A Few Lines to Tell You

That statement from Sunshine yesterday reminded me to pick up the special read aloud I had been sharing with her before our trip, A Few Lines to Tell You: My Life in Carmel by Sister Marie. The book is recommended reading for young ladies/teens, but it has been very interesting to my 6 year old daughter. It is a reprint of a compilation of letters published in 1956 by a young novice to her parents and family. She describes, with great detail and enthusiasm, her arrival and new life in the Carmelite convent.

A little excerpt from Sr. Marie second letter home:

As soon as I had the postulant's outfit on, Sister took me

back to the Chapel-this time, right up to the Communion

railing. After I had knelt, Sister gave me a lighted candle

to hold. Then I noticed for the first time a big grate beside

the sanctuary. The curtain on one side was drawn, and I

could see sisters inside;--but was I scared to when I saw

their faces veiled! "I wonder if that is the way they

always are! Will I never see their faces? Dear Jesus, if that

is Carmel and that is where you want me, give me the courage

I need," I prayed, not daring to look again.

My reverie stopped when the sisters began to sing. I still

keep hearing some of the words:

"Come, my daughter, come away

Leave the world with all its dross,

I would have thee watch and pray,

I would have thee bear the cross!"

Their voices sounded just like angels! Soon, too soon, they

stopped, and Sister said we were going to the enclosure.

When we reached the big door, I knocked three times and

then the door opened. "Kneel and kiss the Crucifix," a kind

voice whispered. I did. The door shut and then the joy

almost overpowered me as I realized, "I am in Carmel."