Popular Book Shows How “Holy Ambition” in Ordinary Life Leads to Heroic Virtue
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Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STD. A Journey to Mount Carmel: A Nine-Day Preparation for Investiture in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback. $17.95. 192 pages. Available from the publisher.
Maybe you recall being invested in the scapular at your First Communion or, perhaps you’re like me, and sadly don’t remember! I was recently invested again for that reason, and this beautiful moment is one I won’t forget because I made a retreat first using this life-changing new book.
It wasn’t until I read these inspiring pages that I recall hearing the Blessed Mother referred to as “Lady-Warrior.” How consoling to wear the mantle of her protection and ponder how she will crush the enemy’s head with her heel (Genesis 3:15).
In his latest book A Journey to Mount Carmel: A Nine-Day Preparation for Investiture in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady, Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STD, a Papal Missionary of Mercy, masterfully explains that by enrolling in the scapular of Our Lady we renew our baptismal promises and consecration to Jesus her Son.
“Our fallen world is busy and it’s easy to be distracted,” wrote Fr. Kirby. “Oftentimes the first casualty of activism is the spiritual life. A strong preparation for the investiture in the Brown Scapular could serve as a great encouragement to receiving the scapular and growing in our relationship with the Lord Jesus.”
Through this accessible devotion, Fr. Kirby lays out nine days of preparation in nine short chapters which have three main parts:
· Preparation: with opening prayers and the goal of the day
· Teachings: catechesis that develops and applies the focus of the day
· Spiritual Exercises: an array of spiritual resources from the treasury of the Church
In this “treasure chest” of bonus resources to explore, you will also find a prayer from the Holy Mass, a historical glimpse into the Carmelite order, a brief reflection about a saint, a guided Lectio Divina meditation, a Stations of the Cross and Rosary meditation to ponder, an examination of conscience, and relevant prayers from the treasury of the Church.
One of my favorite features in each chapter is an optional Scripture passage to meditate upon, with a short paragraph where Fr. Kirby guides the reader in imagining the scene.
A reviewer commented: “Father Kirby does an excellent job proclaiming the truth and bringing his readers to new places in their faith journey.” This is clearly evident in these pages that prepare us for the blessing of wearing Our Lady’s scapular. Through Mary’s maternal intercession in their lives, readers will learn how to triumph over sin and find rest from the battle by creating a Carmel within.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of A Journey to Mount Carmel: A Nine-Day Preparation for Investiture in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady, and/or to schedule an interview.
Mary Beth Bracy is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Her books include Behold the Lamb, Bread of Life and The Little Way of Healing Love Through the Passion of Jesus: The Stations of the Cross with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and she is co-author of the book Stories of the Eucharist. She has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks. Mary Beth is also a professional teacher, dual certified in English and Special Education, and the owner of a Catholic book and gift shop online. A proud member of the St. John Paul II generation, and lover of all things St. Thérèse, Mary Beth enjoys spending time in Eucharistic Adoration daily, keeping in touch with her family and friends, as well as, sharing her faith with others.
