Vocations to Carmel anyone?

[SacredHeartFan]

I am considering a vocation to the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming (see signature). St. Therese of Lisieux has deeply inspired me and anytime I hear the words “Carmel” or “Carmelite” or “Cloister” my heart flutters I get really excited!!! I was wondering if anyone else was thinking of a carmelite vocation and where you would join.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Just to be clear, Carmelites are not monks though we are monastics. We are properly mendicant friars.

The group in Wyoming is great but, just so you know, they are not affiliated with either the Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.) nor the Carmelites (O.Carm.). They are formed under the local bishop.

Having said that. Yes I feel a call to Carmel and that is why I am a brother in the Carmelite order (O.Carm.). I have finished my first year of theological studies for the priesthood and am now off to work at one of our ministries, teaching at our high school in Tucson, for two years before returning to DC to finish my studies.

And let me add, happy feast day! As July 16th is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!

 

[prayerchanges]

Just to be clear, Carmelites are not monks though we are monastics. We are properly mendicant friars.

Just curious, what makes them mendicant friars if Carmelites live monastically? Also, how does contemplative prayer fit in?

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Just curious, what makes them mendicant friars if Carmelites live monastically? Also, how does contemplative prayer fit in?

We are monastic in that, as all mendicant friars, we live in community. We are not cloistered which monks are.

 

[SacredHeartFan]

We are monastic in that, as all mendicant friars, we live in community. We are not cloistered which monks are.

But they are still Carmelite in their charism and rule. They follow the Carmel rule that was laid down at the begining of the order and not the new revised rule.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

But they are still Carmelite in their charism and rule. They follow the Carmel rule that was laid down at the begining of the order and not the new revised rule.

There is no “new revised” rule. Both the OCD and O.Carm. follow the rule that is our rule.

They may follow it, which the bishop allows, and they may follow the Carmelite Charism, but for myself, to follow the Carmelite Charism and traditions means to be in the Carmelite order that was founded just about 800 years ago.

 

[SacredHeartFan]

There is no “new revised” rule. Both the OCD and O.Carm. follow the rule that is our rule.

They may follow it, which the bishop allows, and they may follow the Carmelite Charism, but for myself, to follow the Carmelite Charism and traditions means to be in the Carmelite order that was founded just about 800 years ago.

Well I feel a call to the more tradditional, cloistered life that the monks lead. Is it not a good thing that we both serve the Lord though? These are the petty differences St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross talked about that would bring an end to their beloved Carmel.
When the MFVA’s sprang up in Alabama, I heard no mention of differences between them and other Franciscans. If we are both to wear the Holy Habit and the Holy Vows and live a life consecrated to our Lord and his Blessed Mother of Mt. Carmel, are we then not brothers? Or better yet, is our already existing brotherhood in Christ not strengthened to a higher degree? I believe it is.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Well I feel a call to the more tradditional, cloistered life that the monks lead. Is it not a good thing that we both serve the Lord though? These are the petty differences St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross talked about that would bring an end to their beloved Carmel.
When the MFVA’s sprang up in Alabama, I heard no mention of differences between them and other Franciscans. If we are both to wear the Holy Habit and the Holy Vows and live a life consecrated to our Lord and his Blessed Mother of Mt. Carmel, are we then not brothers? Or better yet, is our already existing brotherhood in Christ not strengthened to a higher degree? I believe it is.

No it is not a bad thing. I just think it is important to point out that they are not affiliated with either of the Carmelite religious order and the fact that there is no tradition within the Carmelites of monks. We do have hermits but that differs from monks living in a cloister.

 

[SacredHeartFan]

No it is not a bad thing. I just think it is important to point out that they are not affiliated with either of the Carmelite religious order and the fact that there is no tradition within the Carmelites of monks. We do have hermits but that differs from monks living in a cloister.

Well maybe this is the start of something new. Maybe the order and this monastery will make an agreement or something of that nature and there will be introduced to the world, monks living the Carmelite life. After all someone had to start the active Carmelites and now we have the cloistered Carmelites.

 

[drforjc]

I want to put in a plug for the Carmelites of St. Joseph in Austin, Minnesota (Annunciation Hermitage). They have recently completed affiliation with the O.Carm’s and at some point hopefully in the near future will juridically move from diocesan authority to full aggregation with the Order.

Just a fantastic group of men.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I have decided to continue looking at contemplative Carmels. I was an applicant to the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in Milwaukee, WI, but in May, I found out, through experience, that I am not called there. I was looking at cloistered Carmelite websites today and realized I am still very much drawn to their spirituality. It’s basically a toss up between Carmelites and Visitandines. I was planning a trip to Mobile, Alabama later this summer, and I know there are some Carmelites there, so maybe I could make a pit stop, or divide my time between both convents. We’ll see.

