Sixteen members of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) community in Punta Gorda recently achieved important milestones in their response to God’s call in their lives.
During a Mass and formal Rite on Dec. 7, 2024, at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, Bishop Frank J. Dewane accepted the commitment of the various candidates, who are on different parts of their spiritual journey with the Discalced Carmelites
Four aspirants received their Brown Scapular and were given a copy of the Gospels and of the Rule of St. Albert. Seven Made their First (Temporary) Promise. Five made their Definitive (Final) Promise to embrace fully the demands and rewards of living the way of life inspired by the Rule of St. Albert and outlined in the OCDS Constitutions. Finally, one woman made the Rite of Making the Vow, a lifelong commitment which includes vows of obedience and chastity.
Tears of happiness filled the church as everyone celebrated the profound joy of those very special people who made the commitment to continue their journey in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.
Bishop Dewane praised those entering or advancing in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for their clear response to a call of the Lord in such a profound way.
“Just listen to what it is the Lord is saying to you; how is the Lord prompting you,” Bishop Dewane said. “Whether you are just beginning your journey, or it is your final vows you take today, you have expressions of promises along the way. I have no doubt His call will become more profound but so will the love of God in your life that leads you to Him. May each of you be blessed in your response.”
Aspirants
During the Clothing Ceremony, a large ceremonial Brown Scapular was given to the candidate, an outward symbol of affiliation with the Order and a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary is both Mother and Model of Carmel. A small wool scapular or scapular medal is worn for everyday use. These candidates progressed in their journey of the Carmelite way of life of prayer and apostolic activity after one year of study. This step marks their admission to begin formation into the Punta Gorda secular order. The state of formation, with God’s help, will lead to an Evangelical commitment. Those who received the Brown Scapular were: Elizabeth (Bette) Bonjean, Lora Dominic, Kim Chapman and Kay Hoffmeyer.
First Promise
The First Promise to the Superiors of the Order of Teresian Carmel is a commitment to embrace a form of life by the example of St. Teresa of Jesus and of St. John of the Cross which is set forth in the Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for three years. When making this Promise, the candidate’s baptismal name is retained, to which the candidate may add an approved devotional name. Those who made their First (Temporary) Promise: Leslie Bruce “Leslie Ann Karen Therese of the Sacred Heart,” Linda de Gonzague “Linda Marie Therese of Jesus Incarnate Wisdom,” David Hamm “David Mary Joseph of St. John of the Cross,” Sally Mills “Sally Marie Teresa of the Holy Family,” Cynthia Mullholland “Cynthia Mary Therese of the Child Jesus,” Mary Reichel, “Mary Elizabeth of the Trinity,” and Patty Larker “Patricia Anne of the Immaculate Conception.”
Final Promise
After living the experience of commitment for three years, the Final Promise is made to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world in union with Mary, Mother of God, as a Secular member of the Teresian Carmel for the rest of their lives. Those who made their Definitive (Final) Promise: Nancy Arciero “Nancy Mary Teresa of the Holy Family,” Kathleen Cummings “Kathleen of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary,” Earl Le Bon “Earl Thomas Frances Mary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Jeanne Le Bon “Jeanne Key Mary Christine of the Immaculate Heart,” and Maggie Ruiz “Maria Tomasina of the Holy Spirit.”
Making of Vows
The Rite of Making of Vows for Discalced Carmelites involves a voluntary petition to the local community council to make vows of obedience and chastity after at least three years have passed since the Definitive Promise. Making the Vow is a renewal of the covenant of love between Christ and the Church and a lifelong commitment to live a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Making the Vow: Kathryn Brogan “Kathryn Ann of the Mother of Sorrows.”
During the Vow Ritual, the following petition is made by the candidate: “With the help of God, I wish to follow more perfectly Christ, the chaste and obedient one. I therefore ask you, Father, to allow me to make the vows of chastity and obedience in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for the glory of God.”
Jeanne Le Bon “Jeanne Key Mary Christine of the Immaculate Heart,” who made her Final Promise alongside her husband Earl, openly wept tears of joy while making her vows before Bishop Dewane.
“I am so happy,” Jeanne Le Bon said. “We began our journey with the Discalced Carmelites in Minnesota to improve our prayer life. We were very active in many activities at Church, but we were looking for more. We heard the call of the Lord in the Carmelites. Our move to Florida delayed our progress with the Carmelites until we found the Order here at Sacred Heart Parish. We are so blessed because our prayer life has grown and now we have a deeper, more permanent bond with the Lord by making this Final Promise.”
The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites are faithful members of the Church, called to live “in allegiance to Jesus Christ” through “friendship with the One we know loves us” and in service to the Church. The Order’s roots can be traced back to the 12th century hermits of Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross established the order in 1562 and 1568 to renew its commitment to simplicity, contemplation, and community. Under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the biblical tradition of the prophet Elijah and inspired by the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, members seek to deepen their Christian commitment received in Baptism.
Secular Carmelites come from all walks of life, men and women, young and old, married and single – each one trying to respond to God’s call to “meditate on the Lord’s law, day and night.” They try to show God’s love in their everyday lives, wherever God leads us and with the people God gives us. They also follow the Rule of St. Albert, the OCDS Constitutions and the Provincial Statutes, which are used to help us transform participants into the people that God intends them to be. Their daily obligations include silent prayer, attending Mass, and praying Morning and Evening Prayer.
At present, Discalced Carmelite Seculars number around 25,000 members throughout the world and more than 6,000 in the United States.
For information regarding Queen of the Holy Rosary, Secular Discalced Carmelite Community, please contact Formation Director Marie Ludwig at marieludwig@comcast.net.
