Pictured from left, secular Carmelite formation director Kathy Paishon, new members Mary Ann Gauyan, Yong Matthews and Janice Eala, and group leader Darlene Tvrdy Dec. 7 in the Carmelite Monastery chapel on the grounds of St. Stephen Diocesan Center. (Photo courtesy of Darlene Tvrdy)
Hawaii’s Discalced Carmelite Secular group welcomed three new members Dec. 7 in a rite of admission ceremony in the Carmelite monastery chapel on the grounds of St. Stephen Diocesan Center.
They are Mary Ann Gauyan, Yong Matthews and Janice Eala.
The monastery, Carmel of the Holy Trinity, is where seven Discalced Carmelite nuns live in a cloistered community.
The Discalced Carmelite Seculars (OCDS), commonly known as secular Carmelites, is a branch and an integral part of the Carmelite order. The seculars are lay Catholics, men and women, married or single, from all walks of life, who integrate the Carmelite spirituality into their daily lives in order to seek God and share him with others through prayer and apostolate.
The new members bring the number of Hawaii’s Community of Discalced Carmelite Seculars to 15. The group meets monthly at the Carmel Monastery Chapel.
Its official name is the Flos Carmeli and St. Joseph Discalced Carmelite Secular Group.
The life of a Discalced Carmelite Secular includes:
- Daily prayer and meditation
- Frequent participation in the celebration of Mass
- Study and reflection of Scripture and the writings of Carmelite saints
- Devotion to and imitation of Mary
- Confraternity with the Discalced Carmelite Secular Community through monthly meetings
- Participation in individual and community apostolate through prayer and service for family, neighbors and society
Discalced Carmelite Seculars are spread throughout the world in various communities, each canonically established under the direction of the general superior of the Discalced Carmelite Order.
For more information about the Discalced Carmelite Seculars, contact Darlene Tvrdy, OCDS, Hawaii Discalced Carmelite Secular group leader, ocdshawaii@gmail.com or (808) 254-6677.