 

[anode]

I just stumbled across the** Carmelite Sisters of Mary**, for those who are particularly interested in the eremetical side of Carmel.

carmelitesofeldridge.org/carmelitesistersofmarypage1.htm

They live in hermitages on 80 wooded acres north of Spokane, WA. They are not enclosed yet, as some have to work in town one day/week to earn $ to survive, and they don’t have a resident priest so have to go in to town for Mass once a week. But they have the BS reserved in their hermitages, ie Adoration 24/7! They have the mandatory 2 hours silent prayer/day, recite the office and distribute the Sacrament the non-Mass days.

They sound unique and very interesting, particularly to add to the short list of Carmelite hermit orders.

 

[goforgoal]

SacredHeartFan- Praised be Jesus! Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Therese, and St. John of the Cross just gazing upon them I have a sense of peace and awe.

I believe that the Lord is calling me to the life and light of Carmelite. You can read some of my threads:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=308955

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=337577

Discalced Carmelite Nuns

Carmel of St. Joseph Monastery in Armstrong, B.C.

carmelspall.org/Home.htm

God bless you while you are discerning my dear friend
goforgoal

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

SacredHeartFan- Praised be Jesus! Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Therese, and St. John of the Cross just gazing upon them I have a sense of peace and awe.

I believe that the Lord is calling me to the life and light of Carmelite. You can read some of my threads:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=308955

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=337577

Discalced Carmelite Nuns

Carmel of St. Joseph Monastery in Armstrong, B.C.

carmelspall.org/Home.htm

God bless you while you are discerning my dear friend
goforgoal

goforgoal,

I’m actually thinking about writing the Armstrong Carmelites. I was looking at their website and profile within the “Mary, Queen of Carmel” association and just fell in love. The other one I plan to write to is the Carmelite Monastery in Denmark, WI.

Of course, not forgetting that I am really drawn to the Visitandines too, I hope to go to a monastery soon!

 

[ready]

I feel called to the OCDS.

 

[Jokoangel]

****To all in discernment of a Carmelite vocation or, in fact, any vocation, I offer my prayers and petitions on your behalf especially during this the ‘Year of the Priesthood.’ I personally was called to the charisms of Carmel and have found my place in prayer and meditation. I pray that you follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit will take you to where you belong. One of my favorite sayings: “Let Go and Let God. . .” May God Bless you all.
Joan Daniel of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, OCDS

 

[ready]

****To all in discernment of a Carmelite vocation or, in fact, any vocation, I offer my prayers and petitions on your behalf especially during this the ‘Year of the Priesthood.’ I personally was called to the charisms of Carmel and have found my place in prayer and meditation. I pray that you follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit will take you to where you belong. One of my favorite sayings: “Let Go and Let God. . .” May God Bless you all.
Joan Daniel of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, OCDS

Thank you, Joan!

 

[iamMyBeloveds]

J.M.+J.T.
Hello!

Praised be Jesus Christ.
I am drawn to Carmelite spirituality as well.

I’m entering the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, the Central Province, in 7 weeks. Please pray for me! The entrance date is set for the Birthday of Our Lady, September 8th.

There are so many emotions running through my mind right now, but within there lies a greater peace that only God’s grace can give. He is carrying me through!

Soo excited and happy right now about it all!

God bless each of you. I will hold you all in prayer.

 

[ready]

J.M.+J.T.
Hello!

Praised be Jesus Christ.
I am drawn to Carmelite spirituality as well.

I’m entering the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, the Central Province, in 7 weeks. Please pray for me! The entrance date is set for the Birthday of Our Lady, September 8th.

There are so many emotions running through my mind right now, but within there lies a greater peace that only God’s grace can give. He is carrying me through!

Soo excited and happy right now about it all!

God bless each of you. I will hold you all in prayer.

That’s wonderful news and thanks for your prayers!

 

[StarMaiden]

J.M.+J.T.
Hello!

Praised be Jesus Christ.
I am drawn to Carmelite spirituality as well.

I’m entering the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, the Central Province, in 7 weeks. Please pray for me! The entrance date is set for the Birthday of Our Lady, September 8th.

There are so many emotions running through my mind right now, but within there lies a greater peace that only God’s grace can give. He is carrying me through!

Soo excited and happy right now about it all!

God bless each of you. I will hold you all in prayer.

That is wonderful news I will hold you in my prayers and thoughts!