Paperback: The Teresian Carmelites booklet (1994) by Father Finian Monahan OCD shows the areas of struggle that had to be faced by the Discalced Carmelites, namely, the struggle for the birth and survival of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns and Friars in the sixteenth century. This deals with the difficulties they encountered in becoming and staying in an Order in which there are nuns and friars.
The problems which were encountered brought the realization that eventually the Calced and Discalced would have to split and become two separate branches.
Another area where questions arose was the fact that some of the nuns were directly under the Friars whereas others were under the local bishop. What was the Father General’s position as to the visitation of these houses under the bishop?
The Second Vatican Council brought with it further questions which had to be looked at and dealt with.
The Teresian Carmelites trace the roots, beginnings, and vicissitudes of this unity as expressed in the legislation of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns down the years. It is not an outline of the history of the Order, but a history of the Order's legislation. It should help to give the reader a better understanding of one aspect of Discalced Carmelite history and put some recent events in their historical perspective.
About the author: As Superior General, Father Finian Monahan OCD (1924-2010) was responsible for the Declarations, which updated the Primitive Constitutions according to the directives of the Second Vatican Council. He read Philosophical studies in Dublin (1943-1946) and Theological studies in Rome at the International College (1946-1951). He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome in 1950. From 1951 to 1954, he studied Canon Law at the Angelicum in Rome. He was a member of the Mount Carmel Community in Glasgow and put his experience and learning at the disposal of the Order. He was also Religious Assistant to the Association of Carmels in Britain and Ireland.
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