Today’s Pilgrim Train stopped at Carmelite Monastery ˑ 5714 S Holladay Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84121 ˑ Phone: (801) 277-6075 ˑ Website: http://www.carmelslc.org/ I was both humbled and blessed to attend the 7:30 a.m. mass in the chapel. The monastery is just a few minutes off of I-215 at the base of Mount
Brown wooden pews are in two sections with a main aisle and two side aisles. Red carpet accentuates the richness of the wood and brown brick that lines the walls. The ceiling has a high pitch and there are dark brown beams that highlight the height and architecture. Light glows softly on the ceiling and altar with the stained glass windows. There are two steps that lead to the altar area. The altar table and pulpit seems to be made of a white heavily texture stone and there is a credence table just behind and slightly to the left. A tall red upholstered chair is along the back wall directly behind the altar table for the celebrant. Directly above the chair is a lovely crucifix and further above is a rhombus shaped stained glass of Jesus that states “HE IS RISEN”. Another beautiful statue is to the left of the altar at the corner of the Holy Mother Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus. Just to the left a statue of Child Jesus, shown crowned and holding a globe surmounted by a Cross which signifies Christ's Kingship over all.
The tabernacle, draped in purple, is to the right of the altar on a long wooden table with a large wooden symbol on each leg. The Eternal Flame is just to the left of the table. Behind the table is an ornate panel that is in front of four of the five windows that separate the nuns from the community. The fifth window has an opening and just before mass, a pressed white linen is draped over the bottom opening. The nuns come up to the window and receive communion.
Today’s mass was celebrated by Monsignor Michael Winterer who was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Salt Lake City in 1960. His sense of humor, kindness and humility show through his homily and greeting after mass. Retired since 2011, Fr. Mike still celebrates mass and loves to be of service to others. I am sure that the Carmelite Nuns enjoy spending time with him as well. The parishioners and Fr. Mike were very hospitable and I thank them for there kindness.
Lord, in your insight you have called certain women to a life of special consecration. Give them, Lord, the grace of joy and perseverance in their holy vocation. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen