In Brief
Through the efforts of the OCD Sisters, Friars and fellow OCDS members, the St. Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross Community, Subic community have grown continuously to date.
Starting with only a few members a year after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, the Subic Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) became stronger as the years passed by thru the efforts of the OCD Nuns, our past community Presidents, and the Spiritual Guidance provided by the OCD Friars and OCD Brothers that continuously visits Subic Carmel of the Holy Spirit.
With a total number of 31 active members under going regular formation held during our regular monthly meeting, the Subic OCD Secular continuously aims to follow the guidance of the three Great Doctors of the Order, Sts. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of the child Jesus in knowing how to love God and how to befriend God with the help of the Blessed Mother Mary and her beloved Spouse St. Joseph.
On Formation
In order to know more about the Order of Carmel Discalced, and to deepen our faith and love of God and His Church, regular formation class is conducted every second Sunday of the Month.
Using the New Constitution, the new statutes and with the adoption of the official structured formation manual, we are now grouped according to rank during our regular formation class.Each session is conducted with lectures coupled with time allotment for questions and answers, through this, each member can easily express their understanding, possible questions regarding the present topic that not only tends to bond the group but provides a wider understanding of the topic. Done with an encouraging environment and with formators that has already matured in Faith and wisdom, each formation session becomes a cherished moment to all especially for the new ones. Aside from these and the required reading of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, entrance to Carmel, Life and works of St. John of the Cross, The Dark Nights of the Soul, The Interior Castle of St, Teresa of Jesus, and other books the community also attends talks and retreats held in other Community that not only bonds us with other communities but also strengthens our commitments to the order.
Life in the formative years is a little bit hard, especially for the Aspirants, since most of the new members still do not understand the true purpose and importance of formation, couple this with complete adherence to the basics (daily prayers, readings of the required books: Welcome to Carmel, collected works of Sts Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, Story of a soul, Journey to Carith, etc), things can really get awry at first. But once it becomes a habit and the importance and reasons realized, the hardships becomes a joyous moment and even becomes a cherish undertaking for truly the “Lord of Host lives, before whom we stand.”
On Promotion
Studying the Orders’ origin and charism, the works of its Saints and the Church Catechism is just some of the requirements that one must undergo in order to be promoted. Add the self evaluation and the interview conducted by the council and the OCD friars it can really become more challenging than expected. But even so, if this is one way of measuring one’s commitment in becoming a true Secular Carmelite, expect its members to be more willing than ever, for the greater glory of God.
(Note: This article was used in the OCDS East Asia Conference Souvenir Magazine, held on November 21-27, 2007, describing OCDS Subic in details)
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