Desk of the Editor

Dearest readers of the Little Flower Magazine,

Once again ,your support and donations make the existence of our Little Flower Magazine

possible. Many of you have sent us your prayer requests and have expressed your devout

devotion to our beloved Saint Thérèse, whose Feast Day we will celebrate on October 1st.

Be sure of our prayers before her for you and your intentions. In this issue, you will find a

form to submit your intentions during the Novena in her honor.

Saint Thérèse has blessed us in many ways and she continues her mission by sending us a

shower of roses of benedictions.

Fraternally with my love and blessing,

Rev. Fr. Luis Gerardo Belmonte-Luna, O.C.D.

4

THE SOLEMNITY OF

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

Homily by Fr. Emmanuel Nnadozie, O.C.D.

on July 16, 2016 at the Basilica

1 Kings 18:42-45, Galatians 4:4-7,

and John 19:25-27.

FIRST READING

And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” So Ahab went up

to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth

and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he

went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. And at the seventh

time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to

Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’” And in a little while the heavens grew

black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 1Ki 18:41-45

SECOND READING

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem

those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has

sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and

if a son, then an heir through God. Gal 4:4-7

GOSPEL READING

So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister,

Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved

standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold,

your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. Jn 19:24-27

INTRODUCTION

Today, we celebrate the central feast of the entire Carmelite Family throughout the world (the Carmelites of

the Ancient Observance, the Discalced Carmelites, the friars, the nuns, and the Secular Order Carmelites). We

celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This title “Our Lady of Mount Carmel” is given to

Mary in her role as patroness of the Carmelite Order. When the early Carmelites established themselves on

Mt. Carmel, they built an oratory there in honor of Our Lady, whom they chose as their titular and patroness.

It was precisely towards the end of the twelfth century A.D. that this group of hermits gathered at Mount Car-

mel, near the spring of Elijah, and set up their abode in this place marked by the Elian spirit, where the

Prophet Elijah defended the purity of Israel’s faith in the living God. These hermits called themselves “the

Brothers of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel.” Their choice of Mount Carmel, apart from its connection with the

Prophet Elijah, had also to do with the fact that this stretch of hills located on the outskirts of today’s city of

Haifa, commemorated in Sacred Scripture for its beauty, reflects the splendor, the beauty, the spiritual fruit-

fulness, and above all, the tranquility and inward contemplative serenity of our Lady.

On a day like this, we remember and pray for all Carmelites throughout the world beginning from the Gener-

als of the twin Order, to all our Definitors and Provincial Superiors, especially our own Provincial Fr. Luis

Castaneda, OCD. We remember and pray for our friars, nuns and Secular Order members. We pray, also, for

our benefactors and benefactresses, our associates and parishioners and their families, and all those who aid us

in our life and ministry. It is our privilege, on this occasion, to remember our departed members, friars, nuns

and members of the Secular Order.

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OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL:

THE MOTHER OF INTERIOR LIFE

Traditionally, this Feast affords us a yearly opportunity, as an Institute in

the Church, to thank God immensely for the special presence and inspira-

tion of our Lady in the Order of Carmel as our Mother, our Patroness, and

our Sister. As a solemn feast, it was first celebrated in England in the later

part of the 14th century. Its intent, then, was to thank Mary, the patroness of

the Carmelite Order, for the benefits she had accorded to it through its

rocky early existence. The institution of the feast would have come in the

wake of the vindication of the title "Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary" at

Cambridge, England in 1374.

The Queen Beauty of Carmel is both Mother and Sister. As Mother, we re-

vere her with filial piety and devotion for her maternal solicitude over us.

She is the One who in the fullness of time gave us the Savior of the world,

and in that way opened for us the door to salvation as St. Mary Magdalene

de Pazzi would describe her. St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus tells us that in

her concern over us she is more of a Mother than a Queen. It was to her

care, as mother, that the dying Lord, while hanging on the Cross, gave the beloved disciple: “Behold your

mother.” “And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” Such a disciple we are all called to be.

As Sister, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is our closest companion on the journey of discipleship of the Lord. She

is herself, the first disciple and follower of the Lord. Her interior life of prayer, meditation and service gives

us inspiration for our way of life. Her intimate commun-

ion with God, her extraordinary insight into the ways of

God, her prophetic intuition and her loving penetration of

divine mysteries points the way and models our contem-

plative vocation. The Gospels present her as a woman of

faith immersed in prayer, listening and pondering over

the Word of God: at the scene of the annunciation by the

angel; at the visitation of her cousin Elizabeth; at the

birth of Jesus; at the dedication of Jesus in the Temple; at

the finding of Jesus in the Temple; at the Marriage Feast

at Cana in Galilee; at the Foot of the Cross; in the Ce-

nacle gathered with the disciples of her Son – Mary is

always found in prayer, listening and meditating on the

Word of God, treasuring it all in her heart, and responding with songs of thanks and praise, and fruitful service

to God and humanity. In her prayerful disposition, we see a sister, a living ideal and a friendly associate to our

own kind of call to discipleship of the Lord, a close support

to our Charism in the Church. Because of this Carmel is

totally Marian. As a Carmelite Family, we believe that the

heart of our way of life - whether we are friars, enclosed

nuns, apostolic sisters, laity, or hermits - is contemplation.

