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WORK

The holy Rule of Carmel emphasises the necessity of undertaking manual work of some form in order that the "Devil may always find us busy". It continues to say that "no idleness on our part should give him the chance to pierce the defenses of our souls" (Rule No. 17). In addition to prayer, our duties of work within the monastery are a safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the enemy. Faithful to this spirit, our Holy Mother, Saint Teresa also desired that her daughters support themselves by the work of their hands. For this reason each sister is designated some form of manual work to undertake during the appointed work times. Saint Teresa also knew the importance of a balanced life and therefore desired that her daughters embrace the continual rhythm of the day that incorporates a healthy balance of prayer, work, solitude and recreation.

"Our Lord does not so much look at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them"
~ Saint Therese ~

Apart from the usual tasks of cleaning, cooking, sewing and gardening, the sisters work to support themselves by making candles, rosaries, scapulars, liturgical items and supplying altar breads.

"The soul that walks in love neither rests, nor grows tired"
~ Saint John of the Cross ~

Work, Altar Breads, Carmelite
Work, Beeswax Candles, Carmelite

In imitation of Christ, who wanted to work with His own hands in Nazareth, and in obedience to the prescriptions of the Rule, the nuns will submit themselves gladly to the common law of work. They will share the condition of the poor and earn by toil the necessities of life. They will place at the service of the sisters their energies and talents and keep in mind that labour is also a way to associate themselves with the redemptive work of Christ ~ Constitutions No. 37

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord and not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus Christ Who you are serving"
~ Colossians 3:24 ~

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