Is there any other way?

[godisgood1010]

To all the Discalced Carmelites,

I am 14, wanting to join the Discalced Carmelites, I have discerned it since Grade 8 and am sure that I want to offer my life up to God by following their path. When I was interviewed by the superiors of the St. John of the Cross Monastery in New Manila, they told me that I was really ok to join them if it weren’t for the requirements. I would have to be 21 they said. I think that my heart would burst by then. Please help! I would like to ask if there was any way to get around it. Thank you

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

The first sign of a religious vocation is the desire to be a religious. But it is only the first sign. The Church’s recognition that a person truly has a vocation comes when the religious superiors accept the person for final vows. This is the final sign. There are many intermediate signs; one of which is the required age for entrance.

If you truly want to be a Discalced Carmelite, you will need to get used to waiting and conforming yourself to the will of God as expressed through the Order’s rule and constitutions. To be a Carmelite means learning to carry the cross.

By the way; you won’t explode. You are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.