We see in the Blessed Virgin Mary a perfect model of this

interior life of prayer and contemplation to which we as-

pire, a model of virtue, as well as the person who was clos-

est in life to Jesus Christ. Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magda-

lene de' Pazzi, OCD, a revered authority on Carmelite spiri-

tuality, wrote that devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

means: A special call to the interior life, which is preemi-

nently a Marian life.

6

MARY, THE LITTLE CLOUD RISING FROM HEAVEN,

THE MOTHER OF GRACE

All of us can also identify with the Blessed Virgin Mary, because she is truly the joy, the glory and the highest

honor of our race, venerated not only by the Carmelites, but also by the faithful of all races throughout the

world, as the Mother of Grace. Her

cult under this title remotely started

from the Orient where the Carmelite

tradition saw her in the image of the

little white cloud rising from the sea

(in the 1st Reading) while Elijah

prayed to God to end the long last-

ing drought. In this tiny cloud as

small as a man’s hand, coming up

from the sea, which quickly covered

the sky with thick clouds and wind

carrying heavy rain, we contemplate

the figure of the Virgin Mary, who

giving the world its Savior, became

the bearer of the living water of di-

vine grace for a world plunged in spiritual drought. In the season of Advent, the Church echoing this mystical

grace sings: “Rain down, O Heavens from above, and let the clouds pour down righteousness; let the earth

open up, and Salvation bear fruit, and righteousness spring up with it” (Is 45:8). The mystic cloud which

rains down the Just One, and pours down righteousness, is no other than the Blessed Virgin Mary, who

through the grace granted her by God Himself, became the Mother of Divine Grace. Later, in the 17th century,

the Carmelites of Vienna would promote the devotion to our Lady, Mother of Grace, due to graces received

from her under this title.

In celebrating her feast, we, her devotees apply to her the song of the Prophet Isaiah: “I will rejoice greatly in

the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped

me with a mantle of righteousness” (Is. 61:10). These words which

resemble those of the “Magnificat”, aptly express the recognition

of the privileges with which God has adorned the Virgin Mary, pre-

paring her to be the Mother of His Divine Son. Thus, from her shall

spring up, as from a beautiful garden, the seed of justice, who is

Jesus, “who has become for us our justice, our sanctification and

our redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30).

The Blessed Virgin Mary does not jealously guard for herself alone

these gifts she has received from God. She shares them with all hu-

manity. She shares the gift of her son for our salvation. She wishes

to clothe all her children with the garment of salvation with which

she has been adorned i.e. with the grace of sanctity merited by her

Son. And this is the significance of the use of the Brown Habit and

the Brown Scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel. Since the 15th

century, the Scapular devotion has grown and increased amongst

the faithful. This sacramental is associated with our Lady’s moth-

erly solicitude over her children, wishing them to attain salvation

by making use of the graces won for them by her Divine Son.

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OUR RESPONSE TO

GOD THROUGH

MARY

When we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary,

we are full of gratitude to God who endowed

her with such exquisite blessings that none

other has ever received in all of creation. We

are also thankful to Mary for her unsurpassed

fidelity to God, her maternal solicitude to-

wards us. We join the multitude of genera-

tions who, in her prophecy in the Magnificat,

will call her blessed! However, we do not

end up being mere admirers of the Blessed

Virgin Mary in her beauty and glory. Rather,

we heed the call and invitation to follow in

her footsteps; and like her to become faithful

disciples of her Divine Son, to make good use of all the graces God has entrusted to us, and to live a life

of intimate union with God, imitating her continuous pondering of the word of God in the heart.

Our Lady wants us to resemble her not only in our outward vesture but, far more, in heart and spirit.

Those who want to live their devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to the full must follow Mary into the

depths of her interior life. Carmel is the symbol of the contemplative life, the life wholly dedicated to

the quest for God, wholly orientated towards intimacy with God; and the one who has best realized this

highest of ideals is Our Lady herself, 'Queen and Splendor of Carmel'."

In our prayer and worship, let us, like Mary, build up a friendship with 'the God whom we know loves

us', as St. Teresa of Avila would say. In our communion with others, may we, like Mary encounter God

in our brothers and sisters! In our call to serve others, may we open ourselves to be God's instruments in

the world, responding to the needs of others, especially the poor and marginalized! In our discipleship

of the Lord, may we listen to Mary as she points out the way to us, which most surely leads to Christ,

saying to us what she says to the servants at the wedding at Cana, "Do whatever he [Jesus] tells you!"

8

The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

By Ezequiel L. Machado, OCDS, MTS

The word scapular indicates a piece of clothing worn over the head

and shoulders hanging both front and back. In Latin, the shoulder

blade is called scapula; thus, the name scapular is given to that exter-

nal piece of clothing that traditionally monks have worn since the

Middle Ages. At the beginning, it protected their regular monastic

habits from the elements while they were working; later on, they wore

it at all times, as it became part of their habit. Religious orders like the

Carmelites were no exception and 750 years ago their Brown Scapular

became a source of spiritual meaning; it became “an outward sign of

the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our sister, mother and

queen.”

