To Our Dear Friends

As we end this year of Hope, thankful to God and to you,
Carmel looks forward to its 2026 celebration of 300 years
since the Canonization of St. John of the Cross, Doctor of
the Church 1726 - 2026.

“When the time had come for him to be born,
He went forth like the bridegroom
From his bridal chamber, embracing his bride,
Holding her in his arms,
Whom the gracious Mother laid in a manger
Among some animals that were there at the time.
Men sang songs and angels melodies
Celebrating the marriage of Two such as these.
But God there in a manger cried and moaned;
And these tears were jewels the bride brought to the wedding.
The Mother gazed in sheer wonder on such an exchange:
In God, man’s weeping, and in man, gladness,
To the one and the other
Things usually so strange”
St John of the Cross, Romance 9

Mass Schedule

Christmas Mass in the Night:
December 24, 8:30 P.M.

Christmas Day Mass:
December 25, 9:30 A.M.

New Year’s Day Mass:
January 1st, 9:30 A.M

Novena: December 16-24

Novena Prayer
Father, we praise and thank you for Jesus,
The Word of God made flesh.
Help us to become attentive to his presence
in our hearts as did Mary, the Mother of God.
Strengthen us in your love
that our hope and confidence may remain bright
in a world of darkness.
Make a path ready for the Lord to enter our hearts.
Hear our prayer for all our brothers and sisters
and grant the petitions we now present to you.
Amen.

With our deep gratitude for your support,

The Discalced Carmelite Nuns
73530 River Road
Covington, LA 70435

November: Initial Formation Meeting

Every three years our Association of Carmels (Mary, Queen of Carmel Association) offers a seminar to the sisters in initial formation. This year it was held in New Orleans at the Cenacle Retreat House and our very own Fr. Jerome Aubert, OSB from the local St. Benedict's Abbey presented the reflections. A group of around 30 young sisters came from 15 different Carmels both in our Association and from two others in the US.

Now that December is here, we hope you have a blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas!