The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, located within the Diocese of Fresno, is a 25-year-old local community that is part of a larger group of lay women, men, and diocesan priests. Together with the Carmelite Orders of Priests and Nuns, they embark on a shared journey to seek God's face, love Him wholeheartedly, and love one another as Christ loves them. By staying faithful to the Gospel, living their professed promises, practicing contemplative prayer, participating in the sacramental life of the Church, and fostering communion with one another, they strive to achieve their spiritual goals.

History of Maria Mater et Regina Carmeli - Bakersfield Community

In June of 2000, Fr. Francis Arakai, OCD, arrived from India at St. Philip the Apostle Parish, with permission from Msgr. Ronald Swett, Pastor, a meeting was arranged for anyone interested in the Order of Carmelite Discalced Seculars.

Five people attended the meeting; one professed OCDS, one aspirant in the Ancient Observance of Carmel (O. Carm.), and one interested person, Fr. Francis and Cheryl D. Docktor, OCDS.

With permission from the Provincial Delegate of the Western Jurisdiction for Carmelite Seculars, Fr. Michael Buckley, OCD, word of the group was published and spread.  The first meeting was held at Christ the King Church in Oildale on July 16, 2000, Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which was also the 749th anniversary of the Brown Scapular.  Christ the King Church was chosen because the pastor, Msgr. Stephen A. Frost is an OCDS and became the Spiritual Assistant for the Group.  Of the original twelve attending this first meeting, three were already professed and seven were part of the fourteen Aspirants that were received as Candidates for Temporary Promise at the first Ceremony held on Ascension Sunday, May 27, 2001.  Of these fourteen received, eight were from the St. Philip’s parish, five from Christ the King parish, and two from Frazier Park.  At present, the membership has grown to 37 plus 6 Aspirants.

On September 16, 2007, the Group was canonically established becoming a fully recognized OCDS Community within the Catholic Church.  Ours was the first OCDS Community established in the Diocese of Fresno whose patroness is St. Therese, OCD.

For the first Ceremony, Fr. Patrick Sugrue, OCD, Superior and Retreat Master for the El Carmelo Retreat House, was the surprise guest.  He gave a historical account of the Order and assisted vesting the Aspirants in the Scapular.  At the second Ceremony, Fr. Patrick officiated in his new role as Provincial Delegate of the Western Jurisdiction. 

The community attends an annual retreat at the El Carmelo Retreat House in Redlands.  All retreats are silent which reflects the contemplative charism of the Carmelite Order.

Bakersfield Community meets on the 3rd Sunday of each month at Christ the King Church, 1800 Bedford Way, Bakersfield, CA. 93308 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM