The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS), Christ the King Fraternity, traces its origins to 1973, when six lay women gathered in the parlour of the Carmelite Monastery on Bukit Teresa Road. Inspired by Sister Marguerite of the Blessed Sacrament, OCD, they formed a small community dedicated to supporting the cloistered Carmelite nuns while embracing the Teresian Carmelite spirituality through prayer and formation. Under the guidance of Sister Mary of Jesus, OCD, they met monthly to deepen their spiritual lives and their relationship with God.

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In 1975, the group was strengthened by the arrival of several lay faithful from the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who shared the same desire to live the Carmelite vocation. During these formative years, Fr. Philippe Meissonnier, MEP, appointed by Archbishop Gregory Yong, provided spiritual guidance to the community. Fr. John Mary Chin, OCD, Provincial Delegate and National Director for the Carmelites and Carmelite Tertiaries in Southeast Asia, guided the fraternity through the canonical process required for its official establishment.

On 30 October 1978, in the presence of Archbishop Gregory Yong, the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites of Christ the King, Singapore was canonically erected at the Carmelite Chapel of Christ the King on Bukit Teresa Road. Representing the Superior General of the Order, Fr. John Mary Chin, OCD, solemnly proclaimed the Decree of Erection, marking the official establishment of the first OCDS fraternity in Singapore.

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As there were no resident Carmelite friars in Singapore at the time, the fraternity continued to receive spiritual assistance from MEP, CICM, and diocesan priests until the arrival of the Carmelite friars. Through monthly formation meetings, Days of Recollection, annual retreats, and community activities, the fraternity has continued to grow in prayer, fraternity, and service. Over the years, it has also been blessed with religious vocations arising from among its members. Today, the Christ the King Fraternity comprises approximately 50 active Secular Carmelites, faithfully living the Teresian Carmelite charism in the heart of the local Church.

 

For vocation enquiries, please email: carmelocds.sg@gmail.com