THE
DAILY ROUTINE OF THE CARMEL LIFE
On visiting the Carmel monastery of St. Joseph in Seapark, Malahide, you are welcomed by the Portress with the blessing:
"PRAISED BE JESUS CHRIST"
To which you answer:
"NOW AND FOREVER"
Fáilte - Welcome
Many daily
routines are undertaken by the sisters. Normal daily work - in the kitchen,
the garden, the church and sacristy, etc., are shared.
The sisters are ever mindful of St. Teresa's words:
"If obedience sends you to the kitchen, remember that the Lord walks among the pots and the pans".
All work
is done in silence, except where communication is necessary for the successful
understanding or completion of the work.
"In silence and hope shall your strength be."
- Carmelite Rule.
Work, particularly
manual work, has always characterised the contemplative community. Sisters
have the opportunity to develop their talents at a variety of skills.
"They will remain in God's presence in solitude
and give themselves to prayer, study or work."
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| Keeping the garden in trim. |
The
duties of the Sacristan.
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The
diet is simple but wholesome.
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A LABOUR OF LOVE.
The Carmels also run a few small "industries".
Candles are made and designed for Christmas, baptisms, weddings or special occasions, by request. These are mostly sold locally.
Bees are kept and, in a good season, the honey is sold locally by parishioners.
In the past vestments and scapulars were made and sold locally and nationwide. The printing of religious cards is one of the main "industries". They sell locally and nationwide also. We have a small shop in which various items are sold by the sisters.
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| Looking after the bees and honey. |
Cards
are designed and printed.
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Candles
are moulded and hand-finished with their own unique designs.
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A TYPICAL DAY IN CARMEL
| 05.30 | Rise. |
| 06.00 | One hour of silent prayer. |
| 07.10 | Morning prayer of the Divine Office. |
| 07.30 | Mass. |
| 08.00 | Thanksgiving after Communion. |
| 08.15 | Communal prayer. (Terce). |
| 08.30 | Breakfast. |
| 09.00 | Work |
| 11.00 | One hour of Spiritual Reading. (Private). |
| 12.00 | Mid-day Prayer in Choir - Liturgy of the Hours. |
| 12.15 | Dinner (Afternoon Prayer in private) |
| 14.45 | Afternoon prayer - Liturgy of the Hours. |
| 15.00 | Work |
| 16.45 | Prepare for prayer in cells. |
| 16.55 | Vespers/Evening Prayer followed by hour of silent prayer. |
| 17.15 | Silent prayer for one hour |
| 18.15 | Supper. |
| 19.30 | Recreation. |
| 20.30 | Office of Readings and Night Prayer - Compline |
| 20.50 | Free time in cell - in silence - reading/ writing letters. |
| 22.00 | Bedtime. |
| Members of the local community are welcome to join the sisters for prayer, but should remember that the above times are subject to the occasional change. | |
| CONTACT US | |