A Sacred Journey: CarmelPrays Lent Series
ABOVE: A brief behind the scenes video offering a glimpse into the making of some of the Lenten content for CarmelPrays.com.
by Kenneth J. Pino
Lent is a season of deep spiritual reflection, and CarmelPrays.com has taken an innovative approach to guiding the faithful through this sacred time. Rooted in the Carmelite tradition, the website, established by the Carmelites of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, has been a spiritual resource since November 2020, providing Night Prayer (“Compline”) every evening and producing daily Morning and Evening Prayer in the Sant’Angelo style. This Lent, they have doubled their efforts to include the reading of the entire Book of Genesis read aloud and designed to accompany you on your Lenten journey.
At the heart of this series is Fr. Marc Bell, O.Carm., as the narrator who brings the Book of Genesis to life. By delving into the foundational stories of faith, CarmelPrays invites you to reflect on God’s presence in the world and in your own life. The use of Genesis as the focal point for the Lenten season connects you to the origins of creation, sin, and redemption—themes of the penitential and renewing spirit of Lent.
As always, in addition to Fr. Marc’s readings, the CarmelPrays.com videos offers its ongoing commitment to a blend of audio, video, and text resources that support personal and communal prayer. These include beautifully composed music for meditation, which enhances the atmosphere of contemplation, and structured prayers that guide the faithful through each day’s spiritual practice. The prayers and hymns featured in the series are spoken and sung by Carmelites from around the Province, adding an authentic and deeply spiritual dimension to the experience. By integrating these elements, CarmelPrays.com ensures that anyone, whether at home or on the go, can engage meaningfully with the Lenten season.
One of the defining aspects of this initiative is its accessibility. The videos and prayers are available online, allowing people from all walks of life to participate in Lent at their own pace. Whether one is new to Lenten observance or a longtime practitioner, the series provides a structured yet flexible way to grow in faith.
CarmelPrays.com’s commitment to fostering a vibrant prayer community continues to shine through this Lenten series. By combining scripture, prayer, and meditative music, the website offers a holistic approach to spiritual renewal. As the faithful journey through Lent with the wisdom of Genesis, they are invited into a deeper communion with God, preparing their hearts for the joy of Easter.
To experience CarmelPrays.com for yourself, visit the website at https://www.carmelprays.com
CarmelPrays.com is a collaborative effort of friars, musicians, and technical staff from across the Province. All instrumental, vocal and speaking parts are recorded individually by the various contributors across the Province, gathered electronically to be mixed by our audio engineer, and forwarded on to be edited into the final videos. All written text is complied and reviewed by the Friars, typed and edited by staff, and then uploaded to the website. The entire project is an amazing example of the power of community.
If you are enjoying CarmelPrays, please consider visiting
https://carmelitemedia.tiny.us/supportpcm
to make a donation in support its ongoing development and production.