Gardens Blossoming 2 The receptiveness of others What seeds can seem like rocky ground. But that shouldn’t stop us will YOU plant? from trying. The seeds you plant through your generosity Rev. Thomas Schrader, O. Carm. to the Society of the Little Director One day when a crowd gathered around Jesus, the storyteller Flower have allowed us to in Him became encouraged. Although He was a carpenter’s reap a plentiful harvest. Because of you, we are able to educate son, he also knew a thing or two about farming. and train an increasing number of Carmelite seminarians. Because of you, we can feed the hungry in many corners of the “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed world. Because of you, we can inspire generations to grow in director fell on the path … some fell on rocky ground … some seed fell faith through the spirituality of St. Thérèse and her “Little Way.” among thorns … but some seed fell on rich soil, and produced All because of you! fruit, a hundred- or sixty-, thirtyfold.” The articles within this issue of Between Friends are sure The sower in Jesus’ parable most likely had good intentions; to inspire you – and perhaps call you to don your green jeans from the from no one plants seeds without the hope that they will flourish. and go out to do a bit of planting, of whatever kind. You are But on this planting day, the sower may have been distracted or God’s hands and heart to those in our care. Your friendship is a perhaps didn’t sleep well the night before. Whatever the reason, precious gift to us. Thank you for the enormous difference you much of his work came to nothing. are making in so many lives. You are our hope! On occasion, perhaps you feel the same way. We can plant seeds of various kinds, and not only of the garden variety. We Gratefully in her love, can plant the seeds of good will, encouragement, hope, and Rev. Thomas Schrader, O. Carm. promise. But sometimes our good intentions come to nothing. Director 8 12 A publication for the friends of the Society of the Little Flower SUMMER 2021 Father Thomas Schrader, O. Carm. DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER Mary Lambert 8 C over Story EDITOR/DEVELOPMENT IN THIS Gardens Blossoming DIRECTOR ISSUE Father Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. 12 The Canadian corner Mary Lambert Father Gerard Power, From the director 2 Continuing to O. Carm. What seeds will make a difference Daniel Pritchard you plant? CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 14 From the Special Society of the Little Flower 3 From the editor Gifts Office 1313 N. Frontage Rd. Finding grace in The Carmelite National Darien, Illinois 60561-5340 800.621.2806 everything Shrine of St. Thérèse 14 www.littleflower.org Campus 4 Seasons of life The Monastery of Mt. Carmel Society of the Little Flower God led them into the 15 From the Special 7020 Stanley Ave. garden land of Carmel Gifts Office Niagara Falls, Ontario where their gifts blossomed The rose garden L2G 7B7 and brighten the Church 800.922.7622 of St. Thérèse ca.littleflower.org 7 Someone you FAITH CATHOLIC Patrick Dally should know COVER IMAGE: GRAPHIC DESIGNER To serve you even better Getty Images/Romania Between Friends / Summer 2021 / www.littleflower.org 3 Finding grace in everything OME YEARS AGO, I wrote about the profound teachings of our beloved St. Thérèse and S one of her famous quotes, “Everything is grace.” It can be easy to see grace when our life’s road is straight and level, but much more difficult when facing the pain of life’s inevita- ble crosses, such as enduring the death of a loved one, carrying on in the face of an unex- This issue of Between pected disappointment, or trying to muster up forgiveness in dealing with the betrayal of a Friends celebrates the from friend. In those moments, very little appears to be grace. God’s powerful mercy and the many Yet Thérèse inspires us to be courageous. When we believe that God never abandons blossoming gardens She suffered much during her short life, us, just as St. Thérèse did, we walk a path of editor physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Her childlike trust. Childlike trust was the Little of hope. Within sensitive nature only intensified the pain and, Flower’s instruction manual for life. these pages, I hope as a result, had to grapple many dark nights We should not be misled, however; the path you will discover the of the soul. But she had a brave soul, and that is not without peril – no one’s journey ever is. promise of new life and can serve to inspire all of us through moments Life has its share of bumps and bruises, but of turmoil – even those