Discalced Carmelites of the Infant Jesus of Prague
We gratefully count ourselves blessed to be daughters of the Church, in the spirit of our foundress Saint Teresa of Jesus, with love for priests and for souls, obedience to the Magisterium, and fidelity to our Carmelite heritage.
We cherish traditional monastic customs: the full religious habit, Marian devotions, a stable horarium, papal enclosure, austerity, silence, and unceasing prayer. We have chosen the traditional Latin Mass (Extraordinary Form) and the ancient Monastic Breviary in Latin as the most effective means to unite ourselves daily to the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Spouse.
We seek ever deeper union with Him through prayer and self-surrender, to become channels of grace for the Church and the world.
Contact:
Mother Perpetua Marie, O.C.D.
Prioress
3501 Silver Lake Rd
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-946-4960
nuns@carmeltraversecity.org
carmeloftraversecity.org
Professed Members: 6 in Solemn Vows, 2 in formation
Year Founded: 1950
Diocese: Gaylord, MI
Federation: St. Joseph's Association
Worldwide: Every continent
Qualifications: Candidates must aspire to holiness, be motivated by faith, have a love for prayer, be willing to surrender all things for the sake of God and determined to become faithful brides of Christ. They should desire to learn how to love solitude and to give themselves generously in community life. Good physical and emotional health, and at least a high school diploma, are also required.
Formation: Our monastic formation includes a year’s aspirancy (with the final months inside the enclosure for those sufficiently prepared), a postulancy of one year, novitiate of 2 years, and temporary vows for five years, with perpetual solemn vows completing the total consecration. Sisters in formation are under the guidance of the novice mistress until they move to the professed nuns’ dormitory during the third year of temporary vows. The entire community receives ongoing formation through conferences in sound theology from visiting priests.
Age range/limit: 17-33
Belated vocations? Yes: Rare exceptions to the normal age limit may be made on an individual basis. Childlike docility, detachment, and flexibility are essential for anyone aspiring to Carmel. These qualities are usually more challenging for older candidates.