As we commemorate the Declaration of Independence, it is worth noting that our nation was born out of love: love for freedom, love for equity and equality, and love for fundamental, inalienable rights. This historic day, the 4th of July, not only marked the birth of a new nation but also set a precedent for the pursuit of justice and equality.
Today, the spirit of love continues to inspire The Carmelite System Inc., dedicated to improving the lives of the aged and infirm and championing causes for the betterment of elderly and senior care.
Trish Gathers, the President and CEO of The Carmelite System Inc., embodies this legacy of love. With a deep connection to her ancestry—her relative was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence—Gathers is driven by love for her heritage and a commitment to advocating for those in need. The Carmelite System Inc. channels love into their work, focusing on the care of the aged and infirm.
The Carmelite System, known for its compassionate and comprehensive care, exemplifies the values of dignity and respect for all individuals. Under Gathers’ leadership, the organization continues to provide high-quality care and support, ensuring that the elderly and infirm are treated with love and compassion.
Freedom is not free; sacrifice and love are key
The Carmelite Sisters have sown love and sacrifice in our society. What some people might not know is that the Catholic nuns with a vow of poverty built 25% of the infrastructure of schools, hospitals, colleges, and nursing homes, and they did it for free, simply with a purpose, sacrifice, and love. The Carmelite System for the Aged and Infirm is one legacy of love.
With a congregation of over 3,500 employees and 120 Sisters who continue to serve throughout our ministry, which is located in seven states and Ireland, the congregation’s mission is focused on ensuring that each of our 2,345+ residents receives the best care possible as they live in the autumn of their lives. New York and Florida are extremely fortunate in that our services are available at Ozanam Hall, Queens, NY; St. Patrick’s Home, Bronx, NY; Marian Woods, Hartsdale, NY; and, of course, Lourdes Noreen McKeen Residence in West Palm Beach, Florida.
CARITH Ministries
The CARITH ministries is another vision of the Carmelite Sisters’ legacy of love. This entity’s sole purpose is to preserve the assets and footprint of the Catholic Church and its ministries. Recently, the Pope had resonated that there is a need to address the reuse of unused real estate assets, a need that is all the more urgent today. “Not only because of the shrinking number of communities of consecrated life and the need to find the resources necessary for the care of elderly and sick sisters and brothers, but also, in particular, because of the effects of the acceleration of legislative change and the necessary requirement to adapt,” he wrote.
Communities most often divest from these assets because of the “economic burdens of ordinary and extraordinary maintenance and preservation” needed, he wrote. “The problem must be tackled not with hasty or impromptu decisions, but with a holistic vision and farsighted planning, and possibly also by turning to proven professional expertise.” Prudence, care, and support structures for more disadvantaged communities are greatly needed in decommissioning properties. CARITH Ministries wants to preserve these assets of the Catholic Church to make sure they are used for the purpose of helping those in need instead of going to private equity. CARITH is there to service the needs of the disenfranchised.
The commemoration of the Declaration of Independence serves as a reminder of our nation’s foundation and the ongoing journey toward a more loving and just society. As we celebrate our nation’s independence, it is crucial to highlight the power of love in the fight for freedom. Just as the signatories of the Declaration of Independence fought out of love for liberty and justice, The Carmelite System strives to uphold these principles of love in their work. By speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves and ensuring that the Catholic sponsored ministries’ footprint is preserved and remains a vital part of our community, it calls us to action. We are urged to remain steadfast in our support and love for those in need, especially the elderly and infirm, and to preserve the values that define us as a nation. Let the spirit of love and independence remain alive and thriving for generations to come. As we say at the Carmelite System: THE DIFFERENCE IS LOVE.
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