that are now charac- we can overcome any obstacle when we trust resurrection - made terized as our “new normal.” in the God of mercy and love. possible only through We know, as Thérèse did, the mercy of This issue of Between Friends celebrates God’s mercy. God pours itself out upon every soul – with God’s powerful mercy and the many blos- no strings attached. God’s most tender mercy soming gardens of hope. Within these pages, is particularly abundant for those who are I hope you will discover the promise of new searching, fearful, lost, and hopeless. It is life and resurrection – made possible only in the darkest of moments and for the most through God’s mercy. desperate of people that God’s mercy cannot May St. Thérèse, the one who promised be contained. It breaks through pain and emp- to pour a “Shower of Roses” upon anyone tiness just as true love breaks through to the who turned to her, be with you in all of life’s heart – unconditionally. moments. And when the going gets tough, The God of mercy is the One who also defines set about searching for God’ s grace; it’s most Mary Thérèse Lambert Himself as love. Mercy and love are inseparable. likely just around the corner. Editor of Between Friends GETTY IMAGES/IMR 4 GOD LED THEM INTO THE GARDEN LAND OF CARMEL WHERE THEIR GIFTS BLOSSOMED AND BRIGHTEN THE CHURCH Father John Welch, O. Carm. VERYONE CALLS HIM “JACK” because his informal and E causal style speaks of his authenticity and easy pres- ence. He met the Carmelites at Joliet Catholic High School and was attracted to the fact they were “a happy group.” The way he experienced his teachers and administrators serving students struck a chord in him. This idea of service has di- rected his whole life. “In the Carmelite community, there are and then communication of spiritual values and the Carmelite so many ways to serve – to assist people in their human and tradition, inviting students to explore their faith, is energizing for spiritual lives,” he explains. “And doing so with a community me,” he shares. of like-minded men makes the difference.” He continued studying, receiving a master’s degree in theol- ogy and religious education, and then a doctorate in religious He joined the Carmelite formation program for college, novi- education, focusing on human development. With his ability tiate and theology, making his first profession of religious vows to explain profound truths in understandable ways, without on August 15, 1959. “One of the first books I read in the novi- compromising the depth of their challenge, Father Jack has tiate was St. Thérèse’s Story of a Soul.” he explains. “In a time of been a popular speaker in North America and internationally. Jansenism which stressed human sinfulness and God’s justice, He inspires people. He also authored many books, including St. Thérèse spoke of God’s mercy. Also, my parents attended the The Carmelite Way, When Gods Die, Spiritual Pilgrims and Sea- of life devotions to St. Thérèse at St. Clara’s Parish in Chicago.” sons of the Heart, which were and are very popular and have He was in theology during the exciting years of Vatican II won awards from the Catholic press. He powerfully explains and great social movements in society. Highlights for him were the teachings of Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross in the civil rights movement, being part of the March on Wash- modern terms, using Jungian psychology. seasons ington in 1963, and being on the Mall for Dr. King’s “I have a “As Carmelites, we are about experiencing God in our lives Dream” speech. “We participated in 24-hour vigils with sem- and allowing it to change and transform us,” he says. His abil- inarians of all faiths while Congress debated the Civil Rights ity to put a positive spin on St. John of the Cross’ dark nights’ Act (1964). These activities were an important part of my concept is impressive. “God’s love is healing us past where we Carmelite formation, as I made my solemn vows on February 7, might have gotten stuck,” Father Jack explains. 1963, and was ordained a priest on March 6, 1965.” Father Jack brought many gifts to the Church and the Carmelite Father Jack is also remembered as one of the musicians and experience. He was elected to the Carmelite Provincial Leadership singers in a Hootenanny group, “The More or Less Five,” that Team and eventually was elected to two terms as the Carmelite energized civil rights groups and peace gatherings with songs Prior Provincial. His kind, positive, respectful, and affirming style of hope, joy, and justice. They captured exciting renewal going spoke volumes about God’s presence within and among us.