Blessed Titus Brandsma - 75th Anniversary of Martyrdom

Today is the 75th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Titus Brandsma in the concentration camp of Dachau.

Titus Brandsma, O.Carm., was a Dutch Carmelite friar, priest and professor of philosophy. Brandsma was vehemently opposed to Nazi ideology and spoke out against it many times before the Second World War. He was imprisoned in the infamous Dachau concentration camp, where he died. He has been beatified by the church as a martyr of the faith.

He was beatified as a martyr by Saint Pope John Paul II on 3rd November 1985.

Pictured is our icon of Blessed Titus in the Shrine. A wonderful collection of books by Blessed Titus are available on our online shop. 

Happy Feast Day of Saint James the Apostle

Happy Feast Day of Saint James the Apostle - fellow Apostle to Saint Jude.

Saint James, son of Zebedee (died 44 AD) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and was the first apostle to be martyred. He was a son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle.
Saint James, pray for us.

Pictured is one of our prayer cards to the Apostle.

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Vocations

Christians believe that God calls all people to a life of holiness, that is, a life in relationship with God and with others. This ‘vocation’ or calling can take different forms.

Some people are called by God to join religious families, such as the Carmelite Family, as either religious (friars, nuns, sisters, hermits) or lay people. Those who choose to join the Carmelite Order join a small group of brothers who are involved in the work of preaching the Gospel and witnessing to the presence of God in the world. The Carmelites have always found that actions speak louder than words, and are an example of a life which is totally dedicated to God.

You can support this area with a small donation, which will then enable new life to flourish in the Carmelite Order and the church. It will also allow the Order to support our friars in their ongoing studies. Donate, here.

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