# General Introduction - OCDS Ongoing Formation Volume I “It is not that I have reached it yet or have already finished my course; but I am racing to grasp the prize, if possible, since I have been grasped by Christ [Jesus]…I do not think of myself as having reached the finish line. I give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead” (Phil. 3:12-13). After the National Formation Program was implemented, many communities requested assistance with ongoing formation for definitively professed members. The following program is intended to serve as a model and resource. The program provides flexible and versatile options, and it differs from the structured format of initial formation (Aspirancy, Formation I and II). Communities can use this formation program with flexibility by adapting the content to meet their unique needs and goals. With the guidance of the local council, participants may use the entire program as outlined, or they may choose an individual topic (such as a Church document or St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, etc.). Again, with the guidance of the local council, participants may choose other books for study and discussion while following the program’s format. Our ongoing formation program contains two volumes. Volume I is divided into two parts covering the relevant sources of information. Part I addresses the topics of interest for study and reflection and incorporates some specific guidelines of community formation/discussion. Part II includes a comprehensive list of resource materials, giving prominence to the three Carmelite doctors of the Church (St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux). Volume II explores the teachings of our Holy Father, St. John of the Cross, pertaining to ongoing purification, transformation, and union with God. ## The Purpose of Ongoing Formation The purpose of ongoing formation for the definitively professed is the support and continued development of their human, Christian, and Carmelite maturity (see Ratio 93). The call to “mysterious union with God by way of contemplation...” (Const., Art. 9:b) “...will awaken in [them] a desire for greater apostolic commitment...” and faithfulness to the Promise they have made. Through active participation in community life and the sharing of their unique gifts, they will serve as role models for their community, and work to fulfill their obligation for service to the Church and the needs of the world by living lives that make God known and loved (see Ratio 48). As noted, the Discalced Carmelite family is present in the world in three distinct forms: the friars, the nuns, and the seculars. “It is the one Order with the same charism” (Const., Preface). “It is one family with the same spiritual possessions, the same call to holiness and the same apostolic mission” (Ratio 38). General Introduction p.4 “There is an intellectual aspect to the formation of a Discalced Carmelite. There is a doctrinal basis to the spirituality and identity of one who is called to the Order. As the friars and nuns, the seculars too ought to have a good intellectual and doctrinal formation since as members of the Order they represent and give witness to a mature and profound spirituality” (Ratio 79, emphasis added). “This intellectual basis is the beginning of an attitude that is open to study. It leads to a deeper interest in Scripture, the teachings and the documents of the Church. The tradition of spiritual reading, lectio divina, and time for reading is the backbone of the spiritual life” (Ratio 80). St. John of the Cross wisely observes that many books are written on the sensory level of purgation, but hardly anything is said of spiritual purgation in sermons or writings (see Dark Night, 1. 8.1:2). Likewise, St. Teresa observes that “we always hear about what a good thing prayer is, and our constitutions oblige us to spend so many hours in prayer. Yet only what we ourselves can do in prayer is explained to us; little is explained about what the Lord does in the soul, I mean about the supernatural” (Interior Castle, 1.2:7). Hence, it is important that we delve deeply into the study of spiritual purgation of our faculties – intellect, memory, will; and further into passive purification. Studying the writings of our Carmelite saints and exploring materials relating to Carmelite topics are essential. If considering non-Carmelite sources, the local council needs to weigh how the material supports the members’ growth in the Carmelite charism. Materials should not be chosen based simply on personal preference or interest. It is important to choose the facet of the charism for ongoing formation that should be studied before selecting a book title. Many communities make the mistake of choosing the book title or author first, without considering the area in which they want to see growth. ## Major Themes and Suggestions for Ongoing Formation The essence of the Carmelite charism is to live and experience (by the action of divine grace) the gradual transformation and divine union that are the fruits of spiritual purification, meditation, and loving contemplation of the Triune God. Ongoing purification and human transformation are the recurring themes of Carmelite spirituality. These qualities find concrete expression in the lives of the saints, blesseds, and many religious of the Discalced Carmelite Order. They lived by the spirit of the Gospel and made a major contribution to our understanding