Thursday, June 05, 2008

Ave Maria!

Welcome to the Carmelite Friars Web-site. Let all glory and honor ring out to Christ our King! My name is Brother Robert E. Bathe O.Carm and I am a Vocation Director for the Carmelite Order here in North America. My job is to assist anyone who has questions concerning religious life in the Church, or the Carmelites and our particular Charism within the Roman Catholic Church.

The Carmelites of the Ancient Observance have been entrusted with a special mission and way of life to build up the Kingdom of God. We follow a rule accepted nearly 800 years ago, and serve the Church through a shared life of brotherhood, service, and prayer. Our two great influences are the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Prophet Elijah. We are the only Order in the Church which claims the Old Testament prophet Elijah as a model and patron for our way of life. We see in Elijah an example for living our lives dedicated to contemplation combined with active ministry. As a prophet, Elijah also speaks to a people who yearn for the living God in their lives. We honor Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and work to spread her message of trusting confidence in her Son Jesus.
As you view this site, know that you are in the prayers of the Church through the ministry of the friars. We want to extend our hospitality to you as we all work to increase love for God and neighbor. If you are interested in more information, please feel free to browse the site. If I can be of any assistance or answer any questions, do not hesitate to contact my office. You can e-mail me at vocation@carmelitefriars.org, or call 845-344-2225. May God continue to lead us to His great call of conversion as we seek the face of the One who holds all power, honor, and glory in His great Love.

Brother Robert E. Bathe O.Carm
Director of Vocations