 |
||||
|
We are reminded daily that what the world needs more than anything else at this time is spiritual fathers. A spiritual father is a man of deep faith, much prayer and paternal love; he is one who is willing to sacrifice every ounce of his being for his sons and daughters, so that they may become saints. The Church and the world need men such as these to intercede for souls and to be the presence of Christ’s love in a world of much sorrow. Surely we recognize the role of our natural fathers and our parish priests, but I am compelled to add that we need spiritual fathers just as much. I urge you from the depths of my heart to accept the Carmelite Monks as your spiritual fathers. They will not fail you, but shall pray for you without ceasing to the Lord and His Holy Mother. They shall be there to accompany you through the toughest moments of life by their prayers. |
||||
At the heart of the life lived by the Carmelite Monks is the vocation to spiritual fatherhood; this is their rich spiritual heritage as cloistered, contemplative monks. Whenever I talk to the monks, it is impossible for spiritual fatherhood not to come up. It is as if these men can think of nothing else, but to be your fathers in the spiritual life and to lead you in the footsteps of Christ. This longing is deep in their hearts, so deep that I believe that God has founded this monastery in the serene and solitary beauty of northern Wyoming for this purpose above all else.