QUINCY — The Washington Province of Discalced Carmelites recently granted the establishment of the St. Joseph, Faithful Guardian of Carmel Group in Quincy — the first and only Carmelite group in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
Father Arnaud Devillers, FSSP, is the group’s spiritual assistant. They meet the first Saturday of each month at St. Rose of Lima Parish Hall.
The Carmelite secular members, together with the friars and nuns share the same charism. A secular Carmelite lives a life in imitation of the Virgin Mary. They follow the spiritual journey laid out by the example and teachings of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux and many other Carmelite saints.
“Christ is the center of their lives,” says Marjorie Kendrick, OCDS president. “They are called to live in union with him by following and accepting his teachings and devoting themselves to him. Their spiritual life is placed under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the order.”
A secular Carmelite makes a commitment to live the Beatitudes, a way of life to enter into a relationship with neighbors, co-workers, families and friends. They spend a minimum of 30 minutes each day in solitary prayer. A person’s state of life and daily duties may dictate that this period may be broken down into two 15-minute periods. They attend daily Mass when possible, recite the Morning and Evening Prayers of the Divine Office, frequent the sacraments, observe the days of fasting and penance of the church as well as those prescribed in the Secular Order Constitution. They attend monthly meetings and wear the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as a sign of commitment to the order.
“We are very appreciative of the diocesan support of our group and hope that the group will continue to grow and be a source of grace to its members as well as the diocese for many generations to come,” Kendrick continued.
Those who are 18 years of age and older, in good standing with the church and seek an ongoing, deeper and prayerful relation with God are eligible. For more information, contact Stephanie Ohnemus, public relations at (217) 228-9616, Marjorie Kendrick, president (217) 936-2365, or Sherry Kemner, formation director (217) 440-6357.