St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila)
I love this video & song so much. The song is in Portuguese, but knowing Spanish helped me undertand the lyrics.
Alma Esponsal by Celina Borges

A alma que ama a Deus e n’Ele confia
Sob o olhar amoroso de Deus ela não se perturba
Mantém-se tranqüila, abandona-se a Ele
Assim é a alma que ama a Deus
Assim é a alma que ama

A alma que clama a Deus e n’Ele confia
Sob o olhar amoroso de Deus ela não se perturba
Mantém-se contente, quieta e expectante

                                 
E toda se encontra submersa em Deus
E toda se encontra submersa

Ó... alma, que é como cavaleiro,que luta o dia inteiro
Guardando o castelo do Rei
A minh’alma se encanta e se apaixona por este Rei

Livre suspira por Ele, mergulha-se n’Ele,se entrega com ardor
Mistério profundo de amor

Nada poderá destruir esse dom
Presente de Deus que é meu Bem, que é tão Bom
Canta minh’alma esponsal ao Senhor
Tão íntimo dom, sacrário de amor
Canta inflamada por quem te quis
Canta minh’alma esponsal, minh’alma feliz
Canta minh’alma esponsal
Minh’alma feliz

This Christmas I was blessed by being able to go to the Midnight Mass at St. Michael’s Abbey with the Norbertine Fraters and Fathers. The few times that I have been there it has never been disappointing; the Mass was as beautiful and touching as always. This Mass for me was particularly special, for not only was I thanking God for the gift of His son to the world, but also for the gift or vocation that He has given the many great men at the Abbey. As many of you know our friend (Mark) and others that I personally know (Yousef, and Ernie) were among the five new novices. Earlier on the morning of Dec. 24th they received in a private Mass their awesome white habit and their new religious names. By midnight their family and friends were finally able to see them. As the Mass started all the fraters processed from the back of the chapel and soon I saw my three friends, this was my first glimpse at them as novices. This was also a very emotional moment; I had to hold back tears of happiness. They all look so angelic in their Norbertine habit as they processed up to the alter of the Lord. Simply beautiful. I wish you could all go visit them at the abbey soon! For those who are wondering what their new names are, here you have them:

Frater Josemaria, formerly known as Mark
Frater Daniel, formerly known as Yousef
Frater Vianney, Formely known as Ernie

And Frater Albert and Frater Joachim, I think.

I am so excited for all of them as they commence a new step in their discernment. Please keep them all in your prayers!

If you wish to write to them or go visit them, here is the address:

St. Michael’s Abbey
19292 El Toro Road
Silverado, CA 92676 – 9710

Merry Christmas Season to all!!!