The Carmelite Secular Community of Jackson recently welcomed and received four Secular (or lay) members to continue with deeper study about the Carmelite Order and its saints while continuing their formation in charisms of prayer, community life, and, Carmelite spirituality. On Saturday, February 25, during Mass at the Carmelite Monastery in Jackson, three Aspirants were Clothed in the large Brown Ceremonial Scapular-Elena Buno, Riza Caskey, and, Asuncion Cannon. One additional person, Elmina Johnson, made her First (Temporary) Promise for 3 years in the Secular Order of Teresian Carmelites, also known as OCDS, or the "Order of Discalced Carmelite Seculars". Clothing in the large Brown Ceremonial Scapular of Carmel signifies admission into a more serious period of formation that usually lasts for two years leading up to making one's First Promise. When one's First Promise is made, the candidate promises to follow the Evangelical Counsels of Poverty, Chastity (according to their state of life) and Obedience, and, to live in the spirit of the Beatitudes for a period of 3 years, after which the Definitive (or Final) Promise may be made for the remainder of one's life. Fr. Joseph Le was the Celebrant. The Jackson Carmelite Secular Community was joined in the celebration of the Mass by the Carmelite nuns, Fr. Alfred Ayem, SVD (Jackson Holy Ghost Parish), friends, family, and, well-wishers. Discalced Carmelite Seculars are Catholic lay women and men (married, single, widowed) in the Family of the Teresian Carmel who aspire to a life of prayerful intimacy with Christ and the Father, in the Holy Spirit, and of service to the Church. The Seculars live their following of Christ with Mary, Mother of the Church, Queen and Beauty of Carmel. The Founder of the Discalced Carmelites is St. Teresa of Avila who was later joined in her mission by St. John of the Cross, both Doctors of the Church.For more information about Carmelite spirituality or joining the Secular Order of Carmel, please contact Dorothy Ashley, OCDS at carmelite57@yahoo.com or 601-373-6304.
