Any secular carmelites here?

[Amythyst]

I’m currently an aspirant for OCDS. Like Dave, I think Opus Dei is really interesting. I wish I could do both. However, my most overwhelming pull is to the Carmelites. St. Teresa is my patron saint and her books are my favorite books. I love contemplative prayer and St. Teresa is a true master. I wish I could explore cloistered Carmelite life, but I’m in my 40’s so it’s out of the question, so I’ve read and heard. So, I’m also beginning discernment of a vocation as a sister.

 

[Tampa_Dave]

Amythyst,

Congratulations on your chosen vocations! You’re an aspirant for OCDS and simultaneously beginning discernment as a sister. Sounds like you’ve immersed yourself in massive amounts of prayer and studies. The logistics alone must be daunting.

Opus Dei offers exciting prospects for a holy life, but I’m enamored with the spirituality and writings of Carmelite saints. While randomly scanning the shelves at Barnes & Noble yesterday, I began reading a book about ‘Brother Lawrence’. I could barely put it down. It turns out to be Lawrence of the Resurrection, a Carmelite Icon, not unlike St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. I plan on ordering “Br. Lawrence, Writings and Conversations On The Practice of the Presence of God” (ed. C. De Meester, trans. S. Sciurba) from the Institute of Carmelite Studies.

I think Opus Dei offers greater opportunities for fraternity, however. With a circle meeting and evening of recollection once per month, bi-weekly sessions with a spiritual director, assorted workshops and an annual retreat, Opus Dei seemingly offers greater opportunities for interaction among its membership. If my understanding is correct, OCDS communities meet twelve times a year plus an annual retreat. The OCDS meetings last for roughly six hours, so they accomplish quite a bit during their time together.

 

[HonoraDominum]

The basis of my attraction to the Discalced Carmelites is founded upon limited reading (books and internet websites) and e-mail exchanges with an OCDS member of Our Lady of Carmel Community. I will have my first visit on July 15th: theory meets reality at this juncture. If my actual experience truly reflects the wisdom and beauty of my studies, I will be hard-pressed to deny a possible vocation with the Discalced Carmelites. Among other things, I’m specifically attracted to the Order’s Marian devotion and intense study of the Carmelite saints. The Blessed Virgin holds a special place in my heart, so that aspect of Carmelite devotion inspires me greatly. Carmelite mysticism is quite unique among the monastic orders. By their complexity and volume alone, the works of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross demand rigorous study, a very welcome challenge to someone with an academic background in European history and philosophy. Unlike many Orders that meet once a month for two to three hours, the Discalced Carmelites meet for approximately six hours. Their typical agenda includes the Rosary, Divine Office, Holy Mass, a period of silent meditative prayer, formation classes and a lecture. Written homework based on extensive reading is the rule of the OCDS. Additionally, Our Lady of Mount Carmel meets at the Carmelite Monastery housing the Institute of Carmelite Studies and is led by a renowned Carmelite scholar, Fr. Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD. Can one select a more appropriate place for study and reflection, or a scholar of greater repute to teach one the wisdom and spirituality of the Discalced Carmelites? I feel a tremendous emotional and intellectual draw to the OCDS and, quite frankly, it makes me nervous. To be purposefully objective, I’m exploring other Orders to affirm my thoughts on the Discalced Carmelites.

Keep in mind that the order’s Marian devotion is quite different than Marian devotions of other orders. Yes, the Carmelites (both Ancient Order and Discalced) have a Marian devotion that is very much a part of the Carmelite spirituality. But it is much different than, say, the emphasis of St. Louis de Montfort and his emphasis of being a “slave” to Mary. Carmelite devotion can be described as very Christ-centric. Mary is the example of the perfect contemplative, who took the words of Christ and pondered them in her heart. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel leads the Carmelite to Christ through her example, her protection, and her intercession. Mary is our example, and our guide to Christ. All devotion to Mary ultimately leads to a deeper relationship with her Son.

In “Story of a Soul”, little Therese talks about her impression of Mary and how she loves her. She relates the story of how when she is walking to the communion rail to receive, she imagines approaching Mary as a child approaching their mom after they’ve been outside playing and gotten all dirty and grimy. She imagines Mary changing her clothes into a clean, white dress, and wiping her face clean and putting a pretty bow in her hair, so that she was ready to receive such an honored guest in the best state possible. She also talks about running to Mary for comfort and protection as a little child runs to their mother. A child does not worry about the relationship or true nature or complex issues of parenthood that go on with the parent. The child simply knows that she is hurt, and she needs comfort, and that the mother can do that. In return, the child gives the parent unconditional love and simple but sincere gifts for the sake of giving.

It is this simplicity in Marian devotion that I have taken to heart. I think of Mary as my true spiritual Mother - protector, teacher, comforter. When I wear my brown scapular, I think of it as one might think of a special locket or piece of jewelry from our beloved - a constant reminder of my special relationship with her. When I run to her for comfort, I do not worry if I am worthy, I do not worry if I will receive comfort. She is my mom, and she will be there for me. I also think much of her simple life, living in obscurity while living perfectly united to God’s will. I pray for her intercession that she will help me to fulfill God’s will, and to help guide me so that I may grow in love for Him.

 

[Tampa_Dave]

Wow! I’m humbled by your heartfelt rendition of the Carmelite version of Marian devotion. There is no other comment I can add. Thank you for sharing this with me.

David