The Carmelite candidates posed with Fr. Louis Kemayou. Pictured left to right, front row, are Ruth McFarlane, Mabel Richardson, Melvina Albert and Evangelist Albert; In the back row are Deacon Hector Rivera, Francisco Rivera, Fr.Kemayou, Francis Mc Farlane and Deacon Arnold Helenese.
Eight St. Croix Catholics were admitted into formation for the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in a ceremony at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on April 22. Evangelist Albert, Melvina Albert, Deacon Arnold Helenese, Francis McFarlane, Ruth McFarlane, Mabel Richardson, Francisca Rivera and Deacon Hector Rivera received their Carmelite Habits from Rita Schuster, OCDS, President of the Our Lady Star of the Sea Community, and Deacon Joseph Mark, OCDS, Formation Director. The candidates also received a copy of the Gospels and the rule of Life of the Secular Order.
The ceremony concluded with the regular membership renewing their annual promises. Fr. Louis Kemayou, Administrtor of St. Joseph Church, was the celebrant.
The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites is an international organization with local chapters. The members meet monthly to share their vocation to Carmelite spirituality, formation and fellowship.
Initial formation involves a period of aspirancy and novitiate, during which the writings of Carmelite saints are studied. Members commit to pray daily at least Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, to set aside at least half an hour for mental prayer, to devote at least quarter of an hour to spiritual reading, and to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in some way, such as through the recitation of the Rosary. When possible, they attend daily Mass and receive Holy Communion. Since prayer and fasting are inseparable for the Carmelite, members also fast according to the laws of the Church on the days immediately preceding the most significant Carmelite feasts.
Two seminarian candidates who completed the formation program at the Blessed Peter Donders Residence on St. Croix in May will continue their education and formation into the Redemptorist community in New York City in August. Calvin Auguiste and Jacky Merilan will study at St. John University. Pictured above, left to right, are Mr. Auguiste, Fr. Kenneth Gaddy, C.Ss.R., Director of Formation at the Donders Residence, and Mr. Merilan at a farewell lunch at the residence on May 14.
The Catholic Islander *June 2007* 8