of our spiritual journey in Christ. We find in them immense depths of insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom. These holy and courageous witnesses clearly point toward a multitude of ways to reach our goal of union with God. Additionally, some of the recommended Church documents direct all the faithful in the Church and beyond to connect with the mystical tradition of the Church and point specifically to the three Carmelite doctors of the Church, namely St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Hence, it is pivotal for the definitively professed members to continue reading, reflecting, and incorporating the teachings of our holy parents. Equally important is reading, reflecting, and incorporating Thérèse’s “little way” into our lives. In addition to Story of General Introduction p.5 a Soul, her poems, plays, letters, and prayers reflect the simplicity of her life of prayer as our example, where every thought, word, and deed has meaning and potential to share His love. Note: Rereading and reflecting on the materials contained in Formation I and II, relating to Teresa, John, and Thérèse, is crucial for the overall success of ongoing formation. The following are possible topics for ongoing formation. These will be further explored in depth for the purpose of study and reflection. In these writings, we will be looking for practical wisdom to guide us on this journey to union with God. 1. The Word of God and The Rule of Carmel: “‘The sword of the spirit, the word of God, must abound in your mouths and hearts. Let all you do have the Lord’s word for accompaniment.’ This invitation was directed to the hermits of Mount Carmel through the Rule of St. Albert. The word of God is both the person of Christ and the scriptures that offer us Christ; and the brethren of Carmel were to live out the richness of Christ within themselves” (Superior General, Fr. Camilo Maccise, O.C.D.). Definitives (definitively professed members) will read and reflect upon the Rule of St. Albert along with the article on the Rule of St. Albert by Fr. Camilo Maccise, O.C.D., and other writings related to this topic. The discussion will include the influence of the Primitive Rule of St. Albert in the Carmelite reform of St. Teresa; also, some essential points from Verbum domini (On the Word of God) by Pope Benedict XVI. 2. The Theological Virtues – Faith, Hope and Love: The Three Encyclicals of Pope Benedict XVI: “The three encyclicals of Benedict XVI are grounded in the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. [Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), Spes Salvi Facti Sumus (In Hope We Are Saved), Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth)]. They provide inspiration and hope in the midst of violence and sin; and they direct the faithful towards Christ, the Incarnate Love of God, who is the true hope of the world.” “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction” (Deus Caritas Est, 1, emphasis added). Under this topic, the Definitives will read and reflect on the essential points of all three encyclicals along with a few articles and reviews. 3. Finite and Eternal Being: Under this topic, we study and reflect on the thoughts of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, O.C.D. “What has been handed down to us as the philosophy of the Christian centuries contains essential ingredients deriving from Christian ways of thinking. Moreover, the world itself had assumed a new meaning once it was seen with the eyes of faith: ‘From then on, the world was manifestly given to us as the work of the Word, the Second Person of the Trinity, and everything in it — addressing itself to those finite spiritual beings who know themselves as spiritual beings — henceforth proclaims the infinite spirit’... There are existents which are beyond the reach of natural experience and natural reason but which have been made known to us by revelation; and they confront the receptive human mind with entirely new tasks” (Finite and Eternal Being, chapter I, pg. 21, emphasis added). 4. Indwelling Spirit of the Holy Trinity: Members will read and reflect on the letters and major writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Her spiritual journey highlighted the mystery of the Trinity, present by grace in the soul of every baptized person. Her name tells her she is the “house of God” in which live the Three Divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. General Introduction p.6 “She ardently longs to become for Christ ‘another humanity in which He can renew His whole Mystery’ including conformity on the Cross and participation in His saving work in the world” (Elizabeth of the Trinity, The Complete Works, Vol. 1, Foreword, pg. 2, ICS Publications). 5. The Practice of the Presence of God: Under this topic, the members will read and reflect on the practical wisdom of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. “For three centuries his simple wisdom has crossed denominational boundaries and theological differences to inspire spiritual seekers throughout the world. The universality of his appeal is extraordinary, but it is due in large part to the very ordinariness he taught [and reflected]. God is available in ordinary life, in the commonest places and most mundane activities. The practice of God’s presence can be as simple as a little interior glance, as plain as a bare desire.” (Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God, Foreword to the American Edition, pg. ix, ICS Publications). 