The very happy news we can report is the birth of a special baby—who now has 13 Carmelite Aunts! It’s a story, of course! And to appreciate this story, one must appreciate the special family tie shared among ALL the Sisters’ families. This is a bond that sometimes takes years to discover and appreciate, but as the years pass, in one way or another, the families of the Sisters meet—and very often share a lasting friendship in our holy Faith, having its common ground in Carmel. The happy “Baby Story” is simply told. Because one Sister’s sister (a nurse) knew that another Sister’s married sister was looking into adoption, she called the Carmel during the winter to let us know that a young expectant mother desired to find a stable, Catholic home for her baby, to be born in July. Would the Carmelites please pass on this information? After “passing on this information”, the Sisters prayed. For those of you who know the complicated process of adoption, along with its sometimes heartbreaking ups and downs, you will know that prayers are essential! Once we accomplished the initial “connecting” of the two sisters-of-the-Sisters, they communicated about how to arrange basic details to begin the process. The adopting couple’s gratitude to God for this gift, which wondrously passed through Carmelite prayers and hearts, has been immeasurable! Little Augustyn Joseph was born July 8th and baptized on – - – July 16th, of course! Our prayers continue for the selfless young parents, who chose to give their child a steady beginning in a loving Catholic home.

Marian

Esther Davis