The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the scapular of

the Carmelite family, is without a doubt the most famous devotional

scapular of the Catholic Church. It is a sign approved by the Church

and accepted by the Carmelite Order as an external sign of love for

Mary, of the trust her children have in her, and of the commitment to

live like her.

The Brown Scapular came to symbolize the special dedication of Car-

melites to Mary, the Mother of God, and to express trust in her moth-

erly protection as well as the desire to be like her in her commitment

to Christ and to others. It stands for a commitment to follow Jesus,

like Mary, the perfect model of all the Disciples of Christ; thus, it be-

came a sign of Mary.

Pope John Paul II wrote a letter to the Carmelite Family in celebration of the 750th anniversary of the bestowal

of the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 2001. In this letter he writes:

“In their journey towards the ‘mountain of God, Christ the Lord’, the various generations of Carmel,

from the beginning until today, have sought to model their lives on Mary's example. In Carmel there-

fore and in every soul moved by tender affection for the Blessed Virgin and Mother, there has thrived

a contemplation of her, who from the beginning knew how to open herself to hearing God's Word and

to obeying his will (Lk 2: 19, 51).”

The Brown Scapular is the sign that reminds all Carmelites to the contemplation of the life of the Blessed Vir-

gin Mary – for “she already lives in herself all that every believer desires and hopes to attain in the mystery of

Christ and the Church”. Pope John Paul II continues:

“Therefore, Carmelites have chosen Mary as their Patroness and spiritual Mother and always keep be-

fore the eyes of their heart the Most Pure Virgin who guides everyone to the perfect knowledge and

imitation of Christ. For the members of the Carmelite Family, Mary, the Virgin Mother of God and

mankind, is not only a model to imitate but also the sweet presence of a Mother and Sister in whom to

confide.”

9

For the entire Carmelite family, the Brown Scapular,

therefore, is a most precious devotion and sacramen-

tal that helps us in our daily challenges and spiritual

journey. The scapular expresses our “trusting prayer,

enthusiastic praise and diligent imitation” of Our

Mother and Sister… [and] the sign of the Scapular

points to an effective synthesis of Marian spiritual-

ity, which nourishes the devotion of believers and

makes them sensitive to the Virgin Mother's loving

presence in their lives”. Thus, the Blessed Virgin

Mary guides, protects and illumines all who place

their hearts in her – our Mother and Sister in Christ.

Pope John Paul II closes his letter by pointing out

two truths that flow from the Brown Scapular:

“Therefore two truths are evoked by the sign

of the Scapular: on the one hand, the con-

stant protection of the Blessed Virgin, not

only on life's journey, but also at the moment

of passing into the fullness of eternal glory;

on the other, the awareness that devotion to

her cannot be limited to prayers and tributes in

her honor on certain occasions, but must be-

come a "habit", that is, a permanent orienta-

tion of one's own Christian conduct, woven

of prayer and interior life, through frequent

reception of the sacraments and the concrete

practice of the spiritual and corporal works of

mercy”.

Those who wear the Brown Scapular are assured of

the “constant protection of the Blessed Virgin”; but,

her protection is realized as you imitate her life: “For Mary, taught and formed by the Spirit (cf. Lk 2: 44-50),

was able by faith to understand her own history (cf. Lk 1: 46-55) and, [was] docile to the divine promptings”.

In other words, it requires, as a condition, an inner conversion and change to wear the scapular as a spiritual

‘habit’ – “a permanent orientation of one's own Christian conduct, woven of prayer and interior life” sup-

ported by the grace of the frequent reception of the sacraments and a sincere love of our neighbor.

To conclude, those who wear the Brown Scapular must imitate Mary – our model disciple of Christ – by being

open to God and to his will; by listening to the Word of God and put it into practice; by praying at all times

and discovering the presence of God; and, by being attentive to the needs of others. The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Catechesis and Ritual, prepared under the direction of the North American Provincials of the Carmelites Orders. Washington, DC 2000. 750th anniversary of the bestowal of the Scapular – MESSAGE OF JOHN PAUL II TO THE CARMELITY FAMILY. This letter can be found in the Discalced Carmelite Friars website at www.ocd.pcn.net/sc750_en.htm

10

Discalced Carmelite Fathers

Provincial Assembly 2016

Every year, the Discalced Carmelite Fathers of the Oklahoma Province of Saint Thérèse gather together for

their annual provincial assembly. This year, the assembly took place in our retreat house “Mount Carmel Cen-

ter” in Dallas, Texas. Many years ago this fraternal event had been celebrated in our Monastery in San Anto-

nio, but due to the plumbing reparations, it was decided to move the assembly to another location by our Fa-

ther Provincial.

This annual meeting’s purpose is to review our spiritual life, ministries, administrations, projects and most

importantly, to spend time together as brothers. Our busy schedules are one of the most frequent impediments

to meet each other, especially for those who are pastors.

Our meeting begun on June 6 with a dinner and finished on June 10.

This year, too, we had the opportunity to celebrate with our brother, Fr. Jenaro de la Cruz, his golden jubilee

of priesthood who was ordained on March 5, 1966 in Spain. He arrived to Santa Maria del Carmen Parish (his

actual assignment as a pastor) on July 19, 1966.

