Carmelite Nuns of Arlington, TX

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I was just wondering if anyone had ever been to visit the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Arlington, TX in person? I read through a packet of information that Mother Maria sent me about their order, charism and formation, and I am very interested. I emailed her back today to thank her and ask her some questions, but I haven’t heard from her yet. Does anyone know if they eat fish (I saw that they abstain from meat perpetually)? Do they consider young women with a history of depression if they are recovered? Please tell me your experiences with them. I want to go and meet them in person myself, but it will be a while before I can get out there. Probably about 3-4 months. Thanks!

 

[daughterofmary]

I have not run into a Carmelite monastery that does eat meat. I think in the Rule of St. Albert he writes for those that follow the rule to abstain from meat.

I have never visted there, but a friend did. They said it was very nice. EJames has that video of one of the nuns at the monastery on his blog - Vocation Station.

They are in the St. Teresa Assocation. You can tell a lot by an American OCD monastery by the association it is in, if it is in one at all. The monasteries in each of the associations see things the same way usually.

You should post on phatmass asking. Some of the girls there have visted. One of the girls’ mother (although I think she is doing an aspirancy with the Norbertines right now) is really good friends with one of the sisters there.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

For some reason, I cannot post on the Phatmass phorum. It keeps saying I don’t have permission. I confirmed my email address and everything. Does it take a while for it to be confirmed?

 

[daughterofmary]

For some reason, I cannot post on the Phatmass phorum. It keeps saying I don’t have permission. I confirmed my email address and everything. Does it take a while for it to be confirmed?

pm dust. I have never had any problems. I will pm dust about the issue too.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

pm dust. I have never had any problems. I will pm dust about the issue too.

I can’t PM either. Hopefully, he will be able to fix it through your PM. I don’t know what’s going on.

 

[daughterofmary]

I can’t PM either. Hopefully, he will be able to fix it through your PM. I don’t know what’s going on.

His pm is full, so I can’t pm either to him. I think he keeps his pm full on purpose!

I will pm some of the mods and see if they can fix it. I hope you can post soon!

 

[ClareTherese]

I was just wondering if anyone had ever been to visit the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Arlington, TX in person? I read through a packet of information that Mother Maria sent me about their order, charism and formation, and I am very interested. I emailed her back today to thank her and ask her some questions, but I haven’t heard from her yet. Does anyone know if they eat fish (I saw that they abstain from meat perpetually)? Do they consider young women with a history of depression if they are recovered? Please tell me your experiences with them. I want to go and meet them in person myself, but it will be a while before I can get out there. Probably about 3-4 months. Thanks!

Hello CarmeliteGirl25---- I do know of one Carmelite Monastery that indeed does eat meat. They may abstain from it on fridays. and during lent. But when I made a 7 day silent retreat there, yes indeed, they ate meat. Which I thought was quite odd, until I asked Mother Dolores. Supposedly, they received special permission to eat meat, do to community size and health issues. They are in San Rafael, CA. Wear the full habit, and are OCD’s. Meaning they are Order of Discalced Carmelite’s, as my best friend is. Take Care JMJ

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Hello CarmeliteGirl25---- I do know of one Carmelite Monastery that indeed does eat meat. They may abstain from it on fridays. and during lent. But when I made a 7 day silent retreat there, yes indeed, they ate meat. Which I thought was quite odd, until I asked Mother Dolores. Supposedly, they received special permission to eat meat, do to community size and health issues. They are in San Rafael, CA. Wear the full habit, and are OCD’s. Meaning they are Order of Discalced Carmelite’s, as my best friend is. Take Care JMJ

While the original rule does proscribe meat, as well as having the Carmelite fast, which is like the Lenten fast but lasts from the Exaltation of the Cross until Easter, it is not to be followed blindly.

Our constitutions tell us how to follow the Rule but the last paragraph of the Rule says…

24 We have written these things briefly for you, establishing a formula for your way of life according to which you are bound to live. But if anyone will have expended more, the Lord himself, when he returns, will repay him. Use discernment, however, which is the guide of the virtues.

Also be aware that the Rule does allow the consumption of meat for those who are traveling and for those with heath issues. If you wish I will look those up but right now I must be off to Morning Prayer and Mass.

 

[KaylaP]

I’ve seen a vocation video from this monastery. They are a 1991 Carmel.
Are you going towrds 1990 or 1991 Carmels?

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I’ve seen a vocation video from this monastery. They are a 1991 Carmel.
Are you going towrds 1990 or 1991 Carmels?

Either one. It really doesn’t matter to me. The only things that I am worried about are:

Do they wear the full traditional habit?
Do they obey Rome?
Are they in full communion with the Church?
Are they obedient to the Discalced Carmelite Rule?

Stuff like that. The Arlington Carmelites most definitely adhere to all the above.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I’ve seen a vocation video from this monastery. They are a 1991 Carmel.
Are you going towrds 1990 or 1991 Carmels?

Is the video available online? I would like to see it if it is

 

[KaylaP]

Is the video available online? I would like to see it if it is

I’m not sure if it is.
Some 1991 communities are more flexible about aspects of Carmelite observance. I guess it would be up to the individual whether or not that would be a desirable thing.