In the Constitutions of our community, the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles are the following words:
Our habit is a form of language. It says who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. By wearing it, we are communicating God. Our founding sisters suffered for the freedom and privilege of wearing the habit of the Carmelite Order. Their story of persecution, poverty and journey to the United States as refugees should be pondered and meditated upon by every new generation of sisters as they receive their holy habit.
Witness as a Nurse: For 10 years, I worked the night shift in the Intensive Care Unit of Santa Teresita Hospital with another Carmelite sister, Sister Virginia Therese. There were so many times when a patient would wake up from a major automobile accident or major surgery and seeing two sisters dressed in the white habit at their bedside and their bedside would ask, "Am I in heaven?"After 48 years of wearing the habit, I often forget the silent language and witness the habit gives until I am reminded by the reaction of people I meet at the most unexpected times and the most unusual places. The following are a few reactions I have experienced, and I am sure that each sister in my community could write a book on her personal experiences.
As a Mobile Intensive Care Nurse, I would accompany the paramedics on their emergency calls. One time, we were called to a park where a young man had overdosed on heroin. I was beside him in the ambulance in route to the hospital when he woke up. He had the most puzzled look on his face when he, too, asked "Am I in heaven?" The paramedics never forgot this young man's question.
Catechesis at College: In standing in line to register for classes at a nearby college, a young boy pulled away from his mother in front of us and asked about the rosary he saw hanging from our cinctures. We explained that when we pray the rosary, we talk to God. The young boy immediately grabbed the large medal we have on our rosary, put it to his mouth as said: "God, do you hear me?" He then put the medal to his ear to wait for the answer! We had a one-minute catechesis on how we talk to God in prayer, and how we have to be very quiet on the inside to be able to hear his answer. The little child was very interested.
Spirituality in the Supermarket: After 28 years of working in the hospital setting, I had the privilege to be transferred for seven years to work at our motherhouse in Alhambra, California. My trips to the nearby store became surprisingly spiritual experiences.
Once, I was asked to pick up some nail polish remover for the sacristy to be used in removing wax from the candleholders. As Carmelites we do not use nail polish, but I did know that nail polish remover would be clear. I noted what seem to be several hundred bottles. When I was halfway through my unsuccessful search an employee came along. She was orienting a new employee who was a young teenage girl. "Can I help you sister?" she asked. I explained my problem. She smiled and said "Let me take you to the area were you will find the nail polish remover."
