The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm celebrated the 31st anniversary of Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa’s entrance into eternal life on January 21st. If Mother Angeline was alive today, she would have been 122 years old! Called to religious life at an early age of nineteen, she reached the fullness of her religious consecration when God called her to establish a religious community especially dedicated to the care of the elderly. Among the many attributes of virtues, one that best describes this woman of faith was her religious zeal. It is very appropriate then that the theme for this year’s anniversary celebration which falls on this proclaimed “Year of Consecrated Life” is that of the “Consecrated Woman of the Church.”
The Eucharistic celebration began at 11:00 am in the beautiful Chapel of Saint Teresa’s Motherhouse in Germantown, NY. It was attended by the Avila Sisters, the McCrory family, Carmelite novices from St. Elias Province and Most Pure Heart of Mary Province, as well as other invited friends. Very Reverend Mario Esposito, O.Carm. was the Principal Celebrant and Homilist. Those concelebrating were Rev. Robert Traudt, O.Carm., Rev. John Horan, O.Carm., Rev. Joseph Nguyen Do, O.Carm., Rev. Brian McWeeney, Rev. James Donlon, Rev. Thomas Lawless, and Rev. John Moyna. Father Mario delivered his homily centered on the call to living the life of consecration, in particular the consecrated life, with its challenges, hopes and its call to mission. Using the backdrop of the call of Samuel read in the First reading, and the command of Jesus from the Gospel of John to love one another, Father Mario drew highlights from the life of the Venerable Mary Angeline and the long history of Carmel, to both encourage and challenge those present to live out the gospel call of service and mission. You can read Father Mario’s full homily below. The celebration proceeded with a gathering for a delicious meal and fraternity. We thank God for the life and legacy of Venerable Mary Angeline and pray for the advance of her Cause for Beatification! May this “Consecrated Woman of the Church” intercede for us and draw forth new vocations to the religious life on this Year of the Consecrated Life!
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