VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Celebrating my new life in Hawaii’s Carmel, I can simply see God’s majesty in his creation — the unspoiled landscape of the mountains, the vast panoramic ocean, the tranquil invigorating breeze, and the sparkling boon of sunshine. One can also experience the lush green trees, the springing wildflowers, and the sweet-sounding tweets of the birds that give rise to a sense of awe and wonder. It is this silent alluring communion with God in nature that creates the perfect abode for interior recollection of prayer and contemplation which characterize life in Carmel.
Here in this place, I celebrate life by offering prayers and sacrifices, to share God’s graces and favors to all the people who come to visit our monastery; and the special mission in the mystical body of Christ — to pray for priests particularly in this country.
The Apostle Paul says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.” (1 Corinthians 2:17). A good friend said, “The Holy Spirit steps on the accelerator; at the same time, he puts on the brakes.” The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in me. He gently strengthens my weaknesses. He empowers me to win battles interiorly. He guides my will in accord with his.
As I embark on a new chapter of my Carmelite life here in Kaneohe, I realize that it is the Holy Spirit that is in control of my day-to-day being. One of the hardest sacrifices I have encountered here is not being able to swim. In our Carmelite Monastery in Davao, Philippines, we have a small swimming pool built for health reasons. Here, the least I can do is to “tampisaw.” In our native Filipino language, it means, “to wet one’s feet by allowing the waves to splash on the feet.”
But, in another sense, I learn to wait for the waves to come and go enjoying every minute of my life here in “tampisaw” with Him. Following our Lord entails a love-filled sacrifice and an endless and absolute surrender. As Pope Francis says, “The surrender of one’s life is not optional, but it is the consequence of a heart that has been touched by the love of God.” Though it may sound helplessly useless, in reality, my spirit has experienced a certain new freedom, a new boldness of the overflowing love of Christ.
A Carmelite hermit wrote: “All Carmelites dwell on Mount Carmel.” That is, if not literally, at least spiritually. As I reflect on this, my spirit soars as I gaze on the lofty mountain ranges around our monastery. I ponder on the great height and depth of God’s love for me, the complex marvelous design of God in me. My heart exults with praise and thanksgiving, full of gladness and joy. Perhaps, this is a glimpse of heaven — an infinite grandeur of God’s presence. If this is heaven for me right now, what more is heaven up there? There, we find everlasting glory and happiness forever!
I thank God each day for the amazing and wonderful things he has given me. As the prophet Jeremiah’s words echo in my ears: “I brought you into the land of Carmel to enjoy its fruit and good things.” (Jer 2:7-8).
Sister Anne Therese Ocampo of the Immaculate Heart belongs to the Order of Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She is originally from Carmel of Davao, Davao City. A graduate of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, she holds a fine arts degree in interior design. She is seven years professed and resides at Carmel of the Holy Trinity in Hawaii.
