Carmelites at home in diocese for 40 years
By Renee Webb, Globe diocesan news editor
Posted January 10, 2002

The diocese has been home to the Carmelite Monastery for 40 years.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the monastery's first Mass, Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo led evening prayer and the Eucharistic liturgy on Dec. 18.

Bishop Lawrence D. Soens, retired, and several priests of the diocese concelebrated. Deacon Ron Forrest of Sioux City assisted at the Mass and proclaimed the Gospel.

In the homily, Bishop DiNardo said that having the monastery in the diocese was a particular joy for him. He added that just as the Carmelite Monastery has grown in the last 40 years so has the affection of the people of the diocese for them.

The bishop described the monastery, which was located in the heart of the city, as "a center for intense, focused fire. And fire is the daily enthusiasm of consecration for the Carmelite Sisters."

He pointed out that the lifelong vocation of the Carmelite is to live in silence so that the world watching and contemplating it may itself, from their example, learn wait silently for the Lord and joyfully greet him when he comes.

While some may question why they would want to "waste their life" in a cloistered monastery, Bishop DiNardo stressed the fact that there was "no waste here." He noted that he has received many letters, even from people of other faiths, expressing thanks that the Carmelites were in Sioux City.

"Sisters, I am so glad you are here 40. Make sure you stay another 100," the bishop told the Carmelites.

The bishop, referring to the Scripture readings, spoke about Jesus. He mentioned the role of Joseph in the life of Jesus who was a wonderfumodel of the silent activity of prayer and consecration.

He told the Carmelites that it was his prayer that Joseph, along with Mary and St. Theresa of Avila, would continue to guide them in their love for the Lord.

Addressing the priests who were present, Bishop DiNardo said that a day didn't go by when the sisters didn't pray for them.

He concluded the sermon by saying, "Friends, we venerate and honor the presence of the Carmelites."