6. Ongoing Purification, Transformation, and Union with God: Trials, temptation, and suffering that lead to one’s purification are not an end in themselves. Both St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross understood that they are means to a glorious transformation and union with God. As St. John Paul II observed: “It is a journey totally sustained by grace, which nonetheless demands an intense spiritual commitment and is no stranger to painful purification (the ‘dark night’). But it leads in various possible ways, to the ineffable joy experienced by the mystics as ‘nuptial union.’ How can one forget here, among the many shining examples, the teachings of Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Avila?” (His Holiness John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte, Art. 33). The major themes on purification and human transformation are further divided into three separate sub-themes for proper understanding of purification, human transformation and union within the context of Christian and Carmelite formation. For this study, members may read and reflect on the major writings of our Holy Father St. John of the Cross. A. Active Purification – Active night of the sense (Ascent, Book 1) Active night of the spirit, faith, hope, and love (Ascent, Books 2 and 3) B. Passive Purification – Summary of the dark night leading to God’s action (Dark Night, Books 1 and 2) C. Glorification – Understanding the concept of transformation and union – Trinitarian life (Spiritual Canticle and Living Flame of Love) Note: An in-depth study of all four major works of St. John of the Cross – The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night, The Spiritual Canticle, and The Living Flame of Love — is addressed separately in Volume II of Ongoing Formation. In addition, the history and reform of Carmel should be part of ongoing formation. Our focus should not be so much on chronological dates and numbers; instead, our study should unravel the transformation of consciousness/awareness throughout the history of the Order, within the context of the Carmelite charism of prayer. Most specifically, one should recognize in the history of Carmel the saving hands of God, His presence, and contemplation in all events, trials, and struggles. The letter written by Teresa at the time of her first foundation is a clear indication of God’s presence in all her undertakings. “I have written you a long letter about a matter that for many reasons I could not escape doing since God’s inspirations are the General Introduction p.7 source...” (ltr. 2:2). “What is important is that Teresa has a clear awareness of doing it ‘inspired by God’” (St. Teresa of Avila: 100 Themes on her Life and Work, pg. 133). The above recommended materials and themes are not all-inclusive. There are many, many excellent books and documents suitable for ongoing formation. There is also the option of choosing recorded materials for the members to watch (or listen to) and discuss, such as recordings made by OCD friars, OCDS Congress sessions, retreat conferences, etc. Councils are encouraged to explore options and search for materials that will help members grow in their vocation and understanding of the Carmelite charism. Reading and reflection make up a large part of our ongoing formation. However, as a matter of abundant caution, we must emphasize that formation is not just about reading many books or attending various retreats and conferences. The goal is to be a loyal witness for Christ, remaining subject to ongoing purification, transformation, and ultimate union with God. The Carmelite spirituality is meant to be lived in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. God communicates not so much through books and abstract ideas, but rather through the witness of life. “When they forbade the reading of many books in the vernacular, I felt that prohibition very much because reading some of them was an enjoyment for me, and I could no longer do so since only the Latin editions were allowed. The Lord said to me: ‘Don’t be sad, for I shall give you a living book.’ … I understood very clearly, because I received so much to think about and such recollection in the presence of what I saw, and the Lord showed so much love for me by teaching me in many ways, that I had very little or almost no need for books. His Majesty had become the true book in which I saw the truths” (Life 26.5). This experience of our Holy Mother St. Teresa is essential to our overall understanding of formation in the OCDS. Her words demonstrate that we should be a living witness — a “living book” to the ongoing transformation in Christ. Teresa thus puts the focus on turning our attention to love and desire for Christ and our dedication to do “what we should” in thought, word, and deed. May all Carmelites find in the teachings of the Church and the voices of our Carmelite saints, blesseds, and religious the necessary guidance to complete the journey that leads to eternal life. The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself; but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher; and a voice shall sound in your ears: “This is the way; walk in it.” Is. 30: 20-21 General Introduction p.8 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Ongoing Formation Volume I: The Path of Mount Carmel, The Perfect Spirit* (US National Formation Program, 2025).