Secular Discalced Carmelite Order draws Catholics seeking unique paths of spirituality

Father Peter Wood celebrates the Rite of Admission to Formation for secular Carmelite Joe Olickan Jr. (second from left) as group membership director Chris Wood presents him with the ceremonial scapular. (Photo courtesy of the Secular Discalced Carmelite Order)HOUSTON — Father Peter Wood, parochial vicar at St. Michael Catholic Church in Houston, commended a group of Catholic adults recently attending a Secular Discalced Carmelite meeting at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Memorial Park. 

“You have recognized your call. All our religious orders lead to Christ,” Father Wood said. 

The Carmelite Order has its origins on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land involving a group of hermits at the beginning of the 12th century. It formed the first religious order to be named for the Virgin Mary — the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. 

Currently, this lay group of men and women, which meets at St. Theresa every third Saturday of the month, is part of the Discalced Carmelites, reformed in the 1500s by St. Teresa of Jesus (also known as St. Teresa of Avila). The group is one of several lay faithful associations in the Archdiocese that are committed following unique devotions and spiritualities. 

“As Secular Carmelites, we do not make religious vows, but we make promises of chastity, poverty and obedience. Our promises are more spiritual in nature,” said Secular Carmelite Chris Wood, who made the promises but is also married and works. 

The Aug. 16 meeting had a special Rite of Admission to Formation welcoming member Joe Olickan Jr., who had begun the six-year process of prayer, study and contemplation. Father Wood and Chris Wood, actual brothers to each other, presented Olickan Jr. with a large brown ceremonial scapular to wear. It stems from the 13th-century apparition of Our Lady presenting a scapular to St. Simon Stock as a sign of salvation, protection in danger, and a pledge of peace. 

The group studies the writings and contemplative lives of Carmelite saints such as St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux and St. John of the Cross. 

“They suffered as part of their vocation to connect us to Christ. You will bear fruit through your service to the mission, especially Christ saying love one another as I have loved you,” Father Wood told the group. 

There are 800 Secular Carmelites in addition to nuns and friars in the area, including a Cloistered Discalced Carmelite Convent for Nuns and a Discalced Carmelite Monastery for Friars in San Antonio. There are 25,000 Secular Discalced Carmelites worldwide.  

The local group will be holding its next meeting on Nov. 15 from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., beginning with morning prayer at St. Theresa by Memorial Park. Its annual silent retreat is set for Oct. 17 to 19 at the Missionary Carmelites of St. Teresa House of Prayer, located at 9600 Deer Trail Dr. in Houston, said the group president, Gardo Blado. 

For more information, visit www.sttheresa.cc/carmelites. ​