Surely many of you are wondering what has become of our efforts to found a New Mount Carmel. In this regard, the Lord has truly worked countless miracles and His Holy Angels have protected and guided us in the mysterious ways of God. The greatest surprise came in May when we at last had all the necessary funds for the down payment on Irma Lake Ranch, but discovered the property to be already under contract and set to close. Our shock was even greater to learn that the new owners of Irma Lake Ranch were Bill and Melinda Gates of Microsoft. Faced with such a mysterious set of events, we redoubled our prayers and our confidence in the Providence and Goodness of the Lord.

As I promised God and each of you in the beginning, I will not rest until this country has a New Mount Carmel from which grace and blessings shall flow out upon our troubled world. In an effort to discern God’s Will, our monastic Chapter began looking at other possible locations for our community to flourish. We presently have two ideal, amazing settings, which we are prayerfully discerning.

In the psalms it is written that as high as the heavens are above the earth, so are God’s ways above man’s ways. This best sums up my thoughts as I sit and write. Both of the properties we are considering are wild and mountainous; either would make a fine New Mount Carmel and be a beautiful setting for a Carmelite monastery to flourish. With abundant water, thick forests and lush meadows, the Lord is truly founding a New Mount Carmel for our nation. Your support has made it possible for us to realize our vision and now our Blessed Lord has taken over our humble efforts with His great Might and Infinite Wisdom. I promise to keep you posted as we seek out the still, silent voice of our Beloved Lord Who is not only sending the vocations, but providing for them and the protection of this charism. Together let us found a monastery where Jesus, Mary and Joseph shall be loved until the ends of time! May God reward you for all that you have already done towards realizing this special vision; we are greatly humbled and edified to behold your love for our Blessed Lady and Her Divine Son manifested through such wonderful charity.