Our Lady of Fatima OCDS

St Joseph’s Carmelite Monastery in Bunnell, Florida, has been the home of Our Lady of Fatima's OCDS Community since 1991. It was initially under the Warsaw Province of Poland. Fr Joseph Zawada, OCD, Daniel, and Virginia Smigielski founded the group. The Community was Canonically Established on October 20, 1998. In 2006, the OCDS Garden of God Community from Daytona Beach, Florida, merged with the Bunnell Community. In 2017, it came under the jurisdiction of the Washington Province, United States, with Fr. Artur Chojda, OCD, as the Superior of the monastery.

The Community is thriving at St Joseph’s Monastery. Growing in Carmelite spirituality is facilitated here by the ministry of Fr. Robert John, OCD. The group meets on the first Saturday of every month. The friars offer Confession, Mass, Adoration, and the Holy Rosary. In the pavilion, after the morning devotions, the group has fellowship, a business meeting, and general formation for the entire Community. Returning to the chapel, they pray in the morning using the Liturgy of the Hours book and have silent meditation. Afterward, the individual formation classes will break out to several locations on the grounds to meet for an hour.

There are five Aspirants, eight members preparing to make their Temporary Promise, seven Definitively Professed, and nine Extended Members. Guests interested in joining participate in the meetings, except for formation classes, until the new formation cycle begins. It is a prayerful, joyful Community striving to live out the Rule of St. Albert in various secular settings. Having St Joseph Monastery as its spiritual home has given the group stability and opportunity for growth.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our Patroness

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patroness of the Carmelite Order. She is venerated for her unique role as a spiritual mother and guide. The early Carmelites, who settled on Mount Carmel, looked to Mary as their model of holiness, embracing her example of humility, prayer, and deep union with God.

Carmelites are called to imitate her life of devotion, offering themselves in prayer and service to God. Under her protection, the Order has flourished, and she continues to inspire all who seek to live a life of simplicity, humility, and contemplative prayer.

Through the brown scapular, a symbol of her maternal care, Our Lady of Mount Carmel remains a powerful intercessor for all who turn to her with faith.

Community Leadership

Dr. Michael Ernst - Moderator

Mrs. Karen Dembia - Formation Director

Mrs. Sarah Ritcey - Advisor

Spiritual Leadership

Father Robert Marcin Marciniak OCD - SUPERIOR

Father Grzegorz R. Góra OCD

Brother Patrick Gemmato OCD

Calendar

Discalsed Carmelite Calendar

Proper Calendar

Theresian Studies

➙ Theresian Studies Link

The Theresian Study Program is an integral component of the formation process for members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). This program focuses on the in-depth study of the writings and teachings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the Order's most revered saints and a Doctor of the Church. Her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood emphasizes simplicity, trust in God's mercy, and performing small acts with great love.

Purpose and Structure of the Program

The Theresian Study Program aims to immerse Secular Carmelites in St. Thérèse's spirituality, fostering a deeper understanding of her approach to holiness and how it can be applied in daily life. The program is structured around a series of study guides and resources that facilitate reflection and discussion within the community.

Key Components

Study Guides: These guides provide structured reflections on St. Thérèse's writings, particularly her autobiography, Story of a Soul. Each guide focuses on specific themes or passages, encouraging members to contemplate and discuss their relevance to personal spiritual growth.
Community Discussions: Regular gatherings are held where members share insights and experiences related to the study materials. This communal aspect reinforces the shared journey of faith and the application of Theresian spirituality in everyday life.
Supplemental Resources: The program may include additional materials such as videos, lectures, and writings from Carmelite scholars to enrich understanding and provide diverse perspectives on St. Thérèse's teachings.

Implementation:

The Theresian Study Program is integrated into the broader formation process of the OCDS. Communities are encouraged to adapt the program to their specific needs, ensuring that the study of St. Thérèse's spirituality is both accessible and transformative for all members.

Conclusion

By engaging deeply with the Theresian Study Program, Secular Carmelites are invited to embody the essence of St. Thérèse's "Little Way," cultivating a spirituality marked by humility, trust, and love. This program not only enriches individual faith journeys but also strengthens the communal bonds within the Carmelite family, inspiring members to live out their vocation with renewed fervor and simplicity.