As St. Teresa of Jesus began to found numerous monasteries of Discalced Carmelite nuns throughout Spain, she desired that her sisters benefit from the fraternity and guidance of priests and brothers observing the same rule of life. In 1568, having been trained in the new Carmelite way of life by St. Teresa herself, St. John of the Cross and Father Anthony of Jesus inaugurated the first community of Discalced Carmelite friars in Duruelo, Spain.

From the earliest days of the Discalced Carmelite friars, the priests and brothers of the Order have placed themselves at the service of the Discalced Carmelite nuns. St. John of the Cross himself exercised this apostolate with great zeal. The commentary on his Spiritual Canticle is dedicated to Sr. Ana of Jesus, one of his "spiritual daughters." Many of the spiritual counsels of the saint that have survived today were written down for the benefit of the Discalced Carmelite nuns whom he guided spiritually.

Today, the Discalced Carmelite Friars of the Oklahoma Province of St. Thérèse continue to enjoy a spirit of fraternity and service in relationship with the monasteries of Discalced Carmelite nuns. The friars often act as chaplains and confessors to the communities of nuns, and strive to foster the spiritual growth of the sisters through offering spiritual conferences, retreats, and spiritual direction.

MONASTERIES OF DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS
WITHIN THE OKLAHOMA PROVINCE OF ST. THÉRÈSE