Reading, study and ongoing

formation

This sustenance for the soul, is in some way as necessary as is food for the body. St Teresa St Teresa emphasised the importance of good spiritual reading, and urged Prioresses to see to it that good books were available for the Sisters. Sisters in formation attend regular classes and are encouraged to study subjects relevant to their Carmelite contemplative life. In this way, they will develop good habits of study and reading for the future. Pursuing their ongoing formation, each Sister is expected to spend an hour every day in private spiritual reading, priority being given to personal Lectio Divina. (See also our page on the Word of God under the "Prayer" section of this site). Indeed our whole lives are an ever deeper plumbing of the mystery of Christ. “We must then dig deeply in Christ. He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures. However deep we dig, we will never find their end, or their limit. Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on every side.” St John of the Cross. We are lucky to have a good library with a wide selection of books, especially from our Carmelite saints, but also from many other sources. Apart from our annual eight-day and three-day community retreats, the Sisters can avail of individual retreats. The Prioress invites guest speakers to address the Community on various topics. Sisters also have the opportunity to attend occasional ongoing formation courses organised by the Carmelite Association and AMRI. In recent years, a wealth of fine online courses are available. < BACK NEXT >