Discalced Carmelite Nun Communities

[inperpetuity]

Does anyone know about the Byzantine Carmelite Nuns becoming Trappistines?  This is from their Christmas 2012 Newsletter.  Because we are seeking inclusion in the Cistercian Order of Strict Observance, the visits of Trappist Monks and Nuns were occasions for us of joy and gratitude. Abbot (and then in May) retired Abbot John Denburger has come often, and we have in him a Brother and Father. Abbess Mother Maureen, with some Council Sisters, spent a few days with us in May, returning in late July with Fr. John. In June our friendship deepened when Prioress Sister Mary Ellen and some Council Sisters also spent a few days here. These Sisters belong to the Trappistine Abbey of Wrentham. In late October, just before our retreat with Abbot John, the new Abbot Dom Gerard D'Souza, with Brother Anthony Weber visited us. These visits added up to our increased community peace, joy in the Holy Spirit, and trust in our Lord as we journey to do the Father's Will. 

It says their website was updated this year, so I don't think this actually happened.  Maybe they changed their minds?  Does anyone know?

[Sr Mary Catharine OP]

Yes, it is. They were recently at a formation meeting with the Trappistines.

[Pia Jesu]

[attachment=3215:stalls.jpg]

(A Cistercian Choir)

 

While the future of the Sugarloaf Carmelites is fully (and rightly) known by the community alone, it is interesting to see the changes made to the nuns' chapel.  It now has a type of choir stall one might

well associate with Cistercians/Trappists.  I've also seen this orientation (facing each other/with a psalter stand) in Dominican monasteries...and can only presume that it facilitates chanting the office (alternating passages), bowing, kneeling, etc.  Likewise, it's my understanding (and I could be wrong) that Trappist monks only bow to each other in church.  Facing each other in the choir stalls also serves to remind them that they are bound together as a community in Christ.

 

Sorry if I deviated too much from the thread topic! :unsure:

 

[inperpetuity]

Thanks Sr. MC and PJ for that info.  It's interesting how they've come to discern that they should be Trappists! 

[TIWW]

Traditionally, for Benedictines and Trappists/tines, the Prayer of the Church, Liturgy and the Divine Office is Primary ( Ora et Labora). As such, the Liturgy is prayed by Choir 1 and alternating with Choir 2. Thus the choirs facing each other "across the choir" facilitates this traditional Monastic form of Prayer.

Edited October 27, 2013 by TIWW

[Pia Jesu]

I believe Chiqui mentioned this too...but, in all the years I've researched different Carmelite communities,

I've never found one that changed its charism like this. 

[TIWW]

In response to Pia Jesu. Benedictines bow to each other and the altar in formal Procession (statio) for example on Feasts and First Vespers etc. They also always bow at the first part of the "Glory be to the Father". There are some rubrics which change from community to community per tradition. Any Benedictine or Trappistine Liturgy I have participated in however, there is always Procession for Sunday Liturgy, First Vespers and Feasts.

[TIWW]

Sorry, Edit to add that that gesture is to honor / reverence the Presence of Christ in each other. It is not uncommon to see the Monastices give a slight bow of the head to each other in passing, rather than a greeting
(and in keeping with a silent, reflective atmosphere)or do both.

[graciandelamadrededios]

The Trappist and Trappistines are also known by "prostration on the knuckles" and I really don't know how its done.

 

 

[genesisweavers]

I've been following this post with great interest.  I have visited the monastery several times and I have also met the Prioress.  Since I am a Byzantine Catholic my church here in PA sells baked goods for the nuns twice a year - Christmas and Easter.  The stuff is excellent so everyone who knows about it anticipates the sale with enthusiasm.  We actually sell (from my church alone) quite a bit of their work. 

 

One idea that has been present to me recently is the renovation of their church.  Their little church isn't particularly Carmelite but it is definitely Byzantine.  And the lectures instead of choir stalls is the Byzantine monastic style.  There is also one lecturn in the center of the church where the psalms and reading are proclaimed.  This sytle is also used by the Bethlehem Monastic Family.  The question that has come up in my mind is - are they giving up their Byzantine style of liturgy? By the recent change to the Benedictine/Cistercian style choir stalls I am wondering what the liturgy is going to be at the monastery.  I have not seen the present renovations so I don't know if the all present Icons have disappeared.  Their church is literally full of hand painted fresco style Icons.  And of course the Cistercian style church is very unadorned and stark. 

 

But as we all have concluded - only the Nuns and God knows (and not sure about the Nuns) where this is all going. 

 

your brother

john

[VeniJesuAmorMi]

Happy feast day of Blessed Elizabeth of The Trinity!

 

 

"I have found heaven on earth, since heaven is God, and God is in my soul. My mission in heaven will be to draw souls, helping them to go out of themselves to cling to God, with a spontaneous, love-filled action, and to keep them in that great interior silence which enables God to make his mark on them, to transform them into himself."

 

"I can't find words to express my happiness. Here there is no longer anything but God. He is All; He suffices and we live by Him alone."

 

 

[graciandelamadrededios]

Karmel – Spręcowo: Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Poland

 

 

 

 

 

 

[miserere55]

Thanks Gracia.....for posting the Polish Carmelite pictures!!!  A few years back, I was backpacking Europe and visiting churches and monasteries, and I accidently  ( totally unplanned) found myself in Poland.  While there, I visited and stayed in many Polish monasteries, some of them Carmels.  I fell in love with Poland and its people.  Seeing these pictures brings back many fond memories.  :bounce:

[graciandelamadrededios]

Thanks Gracia.....for posting the Polish Carmelite pictures!!!  A few years back, I was backpacking Europe and visiting churches and monasteries, and I accidently  ( totally unplanned) found myself in Poland.  While there, I visited and stayed in many Polish monasteries, some of them Carmels.  I fell in love with Poland and its people.  Seeing these pictures brings back many fond memories.  :bounce:

 

 

Hello,

 

I am glad you liked the photos.....
 

[graciandelamadrededios]

The Discalced Carmelite Nuns from different monasteries in the Philippines:

 

 

Note: One of the Veils of the Nuns shows gathered effect or as one Canadian OCD Nun (a foundress of a Philippine Carmel) calls it "shirred"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[graciandelamadrededios]

I found this beautiful video of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Poland:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaX2ieIKt9A

 

One of the favorite Discalced Carmelite Nun's video so far.

 

Thanks for helping me download and save the video, Chiqui!

 

 

 

 

[graciandelamadrededios]

I found this beautiful video of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Poland:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaX2ieIKt9A

 

One of the favorite Discalced Carmelite Nun's video so far.  There is an interesting detail on their choir grilles, as Chiqui pointed out.  The design is OCD Crest in metal and Morristown Carmel has similar design on the choir grille:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for helping me download and save the video, Chiqui!

 

 

 

[Julie de Sales]

I found this beautiful video of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Poland:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaX2ieIKt9A

 

One of the favorite Discalced Carmelite Nun's video so far.

 

Thanks for helping me download and save the video, Chiqui!

 

Very beautiful video indeed! Too bad I don't understand a word they say :(

[graciandelamadrededios]

Very beautiful video indeed! Too bad I don't understand a word they say :(

 

I agree, too bad we cant understand what the Nuns are saying.

 

I love the habit and their monastery.  The veil is different from Spanish or French Carmels.

[brandelynmarie]

Gorgeous cinematography! :love: Thank you, Gracian. Please continue to post more Carmelite nun videos from other countries. :tv: I have trouble looking for them since I'm not a polyglot ;)