The LORD God lives in whose presence I stand.
- 1 Kings 17:1
Where do the Carmelites of Mary Ever Virgin fit in the Tradition?
There are two traditions in Carmel: the original tradition of the Ancient Observance, and the Discalced Reform begun by Saint Teresa of Avila. Among both traditions there are friars, cloistered contemplative nuns, hermits, religious sisters, and Third Order lay members.
Carmelites of Mary Ever Virgin are cloistered contemplatives who follow the original tradition of the Ancient Observance of Carmel in the 21st century. In accord with their origins in the middle ages, they solemnly chant the Divine Office, beginning with Matins at midnight. Their medieval heritage also includes time each day for Lectio divina, study and personal prayer.
Community History
In 2015, two Carmelite nuns felt called by the Holy Spirit to delve more deeply into the early heritage of the Carmelite Order and the possibility of reclaiming treasures that had fallen into disuse. Receiving necessary permissions, their journey began. It eventually led them to Bishop Frank Caggiano who invited them to establish in the Diocese of Bridgeport a community that would live a full monastic life embracing the traditions of the Ancient Observance of Carmel: their mission - To light a flame of love in the heart of the Diocese of Bridgeport. A suitable home for the nascent community was found at St. Emery Church and rectory, Fairfield, which at one time had been a Franciscan friary. The Carmelites of Mary Ever Virgin took up residence on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, April 15, 2023.
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