11

History and Description of the Basilica of the National

Shrine of the Little Flower

The Basilica of the National Shrine

of the Little Flower, the first National

Shrine in the United States dedicated to St.

Thérèse of Lisieux, the "Little Flower,"

was completed in San Antonio in 1931.

When it was designated a basilica,

it was the only basilica outside of Lisieux,

France, dedicated to St. Thérèse. The Basil-

ica is a San Antonio landmark of great his-

toric and spiritual significance.

The Basilica is dedicated to serving

the community by propagating a strong un-

derstanding of the value of spirituality to

people of all faiths and functioning as a

major apostolic center.

The Basilica began as Our Lady of

Mount Carmel and St. Thérèse Church, un-

der the direction of Spanish Discalced Car-

melite friars who came to San Antonio by way of Torreon, Mexico, in 1926. The Basilica was built during the

Great Depression (1929–1931) and today stands as a monument to the great faith of devotees of St. Thérèse

throughout the United States and world.

The Little Flower Magazine, spreading devotion to St. Thérèse, was established as part of the Dis-

calced Carmelite Fathers’ first apostolate, with over 100,000 subscribers from all over the country at the time

of her canonization. Over 6,000 devotees to the saint from around the country contributed to the construction

of the Basilica.

As part of an international community dedicated to a life of prayer, contemplation, fraternity and ser-

vice, the St. Thérèse Province of the Discalced Carmelite Friars in San Antonio staff the National Shrine of St.

Thérèse and promote the spiritual teaching of St. Thérèse through their work at the Shrine and the parish com-

munity. In addition, the friars oversee Little Flower Catholic School (grades pre-K through 8th), located

across the street from the Basilica.

Its notable size, beauty and spiritual significance led to the Shrine's placement on the National Register

of Historic Places and its elevation to the status of Minor Basilica within the Catholic Church, both in 1998.

The Basilica attracts pilgrims dedicated to St. Thérèse all over the United States and throughout the world.

The church is distinguished as one of only 82 in the United States and one of only four in the state of Texas

bearing the papal designation of "minor basilica."

All basilicas outside of Rome are "minor." Minor basilicas are traditionally required to meet certain

criteria: historical, architectural and artistic value, and significance as an active center of pastoral liturgy. Ba-

silicas are known as the centers of spiritual and apostolic activity for the Catholic faithful, places where one

can renew one’s commitment to God and begin a new journey in faith.

In 2000, the Basilica was designated as the Millennial Church for the Archdiocese of San Antonio by

Archbishop Patrick Flores. The City of San Antonio designates the church as landmark of “exceptional his-

toric significance.”

The Basilica is a treasury of art, master craftsmanship and relics. Perhaps the most treasured work of

art at the basilica is a painting of St. Thérèse created by the saint's own blood sister, Céline Martin (Sr.

Geneviève of the Holy Face). This 7 by 10 foot painting was part of the procession at the saint's canonization

in Rome in 1927. It is located in the baptistery in the vestibule of the church. The Basilica is home to three

first class relics of the Little Flower. Two are contained within the tomb chapel of St. St. Thérèse.

12

Pilgrimage to Mission San JosÉ

By Marina Pastrana

Early in the morning, on July 31,

2016, a group composed of parents

with their children and young adult

pilgrims from the Little Flower

Parish gathered at Mission Con-

cepción to participate in the World

Youth Day San Antonio. Many

other groups of youths from other

parishes were present, too. All of

us joined together to proclaim our

faith in Christ and to support, at a

local level, the official World

Youth Day event that was taking

place in Krakow, Poland at the

same time. It was encouraging to

see so many young pilgrims.

The event started with a few words from our Archbishop, Gustavo García-Siller, and an exhortation to walk in

prayer and in silence in our pilgrimage from Mission Concepción to Mission San José. Our group of pilgrims

went with reverence and with joy. It was easy to distinguish us. We had a big banner of Saint Thérèse of

Lisieux and the Little Flower Parish, and another banner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We also carried a

wooden cross, which was passed on to different pilgrims of our group throughout our way to the Mission. As

we walked we prayed the rosary and later proceeded in silence. The pilgrimage seemed shorter than what eve-

ryone expected. I think it was because we were focused on our prayers and had a deep desire to please God,

our minds were more than anything with Him.

As we got closer to the end of our pil-

grimage, in the distance, we could al-

ready view the imposing and contrast-

ing beauty of the Mission San Jose

with its surroundings. It was the first

visit to the Missions for some of the

pilgrims and the beauty of the Mission

in its Ultra Baroque style impressed

them. As it is with most old Catholic

churches and structures, the sacrifice

and the will to make something beau-

tiful and lasting for the glory of God,

in a time when no machinery was

used, it is something that inspires

most of us who have been born in a

time where such sacrifices hardly ex-

ist anymore.

13

When we arrived to Mission San José, our Archbishop Gustavo

told the pilgrims to proceed with reverence to the church. As we

passed through the Door of Mercy, the hymn Misericordes

Sicut Pater, the official hymn of this Jubilee Year of Mercy,

filled the church. It was visible that the attitude of the pilgrims

changed to a more solemn character when they got inside the

church. The music fostered a beautiful reverence on part of the

pilgrims. Our group sat on the pews and kneeled to pray before

leaving the church. Once outside, we waited for mass, drank

plenty of water and ate some snacks, while the band Paradise

Awaiting performed for the youth.

