Children’s Mass in Carmel Stirs Joyful Vocations

The blessing of Jesus stirs the hearts anew.

“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt 19:14)

These challenging words of Jesus are felt alive in the Children’s Mass in honor of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Carmelite Monastery last 30th of September.

Hundreds of children participated actively in the Holy Mass in honor of the saint of the little way of confidence and love, St Therese. The choir brought the angelic voices coming from the children. The altar servers were all joyful and dedicated young ones in their time and service for the Holy Eucharist. Moreover, lectors and psalmists were like little angels. The Mass was also animated by a long line of children offerers and ushers. Truly seeing them all active, alive and gifted manifest the blessedness of little ones before Jesus who blesses and loves children.

Traditionally in Carmel, in the Children Mass some girls clad as little Therese. This year after the pandemic, three little boys wore the brown habit of the Carmelites, for the first time. They were called the little St. John of the Cross, a revered Carmelite saint known for his teachings on the Living Flame of Love and the Dark Night of the Soul. Their cuteness in their being little Carmelites stirred hope and joy for vocations.

Indeed, there is hope for good vocations in the Church with this inspiring participation of young ones. We hope that the seeds of good vocation sprout and nurture from these devotions and innocence. We pray. We support. We always hope for good vocations in today’s time.

From the little way of confidence and love of St. Therese, may love grow; that little Therese grow a strong vocation to love; that little Friars progress from formidable to sincere consecrated commitments; that little souls make great ripple effects for blessed vocations in the Church today. (Fr. Richard Escotto, OCD)