OCDS 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 our 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.”
