Religious Orders/Communities

[Brigid]

I'd like to discuss the charisms and the various ways of expressing those charisms.

For instance the Dominican Order's charism is that of teaching and preaching in numerous ways. There is study, then missionary work, evangelization with words or even writing. Teaching youth (or adults) doctrine is an important aspect of their work.

Any additions?

[Shin]

Well, I took Dominic for my confirmation name, after St. Dominic and my grandfather, so I have a soft spot for them. If it weren't for him, maybe my pitiful rosaries would be unsayable at all.

I like the Dominican order's design, but actually despite all I've read I don't feel as if I have a thorough feel for the major order's charisms.

I guess I need more direct experience.

[Shin]

When I think of religious orders I often think of the hermitic life of the desert fathers, the desert monks.

So I think about Carthusians and Trappists, among the most quiet and solitary orders. But honestly the hermit life above all else, not so much an order, but the life, is what comes to mind.

Of course there are also the Franciscans, and what their original charism was which was basically that of wandering beggars it seemed.

[Brigid]

It seems to me that the Franciscans emphasis is toward seeing the Christ in other people, through poverty. Would others agree with me? There seem to be many different leanings of Franciscan communities.

[Brigid]

Now the Poor Clares are Franciscan, however they, unlike first-order Franciscans, are fully contemplative (although one has developed a Catholic radio and tv network ). Also, Franciscans seem to be associated with the environment and animals. That has always appealed to me, along with the contemplative life of the Poor Clares.


An order that has intrigued me for a long time are the Carmelites. I believe I first felt a draw to them while reading Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich's revelations on The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her revelations she speaks of relatives and ancestors of Mary's living on Mt. Carmel (where was the cave that Elias lived) and Mt. Horeb  These Essenes were like a religious order. There were those who lived in celibacy and where very devout. There were also those who were attached to it who married and were very like a Lay Third Order. Anyway, this led me to look a little further into the beginnings of the Carmelites and  An order whose purpose is union (sometimes mystical) with Him and veneration of the BVM, seemed just right to me.
Thing is, I have also been drawn to the Dominican Order with their emphasis on study and proclaiming the truth. Due to my age and health this would need to stay within the confines of a third-order though.

 

[Shin]

You like the same orders I do, Brigid.

The Carmelites were my favorite order from the beginning, because of St. John of the Cross, and their contemplative nature. A friend of mine studied to join the Dominicans, and I took my confirmation name as Dominic.

I used to think all the time seriously about 3rd orders, and looked for those in my area -- if there are any in yours, perhaps you should look them up!

When I think of the life of the ancestors of Mary preparing for her. . . That is such an ideal life.

[Brigid]

if there are any in yours, perhaps you should look them up!

There is a Dominican Third Order about an hour and a half from me. I would only be going there once a month so that is doable and I've contacted them. There is an OCDS Third Order just 45 min. from me and I may look into that also. Centering prayer is very popular in this area and I wonder if the OCDS here would be into that. I used to be into New Age and need to avoid centering prayer a lot.

[Shin]

if there are any in yours, perhaps you should look them up!

There is a Dominican Third Order about an hour and a half from me. I would only be going there once a month so that is doable and I've contacted them. There is an OCDS Third Order just 45 min. from me and I may look into that also. Centering prayer is very popular in this area and I wonder if the OCDS here would be into that. I used to be into New Age and need to avoid centering prayer a lot.

Yes, it's a shame, but right now there are troubles everywhere.. that was my one concern too, that the groups would be falling into novelties rather than living out their vocation straight..

Still if they didn't have that problem.. you would have a lot to bring to them, a lot to contribute of tradition..

[Brigid]

I suppose I could give them a "look-see".

[Shin]

It seems like every group has some sort of focus.. and so often off, whether disapproved or doubtful apparitions, or the New Age, or etc..

A group that is focused on the saints, and perhaps what is approved.. on the other hand..

[Brigid]

I wonder how many members of third orders there are here (I know that there is one, if not more Benedictine Oblate)? Maybe there are some first or second order members.

[martin]

There are 4 monastaries near where I live. My favorite is Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey which is Cistercian. Unfortunately it is also the furthest one away (slightly over an hours drive) The nearest is within walking distance which is Carmelite. I visit there quite often for confession and quiet prayer. The other two are Franciscan and both are situated along the coast in idealic settings. One high up on a hill overlooking the whole of county donegal and the other set amid a forest. We've visited these many times in summers past as the kids loved the fun they could have exploring the surroundings.
As they attract a lot of tourists they seem to have moved with the times a bit too much and this kinda puts me off somewhat now.
Where can we escape this tide 

[Shin]

There are 4 monastaries near where I live. My favorite is Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey which is Cistercian. Unfortunately it is also the furthest one away (slightly over an hours drive) The nearest is within walking distance which is Carmelite. I visit there quite often for confession and quiet prayer. The other two are Franciscan and both are situated along the coast in idealic settings. One high up on a hill overlooking the whole of county donegal and the other set amid a forest. We've visited these many times in summers past as the kids loved the fun they could have exploring the surroundings.
As they attract a lot of tourists they seem to have moved with the times a bit too much and this kinda puts me off somewhat now.
Where can we escape this tide 

Four monasteries near where you live! Martin! How splendid! You're in a great spot!   

[Brigid]

As they attract a lot of tourists they seem to have moved with the times a bit too much and this kinda puts me off somewhat now.

Is this true of the Carmelite and the Cistercian monasteries, too?

[martin]

As they attract a lot of tourists they seem to have moved with the times a bit too much and this kinda puts me off somewhat now.

Is this true of the Carmelite and the Cistercian monasteries, too?

The Carmelite one Yes to a certain degree. The Cistercian No. That's why it's my favorite. Very strict observance of the rule is maintained. People come from all parts for confessions. Some very holy monks there.

[Shin]

As they attract a lot of tourists they seem to have moved with the times a bit too much and this kinda puts me off somewhat now.

Is this true of the Carmelite and the Cistercian monasteries, too?

The Carmelite one Yes to a certain degree. The Cistercian No. That's why it's my favorite. Very strict observance of the rule is maintained. People come from all parts for confessions. Some very holy monks there.

Yes, this is what I am a fan of! Strict observance! Tradition!  As Catholics we must love tradition and its goodness and helps!