After about 40 minutes, Mass started. The sun was intense,

nonetheless, we were joyful for mass. Archbishop Gustavo told

the youth to make a difference and exhorted them, as Pope

Francis did, to run against the current of this world. It was an

important message for our youth to hear, because it is upon them that the future rests.

As Catholics we need to acknowledge the need to bring children

and the youth to the faith. The World Youth Day was a demon-

stration that the youth long for Christ. We have a responsibility

and an obligation to impart the faith as it was given to us. That is

the greatest gift we can give because it was the gift that Christ

gave to us. In this year of Mercy we shall take the opportunity to

evangelize the future generations and show them the Mercy of our

Father.

14

La Experiencia de La Misericordia en las teresas

By Fr. Luis Gerardo Belmonte-Luna, O.C.D.

En este año jubilar extraordinario de la Misericordia, proclamado por el Santo Padre el

Papa Francisco, hemos tenido la oportunidad de palpar mas de cerca y experimentar de

una manera mas intima y personal la Misericordia del Señor. Este año dedicado a la mi-

sericordia ha dado como fruto el desbordamiento de reflexiones infinitas relacionadas a la

misericordia. Nosotros, desde el carisma del Carmelo teresiano hemos querido también

reflexionar sobre en regalo de la misericordia desde los escritos, experiencia y testimonio

de nuestros santos carmelitas.

Del 23 al 26 de Mayo, al se llevo a cabo una serie de reflexiones aquí en nuestra Basílica,

sobre la “ Experiencia de la Misericordia en las Teresas” . Esta propuesta personal, sur-

ge de la riqueza espiritual que estas monjas carmelitas: Santa Teresa de Jesús, Santa Teresita del Nino Jesús y

de la Santa Faz, Santa Teresa Benedicta de la Cruz y Santa Teresa de Jesús de los Andes; que siendo hijas de

su tiempo, provenientes de diversas culturas y naciones tenían un denominador en Común: seguir a Jesús a

través de su consagración a El en el Carmelo. Siguiendo el mismo ideal y carisma todas experimentaron el

amor de Dios que les llevo a “catar eternamente sus misericordias”.

Nuestra Santa Madre Teresa de Jesús, nacida en Ávila, España en 1515 y cuyo V centenario celebramos, será

la que inspire a través de su experiencia a sus hijas nacientes de los futuros monasterios del Carmelo Descal-

zo.

Para comprender la misericordia del Padre, que no es otra cosa que el “mirar” de Dios hacia las necesidades

del hombre. Unos de los pasajes evangélicos que particularmente me apasiona tomar como referencia para

reflexionar sobre la misericordia, es aquel de la Viuda de Nain (Lucas 7, 11-17):

Iba Jesús de camino a una ciudad llamada Naím, e iban con él sus discípulos y una gran muchedumbre.

Cuando se acercaba a la puerta de la ciudad, sacaban a enterrar a un muerto, hijo único de su madre, que

era viuda, a la que acompañaba mucha gente de la ciudad. Al verla el Señor, tuvo compasión de ella, y le

dijo: No llores. Y, acercándose, tocó el féretro. Los que lo llevaban se pararon, y él dijo: Joven, a ti te digo:

Levántate. El muerto se incorporó y se puso a hablar, y él se lo dio a su madre. El temor se apoderó de todos,

y glorificaban a Dios, diciendo: Un gran profeta se ha levantado entre nosotros, y Dios ha visitado a su pue-

blo. Y lo que se decía de Él, se propagó por toda Judea y por toda la región circunvecina.

“Al verla el Señor, tuvo compasión de ella”. La palabra “compasión” que pudiéramos aplicarla a un sinóni-

mo de piedad o misericordia no tiene nada que ver con solo “conmoverse” o “sentir pena o lastima” por al-

guien. Esta palabra que usa el Evangelista usa para describir el mirar y sentir de Jesús, literalmente significa

“sentir en la entrañas maternas” o “ en las vísceras”. Dicho de otra manera, experimentar en ese momento lo

que la otra persona esta padeciendo y al entender y sentir esa necesidad, padecimiento o dolor es cuando so-

mos movidos a actuar no por sentimiento sino por amor. La Misericordia nace del Amor que Dios nos tiene.

Nuestra Teresas experimentaron esa “mirada” de misericordia de Dios y que les hizo permanecer fieles hasta

el final.

15

Teresa de Jesús (1515-1582) . La Santa Madre será asediada y acorralada por Dios.

Como ella misma dice: “Me canse primero de ofenderle, que El de perdonarme”. Para

ella la misericordia de Dios consiste en llenarla de regalos y gracias y permitirle llegar

a intimidar con El através de la oración como trato de amistad procurando ser “buena

amiga de Jesús”. Seducida por El, ella ira renunciado poco a poco a todo aquello que

le impedirá deleitarse de su presencia. Como conocedora de la misericordia de Dios

quiere que los demás conozcan y gocen de ella insistiendo en el “mirarle”, “miren lo

que ha hecho conmigo”. La gracia de la misericordia le acercara mas a El y hara de

esta monja que se decía “ruin” una esposa y amiga predilecta de El.

