2025 Edition: Carmel’s Harvest

On Monday, September 8, 2025, the Lucia Dos Santos Community of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Scarborough came together at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine to celebrate with deep devotion the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary . This special evening was marked not only by Marian joy but also by significant milestones in the Carmelite vocation. The festivities began at 6:00 PM with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament , creating a moment of silent

1. The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became “sin” for our sake, the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father decares him the beloved Son and, while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out. 2. The self-manifestation at the wedding feast at Cana This is the first of the signs, given at Cana, when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the di

1. The Resurrection If you are joyful, look at Him … risen. Just imagining how He rose from the tomb will bring you joy. The brilliance! The beauty! The majesty! How victorious! How joyful! Indeed, like one coming forth from a battle where he has gained a great kingdom. And all of the, plus Himself, He desires for you. Well, is it such a big thing that from time to time you turn your eyes to look upon one who give you so much? (St Teresa of Jesus, The Way of Perfection C

1. The Agony in the Garden The trials of Jesus, what a mystery! Yes, He had some, and He is often all alone to press the grapes for wine. He searched for people to console Him but can find none. …Many are there to serve Jesus when they need Him for their consolation, but few agree to keep Jesus company, sleeping on the wave or suffering in the garden of agony. Who will serve Jesus for Himself. Ah, that will be us. (St. Therese of the Child Jesus, General Correspondence,

1. The Annunciation O, how sweet is the way of love. How I want to apply myself to doing the will of God always with the greatest surrender. (Story of a Soul) 2. The Visitation What banquet could a Carmelite sister offer her sisters, except a spiritual banquet of loving and joyful charity? As far as I am concerned, I know no other and I want to imitate St. Paul who rejoiced with those who rejoice. (Story of a Soul, Man C Ch 11) 3. The Nativity In the brilliant

The flowing waters of Carmel Bringing forth a gush of graces It soothes and cleanses Mortal wounds of pride it effaces From the Spouse of the Holy Spirit A simple sigh could purchase True light in darkness Through trials the soul's oasis That sweet example of a Mother One loving Yes, a humble answer Worthy vessel of Divinity Star of the Sea! Guide us from every danger Jessica Soriano, OCDS Lucia Dos Santos - Toronto OCDS Community

Oh, long, long winter, freeze over our unsureness, that we may have rest from all our anxieties. O, longed-for-spring, warm sun that melts the snow, melt away our feelings of inadequacy. Oh, Promised heat of summer, cause the love, patience and silence deep within us to grow like no growing season before. Oh, carefree days of autumn, Take away all that hinders wholesome growth, keeping the roots of our life nourished deep within the light of all life. Compo

We are one body in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Church, in the Order of Carmel and in the OCDS. How do we reunite this body and help each individual member to feel connected? Let's go back to our roots! Constitution I Our Identity, Value and Commitment. Understanding our identity, values and commitment is very important. It is the foundation upon which our entire formation is built. As a Secular Carmelite, we are a part of the Order of Carmel. We are not just a group or conf