Meet the Carmelites
Carmelites of Mary Ever Virgin
Cloistered contemplatives consecrated to Jesus Christ and His Virgin Mother, the Sisters walk in the footsteps of Elijah the prophet and embrace Ancient Carmel’s early traditions. Each day centers around the solemn celebration of the Liturgy – beginning with the Office of Matins at midnight in Gregorian chant – with Mass as the high point of the day.
Other observances include the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, a way of reading and praying the Scriptures; regular study; and the strict enclosure that enables them, like the first Carmelites, to withdraw from the distractions of the world in order to seek the purity of heart that enables one to see the face of God. Their ardent love for Him spills over into profound love of souls. For more information including ways to contact, visit https://maryevervirgin.org/.
Other observances include the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, a way of reading and praying the Scriptures; regular study; and the strict enclosure that enables them, like the first Carmelites, to withdraw from the distractions of the world in order to seek the purity of heart that enables one to see the face of God. Their ardent love for Him spills over into profound love of souls. For more information including ways to contact, visit https://maryevervirgin.org/.
Mystical Rose Lay Carmelites
Since the mid-1960s, the Mystical Rose Lay Carmelite community has been a prayerful presence in Saint Lawrence Parish and the Bridgeport Diocese. Founding member Mrs. Sandy Masso became the first fully-professed member in 1967, and the community grew in faith and membership under the spiritual guidance of the late Fr. Redemptus Valabek, OCarm.
In allegiance to Jesus Christ, the Mystical Rose community shares in the mission of the Carmelite Order to seek God’s will in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life. This roots each Lay Carmelite in the charism of prayer, service, and community, in love of those with whom they live and work, in the search for God’s presence in all circumstances, and in solidarity with God’s people everywhere. Mystical Rose Lay Carmelites meet on the second Saturday of each month at Saint Lawrence parish in Shelton, Connecticut.
In allegiance to Jesus Christ, the Mystical Rose community shares in the mission of the Carmelite Order to seek God’s will in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life. This roots each Lay Carmelite in the charism of prayer, service, and community, in love of those with whom they live and work, in the search for God’s presence in all circumstances, and in solidarity with God’s people everywhere. Mystical Rose Lay Carmelites meet on the second Saturday of each month at Saint Lawrence parish in Shelton, Connecticut.
Our Mother of Sorrows Secular Carmelites
A secular community that meets on the first Saturday of each month from 8 AM to 1 PM at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull, CT. Each member undergoes a formal formation program to understand Carmelite spiritually. There is continual study on the writings of the Carmelite Saints such as St. Teresa of Jesus, St. John of the Cross, and St. Therese of the Child Jesus to gain a deeper understanding of our life and responsibilities as Carmelites in the world. The community falls under the OCDS Washington Province of the Immaculate Heart of Mary https://www.ocdswashprov.org/overview-of-ocds. Contact the community at https://www.ocdsct.org/.