Teresa del Nino Jesús (1873-1897). Teresita, popularmente conocida como “la flore-

cita” descubrirá y experimentara la misericordia en el rostro de Jesús. El abandono en

los brazos de Dios será la propuesta de esta santa de los tiempos modernos a través de

su caminito espiritual. La misericordia esta también en el mirar, en el recrearse Dios

la vista con la diversidad de flores sin importar colores, tamaños o clases. Al identifi-

carse ella misma como “una pequeña flor” nos da la clave a entender la misericordia:

La humildad. Sin ella no hay misericordia. Teresa cuando va a contra su experiencia

dirá: “Ahora voy a cantar las misericordias de Dios”. El cantar la misericordias estam-

bren el expresar lo que El ha hecho en ella, las gracias que le ha concedido pero sobre

todo el amor misericordioso que ha encontrado al abandonarse totalmente en sus bra-

zos y ser lo que el quiere que seamos: Santos.

Teresa Benedicta de la Cruz (1891-1942) Esta famosa filosofa, en el mundo conoci-

da como Edith Stein, experimentara la misericordia de Dios de una manera extraordi-

naria. Recordemos que Dios se personifica en cada uno y la experiencia que tenemos

de El es única. Ella vivo los estragos de guerra mundial y su conversión del judaísmo

al catolicismo, la discriminación de la mujer y la persecución nazi. Después de haber

leído la vida de Santa Teresa de Jesús y “encontrar la verdad” como ella la verdad

como ella lo expreso, luchara para llegar a esa verdad que la llevo hasta el holocaus-

to. La misericordia de Dios esta centrada en la ciencia de la cruz desde donde Jesús

nos muestra su amor. Teresa Benedicta se ofrecerá así misma como victima en el

campo de exterminio por su pueblo, por sus ejecutores y por todos aquellos que lleva

en su corazón. La misericordia que ella es una misericordia que redime y que nos

acerca a contemplar el amor de Dios sin importar quien somos.

Teresa de Jesús de los Andes. (1900-1920) La primer Santa Carmelita de Latino-

américa quien se convirtió en modelo a seguir por los jóvenes. Solo unos meses tuvo

la dicha de vivir en el claustro del Carmelo, pues debido a la tuberculosis murió a los

veinte años y profeso en articulo de muerte. Sus diarios publicados mas tarde y los

testimonios de quienes vivieron cerca de ella extendieron su fama y santidad. Juanita

Fernández Solar, conocida con ese nombre en el mundo desde muy niña fue muy es-

pecial. Su gran amor por sus padres, familia y los pobres le llevaron a ganarse el cari-

ño de todos. Ella se entrego totalmente a su esposo Jesús, renunciando al futuro bri-

llante que se vislumbraba por su afable personalidad, inteligencia, belleza y simpatía.

En el Carmelo, como ella lo expresa en sus cartas, es el lugar privilegiado para inmo-

larse y ofrecerse como victima por la salvación de las almas. Ella experimentara y

vivirá la misericordia infinita de Jesús de una manera dulce y apasionada. Teresa no

encontrara otra manera de agradecer esa mirada que su esposo amado ha tenido para ella mas que en el entre-

garse totalmente a El.

16

THE DOOR OF MERCY

The Door of Mercy is a special Holy Door which Pope Francis has

asked to be opened in every Diocese during the Extraordinary Holy

Year in order to allow the faithful in every part of the world to experi-

ence the Mercy of the Father in its fullness. In the Bull of Indiction

Misericordiae Vultus, he writes: “On the same Sunday [Third Sunday of

Advent], I decree that in every local church, at the cathedral – the

mother church of the faithful in any particular area–or, alternatively, at

the co-cathedral or another church of special significance, a Door of

Mercy will be opened for the duration of the Holy Year. At the discre-

tion of the local ordinary, a similar door may be opened at any shrine

frequented by large groups of pilgrims, since visits to these holy sites

are so often grace-filled moments, as people discover a path to conver-

sion” (MV 3).

Indulgence and Conditions The season of grace which is the Jubilee of Mercy, will naturally be

characterized by the possibility of obtaining the plenary indulgence

through certain pious exercises culminating in entering through the Holy

Door, the Door of Mercy. These pious exercises will accompany the

prayer and celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the

Eucharist as concrete signs of conversion and “immersion” in the Mercy

of the Father.

“To experience and obtain the Indulgence, the faithful are called

to make a brief pilgrimage to the Holy Door, open in every Cathe-

dral or in the churches designated by the Diocesan Bishop, and in

the four Papal Basilicas in Rome, as a sign of the deep desire for

true conversion. Likewise, I dispose that the Indulgence may be

obtained in the Shrines in which the Door of Mercy is open and in

the churches which traditionally are identified as Jubilee

Churches. It is important that this moment be linked, first and

foremost, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to the celebra-

tion of the Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy. It will be

necessary to accompany these celebrations with the profession of

faith and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in

my heart for the good of the Church and of the entire world”.

