We are fortunate to have many magnificant churches in Concord, but it's the people that make them special. My special place is the Carmelite Monastery.
One day nearly 30 years ago, I decided to stop there. As I entered the grounds, I immediately felt the overwhelming presence of peace. I was curious about the Carmelite sisters who lived there. I knew that the Carmelite order was one of prayer and solitude. As I entered the lobby I saw a sign that read “Please Ring Bell.” I hesitated but rang the bell. Shortly the door at the turn opened and someone said, “Hello, I am Sister Thomas. May I help you?” What I noticed first was the beautiful smile and inward peace that she possessed.
My inquiry was to see if people from the community could attend their Easter services. The reply was yes and my family attended Easter Mass.
As we continued to attend Mass at the monastery, we began to understand the sisters' way of life.
That life was one of prayer and solitude. They would do their daily chores out of love for God, and they spent each day in silence. Many people would stop in and request prayers for loved ones. The good sisters always welcomed me to talk with them. They encouraged me to turn to God to help ease my burdens. From then on, I was in their daily prayers.
People who have loved ones ill in the hospital walk across the street and request prayers from the sisters. They find that the sisters are never too busy to spend time speaking with them and giving them comfort in their time of need.
Through the years, my husband and I spent time helping in any way that we could. It might be working in their flower gardens or running to the stores to pick up something they needed. In the spring and fall other people from the community joined together and helped do some of the cleanup around the monastery.
Although it was a lot of work, it was a fun time for all of us. The sisters were so ever grateful for each little thing we did for them.
As the years went by, the good sisters became our extended family. They shared in our happy times and our sad times. They were always there to help us endure any hardship or worries that we might have. They had a special way of touching our lives and made us into better people for knowing them.
Stop in and introduce yourself to them. You will be glad that you did. After all these years they are still my special family, and they can be yours as well.
When you are out and about and it's noon, you will hear the bells of the monastery ringing. Take a moment to remember the sisters and the good they do.
