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(from the teachings of St. Mary Magdalene de'Pazzi)

The Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of love," therefore love for one's neighbor is both a condition and a fruit...

When you are saddened, tell it to Him, the One who knows everything, who understands everything, who is the Guest of your soul, remember that He is present in you like in the host... And contemplation? I advise you to simplify all your reading, do not overindulge, you will see that it is much better. Take the Cross, look, listen...

[September 12, 1901]

J. M. + J. T. (1)

Amo Christum. (2)

My dear Markéta (3),

you are such a good little sister and I know that my little notes will please you so much that I will slip one into the letter to mom and hope it brings you joy. I can't even tell you how much I pray for my little one, because I think she is having quite sad moments now when she sees mom so tired and when she no longer has Bětka (4) to lighten her poor heart. Oh, my dear, when you are saddened, tell it to Him, the One who knows everything, who understands everything, who is the Guest of your soul, remember that He is present in you like in the host (5). He loves his Markétka so much, I send you this message from Him... During the day sometimes think of Him who lives in you and who has such a thirst for love. You will always find me with Him!

My Angel (6) has a spiritual retreat. I do not speak with her, nor do I see her anymore, because she has a veil over her face. That calls me so much! But she promised me that she would take me with her and I really feel it! You see, the union of souls is so good. We need to love each other above all transitory things, then nothing can cause division. Let us love each other this way, my Markétka, and above all let us love Him! And contemplation? I advise you to simplify all your reading, do not overindulge, you will see that it is much better. Take the Cross, look, listen. You know that this is our meeting place, and then, do not worry at all when you have so much work as now and cannot do all the pious exercises as usual: it is possible to pray to God even when we are acting, just think of Him. Then everything becomes pleasant and easy, because a person is not alone, but acts in Jesus. Calm mother. A few carmels are moving, but we remain (7). Our venerable Mother asked for approval, so you must be completely calm. God be with you, my dear. I am going to morning prayer and I take you with me in my soul before God. Oh! It is so good to love Him, at the Carmel this is our occupation, you see how delightful it is! Every day thank Him for your older sister.

Elizabeth of the Trinity

Say hello to Gabriela. If only she knew that my destiny is truly the best! (8)...

[Translated from the French original by Alžběta Dřímalová.]

(1) It refers to an anagram of the names Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and Teresa, which is used in the headings of letters at Carmel.
(2) Lat. I love Christ.
(3) Markéta is three years younger biological sister of Alžběta.
(4) Alžběta only entered the convent a few weeks ago (on August 2), her widowed mother and sister miss her painfully.
(5) The thought of Teresa of Lisieux, whose Offering to Merciful Love Alžběta copied four times.
(6) The Angel was a role of an older novice, or a more experienced nun, who looked after the new applicant for religious life and showed her what and how to do in the practical life of the community.
(7) With the advent of the Third Republic (1870–1940), the fight against the church in France reignited, aimed at complete secularization of education and public life. A month before Alžběta's entry to Carmel, the Associational Law (July 1, 1901) was adopted, which severely affected all religious communities, expelling most of them from the country. Shortly after the ascent of Pius X (1903), diplomatic relations with the Vatican were interrupted, church property was taken under state administration, and the law on complete separation of church and state came into effect on January 1, 1906. The church was violently ousted from public life.
(8) A reference to Luke 10:42.

Source: theofil.cz
(editorially modified)

List of the General Superiors of both Carmelite orders (O.Carm. and OCD)

contribution from the general chapter

reports from the general chapter

(The sermon delivered by the provincial superior of the Genoa province of the Discalced Carmelites during the celebration of the perpetual vows of Sister Maria Sara of the Holy Spirit on October 13, 2007, at the Church of St. Benedict in Hradčany.)

Completion of the reflections of Fra. John of St. Bruno, OCD, on prayer

However, the Apostle Paul also gives a similar command regarding prayer to the Thessalonian Christians: “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17).

exercises by Elizabeth of the Holy Trinity (continuation)