(Pope Francis).

A pilgrimage is a journey undertaken for a religious purpose most

often to a sacred place.

The word “pilgrim,” derived from the Latin peregrinum, conveys

the idea of wandering over a distance, but it is not just aimless

wandering. It is a journey with a purpose, and that purpose is to

honor God.

One of the earliest usages of the word is found in the writings of

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430).

His work, Peregrinatio, described a Christian spiritual

journey as a kind of self-imposed exile of the pilgrim in which he

searched for God’s Truth in his wanderings while visiting the holy

shrines of the Faith.

PILGRIMAGE TO THE LITTLE FLOWER BASILICA DURING

THE YEAR OF MERCY

The Community of the Discalced Car-melite Fathers invites the Little Flower Parish Families, Parishes, religious com-munities, schools, parish organizations, youth groups, etc., to make their pil-grimage to the Basilica during this “Year of Mercy. You can visit this designated place as a group or on your own.

† Prepare yourself or your group for your pilgrimage.

† See what liturgical services are being offered on the day you are planning your pilgrimage.

† To gain the plenary indulgence you may follow the requirements previ-ously mentioned.

† You may apply the plenary indul-gence for your faithfully departed.

† During your journey, you may pray the Holy Rosary or any other prayer.

† As a conclusion of you pilgrimage you may recite, faithfully, the Creed and pray for the intentions of our Holy Father.

For all those who want to make their pilgrimage at the Basilica as a group [more than 20 people] call the Basilica office administration and let us know when you want to make your pilgrim-age.

† Group Pilgrimages should be during 12:00 p.m. Mass [Monday-Friday], any Mass on Sundays or 8:00 am Mass on Saturday.

† For any other time of your request,

if available, you can bring your own priest to celebrate mass for you.

† Pastors are welcome to make a pil-grimage with their parishioners and celebrate the Holy Mass with them. Confessions available by request.

† Basilica Tours available (request in advance) with veneration of the first class relic of Saint Therese.

17

Decree given by the Holy See when Our Parish

was elevated to

Minor Basilica on August 27, 1998

We will celebrate the 18th Anniversary of its

proclamation on Saturday August 27th at 5:30 pm

with a solemn Mass

IOANNES PAULUS PP. II

LITTERAE APOSTOLICAE

INTER SANCTI SANCTUARIUM BEATAE MARIAE VIRGINI DE MONTE CARMELO ET SANCTAE

TERESIAE DICATUM, POPULARIQUE SERMONE «NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE

LITTLE FLOWER» DICTUM, IPSUMQUE INTRA ARCHIDIOECESIS SANCTI ANTONII

FINES SITUM, IN CATALOGUM BASILICARUM MINORUM REFERTUR

Ad perpetuam rei memoriam. - Inter Sancti Antonii archidioecesis fines mirabile visu exstat templum Beatae Mariae Virginis de Monte Carmelo et Sanctae Teresiae, quippe quod compluribus artificiis locupletetur et artis operibus decore-tur. Ibidem insuper peculiarem in Virginem Mariam ac in Sanctam Teresiam Lexoviensem, parvum Iesu florem, animi affectionem demonstrant fideles. Congruentes igitur iustasque repperimus causas postulatis satisfaciendi, quae nuper admovit Venerabilis Frater Patricius F. Flores, Archiepiscopus Sancti Antonii qui, vota cleri fideliumque significans, flagitavit ut Beatae Mariae Virgini de Monte Carmelo et Sanctae Teresiae dicatum templum, quod « National Shrine of the Little Flower » appellant, ipsius in dioecesi situm, inter Basilicas minores referretur, iuribus et privilegiis publice riteque locupletaretur. Itaque rata omnino habentes quae Congregatio de Cultu Divino et Disciplina Sacramentorum statuit, Apostolica Nostra pro auctoritate, sacrum aedificium de quo supra est facta mentio, Basilicarum Minorum dig-nitate tituloque honestamus, omnibus iuribus et privilegiis templis his consentaneis exornamus. Teneatur deinde Decre-tum « de titulo Basilicae minoris », die IX mensis Novembris anno MCMLXXXIX evulgatum, contrariis rebus minime officientibus quibuslibet. Ceterum, exoptamus ut fideles ad sanctuarium hoc accessuri spiritalia beneficia quam plenissime adipiscantur alacrius-que christiana opera gerant. Datum Romae, apud Sanctum Petrum, sub anulo Piscatoris, die XXVII mensis Augusti, anno MCMXCVIII, Pontifi-catus Nostri vicesimo.

ANGELUS card. SODANO Secretarius Status

18

THE CANONIZATION Of Blessed

Elizabeth of the Holy Trinity A Discalced Carmelite Nun

By His Holiness Pope Francis

At Saint Peter Square in Rome

October 16th 2016

The Discalced Carmelite Fathers

invite you to a thanksgiving Mass

for her canonization

at the Little Flower Basilica

on October 16th at 11am.

