I would like to address in a very direct, point-by-point way some of the accusations levelled against the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming. Keep in mind that these points are supported by extended, first-hand experience.
Violence and Abuse
The idea that the monks are abusive is very far from the truth. All of the priests and brothers have great respect for one another in this community. Never was I physically harmed in any way. Nor did I feel emotionally or psychologically abused whatsoever. What I do remember is that I was built up in very holy ways by not only my superiors while I was a monk there, but also my fellow brothers. The charity of the Mother of God reigns supreme in this monastery.
Specifically, the prior and a monk named Br. Joseph were made out to be angry and violent people. This is false. Both of them are very gentle and compassionate. However, if you have seen the Church Militant video (which I do not recommend watching), you know about the police report about an incident between the monks’ accuser, Augustine, and Br. Joseph. Keep in mind that this incident was cited as non-injurious (a.k.a. nonviolent). Although it is possible that Br. Joseph was a bit too tough in this correction of Augustine, he certainly intended no harm. If Br. Joseph was at fault, it certainly was not grievous, and it was a one-of-a-kind incident. Br. Joseph has an extraordinary amount of charity and humility, as well as the other professed monks.
Oppressive Obedience
The Carmelite monks live obedience strictly and in a domestic setting. This is the way established by St. Teresa of Avila for her nuns, from whom the monks inherited much of their way of life. This obedience is difficult, but sanctifying. Indeed, giving up one’s will intentionally is not satisfying to the natural appetites. Although I figured out that I was not cut out for living obedience as these monks do, the time I spent doing my best to live Carmelite obedience was very fruitful. The Carmelite monks ensure that men who enter the monastery know that they are free to leave any time. “The doors are locked from the inside,” the novice master would always say. In addition, men in formation are encouraged to thoroughly discern whether or not God is calling them to this life of strict obedience. The obedience that the monks live is certainly not at all oppressive. For those who are truly called, it is freeing to be able to know that you are doing the will of your Father in heaven, even in the small things.
Homosexual Grooming Ring
The monks are not homosexual whatsoever. There are no indications of any sexual behavior or even same-sex attractions in their community. I say this after living among them for almost 18 months. Also, the bishop who called for an investigation in response to this accusation did not convict any of the monks of this kind of behavior. The monks have a very charitable, healthy, vibrant, Catholic fraternal life. Those who have not experienced this kind of friendship before may possibly be taken aback and interpret it as something other than what it truly is.
Not Carmelites
Although the Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel are not juridically affiliated with the discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.) or those of the ancient observance (O.Carm.), they nevertheless have a distinctly Carmelite spirituality. They take their way of prayer and detachment directly from St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. Their great love of Our Lady is found throughout the Carmelite Rite, which was in use by one of the main branches of the Carmelite order until 1972. Much of the monks’ customs and way of life is taken directly from the discalced nuns in the tradition of St. Teresa. The monks are as Carmelite as it gets.
No Prayer Time
The monks have adequate time for both communal and personal prayer. Please view their horarium (schedule) here: https://www.carmelitemonkshorarium.org/
No Formation
The monks are very dedicated to and spend a large amount of time on spiritual, intellectual, human, and pastoral formation, especially during the period before a monk makes his first vows. I spent much more time in spiritual direction there than I ever would have thought possible before I entered. This was extremely fruitful for me. Couple that with the many non-academic classes we took in the novitiate and the manly, heavenward lifestyle the monks embrace, and you have spectacular formation.
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