COMMUNITY OF MARY GATE OF DAWN AND LITTLE ST. THERESA
From Carmelite History | Founding of the Community | Charisma | Evangelization | Daily Schedule | Invitation

The first rule for the recluses living on mount Carmel (see the story of the Prophet Elijah in the first Book of Kings) was written in 1210 by St. Albert, the bishop of Jerusalem. For two centuries there were only male Carmelites. The first non - cloistered Carmelite convents appeared in 1450; cloistered ones appeared in 1455. In 1562 St. Theresa of Avila reformed the Carmelite convents, naming them the Order of the Discalced Carmelites (ODC). Those who did not accept the reforms retained the name of the Order of Carmelites (OC). After St. Theresa met St. John of the Cross, the reform was also established in the monasteries in 1567. During 1872 - 1930 the contemplative Carmelites appeared without the grilles marking the seclusion of the cloister; besides their main calling of conteplation, these Carmelites dedicate a certain amount of time to apostolic work.

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE MARY GATE OF DAWN AND LITTLE THERESA COMMUNITY
"As my Father sent me, so am I sending you." (John 20:21)

These words, also confirmed by the Church itself, led Sister Rosana to Lithuania on December 21, 1991. Her heart burned with a great desire to serve the Lithuanian Church and to be a witness of prayer and service for this country. Very soon, at the request of several young women, the idea of founding a religious community was born. On March 17, 1992, there was a meeting with A.Bačkis, the new archbishop of Vilnius. He agreed not only to the founding of a non - cloistered Carmelite convent, for the public prayer groups and retreats, but also gave encouragement, saying: "Precisely such a convent is needed now in Lithuania. I would like you to establish yourselves in Vilnius".

Since the founder is on her own and needs to fulfill the duties of a prioress, business manager, and a novitiate mistress, she places her trust in the following: The Virgin Mary, our most high Mother and Prioress; St. Joseph, our business manager; St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, our novitiate mistress.

After many hardships the community left the Vilnius convent to the parish and, on the invitation of the Bishop J.Matulaitis, moved to Krikštėnai, a town in the bishopric of Kaišiadorys. March 25, 1994 - the first sisters begin to live together as a community.

On September 8, 1996 the first step of official juridical recognition of the Church "ad experimentum" was made.

On May 3, 2000 the community was recognized as "public Christian association", the temporal status waiting until the sufficient number of sisters would legitimate the official status of the convent.

THE CHARISMA OF THE MARY GATE OF DAWN AND LITTLE THERESA COMMUNITY
"In the heart of the Church I will be love." (Little St. Theresa)

The Carmelite rule forms our life, which we ground in silent prayer. We desire to do everything possible to be in a state of prayer – "be vigilant and pray" (Mark 14, 38). To contemplate day and night the Lord`s Testament – the "First Rule", to pray for the Church and especially the Lithuanian Church. We will direct our prayers to the Church`s beloved Mother – Mary Gate of Dawn. In the heart of the Church we will pray especially for the Pope, priests, and conversion of sinners. All that the Holy Spirit will teach us through prayer and silence we will retain not only for ourselves, but with the apostolic missionary zeal of the holy prophet Elijah we will share our insights with our brothers and sisters, so that God would be more honored and loved.

OUR EVANGELISM:

• to accept people for a period of seclusion and prayer,
• to bear witness to our faith and prayer,
• to help people find the path or prayer or to deepen their knowledge of it,
• to conduct or organise retreats (in the convent and elsewhere),
• to guide along the spiritual path,
• to assist in the life of prayer of the parish (to prepare candidates for First Communion, to create prayer groups, to prepare for the liturgy, etc.)

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THE COMMUNITY DAILY SCHEDULE

The Community accepts small groups or individual persons for retreats – for a period of silence and prayer. Those interested should inquire in advance.

On the second Saturday of every month from 10 am to 5:30 pm -
a retreat for the "friends" and for all others who wish
to become acquainted with the spirit
of the community and of the Carmelites.

Our Address:
      Krikštėnai
      LT-4127 Ukmergės r.
      LITHUANIA
Tel. +370 340 4 31 30
E-mail: ausros.terese@is.lt; website: vitaconsecrata.lcn.lt/m/ausros-terese