19

86th Little Flower

Rose Festival

Celebrating 90 years as a Parish Sunday, October 2nd

on the Church Grounds

9am to 10pm

20

The Solemnity of Saint Thérèse

of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face

September 22nd ~30th

5:30 pm Sung Novena Mass

Friday, September 30th 5:30 pm the transit of Saint Thérèse

(Her passing to new life) 6:00 pm Vigil Mass

Saturday, October 1st 8:00 am Sung Mass

12:00 pm Sung Mass 6:00 pm Solemn Mass of the Roses

Presided by the Most Rev. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Please mail us your Novena intentions to Little Flower Novena 824 Kentucky Ave. San Antonio, TX. 78201

Name__________________________________________ For____________________________________________ ______________________________________________

Donation $__________________

Saint Thérèse, Pray for us!

21

Little Flower Carmelite Mass Association

The Eucharist, as celebrated in Mass, was greatly val-

ued by St. Thérèse, the Little Flower, the patroness of

our Province. In her autobiography, The Story of a

Soul, St. Thérèse describes the joy she experienced

upon receiving her First Communion, a joy that con-

tinued throughout her adult life as a Carmelite nun,

serving as sacristan in her cloistered community. The

Discalced Carmelite Friars would like to offer you the

opportunity to enroll your family, friends and loved

ones in the Little Flower Mass Association, named in

honor of our beloved patroness.

As a token of your love, we will send a Mass Certifi-

cate to the family member or friend whom you wish

to receive the enrollment. This enrollment originates a

process of prayer that culminates in the remembrance

of the one enrolled into the Masses and prayers of

Discalced Carmelite Friars at her National Shrine in

San Antonio, Texas.

Enrollment Benefits:

Membership enrollment in the Mass Association is for

one year and includes the following benefits:

Remembrance in a sung Mass every Saturday in

the chapel of our Carmelite Nuns and offering of

the Eucharist at the Basilica as well as on the fol-

lowing days: – Christmas Day, Solemnity of St.

Joseph (March 19), Solemnity of Our Lady of Mt.

Carmel (July 16), Solemnity of St. Thérèse, the

Little Flower (October 1), Solemnity of St. Teresa

of Jesus (October 15), All Souls Day (November 2

for enrollees who have died).

Remembrance in the celebration of the Liturgy of

the Hours by the Discalced Carmelite Friars.

.Enrollments are for both the living and the deceased.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Carmelite Mass Association

Dear Discalced Carmelite Fathers, please enroll: [ ] Individual ($25 donation) [ ] Family ($50 donation)

Person(s) enrolled

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ [ ] Deceased [ ] Living [ ] Anniversary of Death [ ] Wedding Anniversary [ ] Birthday

Mail certificate to:

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

Address:_________________________________

City: _____________State: _____Zip: _________

Mail to: Rev. Fr. Luis Gerardo Belmonte-Luna, O.C.D.

824 Kentucky Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78201

22

The Tomb Chapel The most consoling thought of the National

Shrine of the Little Flower is the one that

gratitude alone has built this beautiful edi-

fice. The roses our Little Saint let fall so

abundantly upon those who sought her

help have inspired the erection of this

Shrine of love.

In this National Shrine is the “TOMB

CHAPEL” of the Little Flower, a very sa-

cred spot, wherein the walls are also lined

with the names of the living and departed

who shall forever be remembered in the

prayers.

This Tomb Chapel of St. Thérèse is exactly like the one at Lisieux where her blessed remains re-

pose. So natural does her representation appear that all idea of death is lacking. It is a foretaste

of the bliss which we see; the repose of a soul after the ecstasy of beholding God.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Burn a vigil light for your prayer intentions in the Tomb Chapel of St. Thérèse at the Basilica of

the National Shrine of the Little Flower.

Dear Discalced Carmelite Fathers, please accept my gift offering of:

[ ] $3.00 to burn a vigil light in the Tomb Chapel of St. Thérèse.

Name:_____________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________

City:____________________________State:_____________Zip:_____________

23

Saint Thérèse Painting Perhaps the most treasured work of art at the Ba-

silica is the painting of Saint Thérèse created by the

saint’s own natural blood sister, Celine (Sr.

Geneviève of the Holy Face). The painting was a

gift from the Discalced Carmelite Nuns from the

convent of Carmel in Lisieux, France. Oral history

states that the painting traveled to Rome for the

event of Thérèse’s canonization by Pope Pious XI

at a ceremony on May 17, 1925.

Prints are available for purchase at $40.00 (please

add $10.00 for shipping fee) to include a certificate

of authenticity. Prints are 20” x 26” and printed on

high quality linen stock.

My Novena Rose Prayer O Little Thérèse of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly

gardens and send it to me as a message of love. O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God

today to grant the favor I now place with confidence in your hands… (Mention

specific requests). Saint Thérèse, help me to always believe as you did, in God’s

great love for me, so that I may imitate your “Little Way” each day. Amen.

Order Form

Dear Carmelite Fathers, please send me a copy of the 20”x 26” print of

Saint Thérèse. I’m including my check of $_________ for ___ print(s)

plus $10.00 for shipping fee.

Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

City: ___________________________State: _________Zip: ____________

24

APOSTOLATE OF THE LITTLE FLOWER

P.O. Box 5280

San Antonio, Texas. 78201

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PERIODICALS

POSTAGE PAID

SAN ANTONIO

TEXAS