Hello,
I know I don't post much around here, but that's only because I have so little to say!

Anyway, I just came back about a week ago from a little stay with a community in the south of France (about an hour from Avignon) called Institut Notre Dame de Vie (Our Lady of Life). I believe I call themselves a Carmelite Secular Institute or something of that sort. It's quite an interesting life. They are consecrated laypeople, who live out in the 'world' (I know this usage of the term 'world' in somewhat passe, but I believe you understand my meaning) most of the time doing regular jobs, but strive to live with a very strong carmelite charism. Somewhat similar to lay carmelites, but if you continue to read my description of how they live out their life in practice, you'll find they are somewhat different (I believe).

They begin their life in the Institut with 2 years of formation in their spiritual centre (which was what I visited). There, they live more a less lives similar to regular monastic practice: Divine Office,Mass, manual work, Carmelite and church studies, 2 hours of silent prayer, meals in quiet, and community recreation. After these 2 years, they begin to take their temporary vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. They also go out to work now, whatever their speciality is. I met people from engineers to teachers administrators. While carrying out their secular work, they attend daily mass, keep the 2 hours of silent prayer a day, and pray 1 of the offices. Every year, they are obliged to make a retreat of 3-4 weeks at the spiritual centre, and every 12 years, they make a retreat of an entire year. And after some years of temporary vows, they make their solemn profession. So it's almost like they're living the religious life, but in a secular context. One of them said something along the lines of 'being like the yeast that leavens the bread'. I can't remember, and my knowledge of old testament baking methods begs enrichment. But you get the idea.

Oh yes, they also have a branch for priests. Basically they do the same, but their work is in the diocesean priesthood (where they would be under the Bishop. The vow of obedience taken is only related to spiritual matters. In all else, the priest is still under obedience to the Bishop).

It was started by Father Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus, a former Definitor-General of the discalced Carmelites. He has some wonderful texts about Carmelite spirituality, and I think his cause for beatification is being advanced. They also have houses in the Phillipines, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, and Canada. I think. I can't quite recall all the details.

In any case, just thought I might let you all know about this little institute, as I think their's is a beautiful charism. If you already know about them, forgive me! They have a website notredamedevie.org which is unfortunately in French, but most of them speak pretty good English (trust me, my French is horrendous!). I can put you in contact with them should you be interested.

Do note that I am currently under an extremely heavy spell of jetlag, not having slept much for the past 30 hours. If all this is gibberish, just ignore it, and I shall try to phrase myself more clearly when I am suitably rested.

God bless you all, and have a beautiful 2008.
Gabriel

Never heard of them, but they seem really cool.

I'll see how much of this French I can figure out...

a very good Institute, (for France standards), i knew some good faithful Carmelite Preists and contemplative Priests who took theology? there.If i am not mixing up Institutes where one can study and not be a part of the ACtuall Community. and if, as i think i remember it is, its in the diocese of Frejus-Toulon, which is an excellent Diocese/Bishop.
pax.
and Father Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus!! excellent reading.
oh and if again i remeber well, the very good "Carmelite (Hermits) of Mary Virgin- Missionary", (which come to think of it sounds odd in English), Preists /Brothers have/do studiy there as well.

Cool, I'd never heard of this institute and Fr Marie-Eugene. Thanks!!

Here's a page on him on another Notre Dame de Vie site: http://www.ndv.org.uk/FMEbiography.html