Flemington Carmel marks feast with blessing of roses

Legions of saints who have performed public miracles have enriched the faith of Catholics throughout the ages, but the simple efforts of a young, ailing Carmelite novice intent on living “the little way” continues to enrich followers with spiritual roses to this day.

On Oct. 1, the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a Doctor of the Church, scores of religious and faithful gathered in the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen for the annual blessing of the roses in the Flemington convent.

Bishop James F. Checchio was principal celebrant of the service and was assisted by Bishops Manuel Cruz and Gregory Studerus, auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Newark. They were accompanied by priests from surrounding areas who processed into the small chapel overflowing with 50 dozen roses of all hues while the Discalced Carmelite sisters sang a hymn to the Saint. Father Luke Mary Fletcher, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, was the homilist.

Bishop Checchio thanked the Carmelite community for “inviting us to share in this great Feast of the Little Flower,” and asked her to pray for all present. The Bishop also thanked those in attendance for participating. The Blessed Sacrament was then exposed on the altar.

Father Luke Mary shared a few reflections on St. Thérèse and devotion to her, noting. she was always the Patron Saint of his family and that his mother died on her feast day in the pre-1969 Roman Calendar, October 3rd.

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus or Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897) died very young at 24 years of age after living the life of a Carmelite novice for ten years. She felt that she had not accomplished very much in her short life. Subsequent generations have proven that untrue: her living the “little way” and her writings published after her death began to inspire people from around the world and continue to do so today.

Saint Thérèse has long been associated with flowers, especially roses. She referred to herself as a “little flower in the Garden of the Lord.” As her death from tuberculosis was imminent she is reported to have said that she would spend her time in heaven praying and sending roses down on people below who ask for her help. Many people believe they have been the recipients of her roses, both physical and spiritual.

Father Luke Mary related that even during the lifetime of the saint a contemporary in the convent drew a picture of her holding a Crucifix and surrounded by roses. When asked why she chose that image the nun said that St. Thérèse while lying in her sick bed would often pluck off rose petals and cover the Crucifix with them, symbolizing sufferings and trials. “In her ‘littleness’ she magnifies the Lord,” he concluded.

A period of silence followed, allowing for reflection and meditation before the Blessed Sacrament. Bishop Checchio then led a Novena prayer and offered a Pontifical Benediction. He then blessed the roses before offering them to each participant as they approached the sanctuary to venerate a relic of St. Thérèse.

This year, as in past years, James Besch donated all the roses, in memory of his mother, Jacqueline, who had a deep devotion to the saint. Carmelite Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation noted the generosity of the gift, professing, “We could never have afforded to buy them all!”

In addition to the roses that surrounded the Saint’s statue, a garland of small pink roses adorned the image. Traditionally this garland is presented each year to a special friend of the Carmel.

One woman in attendance has been a professed member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites at the Flemington Carmel for 20 years. As lay Catholics, members of the Order promise to strive to live evangelical perfection in the spirit of chastity, poverty, obedience and of the beatitudes. Commenting on the beauty of the Blessing of the Roses and Carmelite spirituality, she said, “I am always amazed when I wear the scapular of our Order at Catholic events how many people are not aware of the Carmelite tradition. I try to spread the knowledge of our Carmel here and the Order in general.”

The Carmel of Flemington is located at 26 Harmony School Road, Flemington, and is open to the public Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Mass is offered Monday to Saturday at 7 a.m. and at 8 a.m. on Sunday.