A Carmelite foundation
 
Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit began on April 12, 1997, when Father Jerome Earley gathered a Carmelite prayer group in Covington. Sister Edith Turpin of the Discalced Carmelite Monastery was the catalyst in bringing the group together. The first members were clothed on June 13, 1998, beginning a long period of prayer, formation, discernment, and growth.
The developing group was blessed by the guidance of Carmelite friars, the friendship of the nuns in Covington, and assistance from experienced Secular Carmelites in New Orleans. The first Council was appointed in 2004. Over the following years the Study Group learned to provide formation, elect leaders, care for its members, and assume increasing responsibility for its common life.
 
Growing through prayer and community
 
Early records describe a close-knit community with strong leadership potential and generous apostolic service. Members assisted the Carmelite nuns, supported the Mass of the Roses, participated in parish Eucharistic processions, and offered scapular catechesis.

By 2012 the Study Group had grown to approximately thirty-two members. In May 2013, Father Bonaventure Sauer authorized it to begin the process leading to canonical establishment. The following year brought the decisive ecclesiastical approvals.
 
Canonical establishment
 
On November 5, 2014, Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond issued a formal decree approving the Community's statutes and recognizing Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit as a private association of the Christian faithful in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. On December 8, 2014, Father Saverio Cannistrà, OCD, Superior General, issued a formal instrument from the Carmelite General House in Rome. The instrument accepted the petition, confirmed that the Archbishop's consent had been received, and authorized Father Bonaventure Sauer, OCD, under canon 312, to erect the Covington group as an OCDS Community.
 
The Roman instrument gave Father Bonaventure the necessary delegated authority; the local act of canonical erection followed during the solemn Mass on January 31, 2015, in Guardian Angel Chapel at the Carmelite Monastery in Covington. Father Bonaventure presided, with founder Father Jerome Earley concelebrating. After nearly eighteen years of preparation, Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit became a canonically erected OCDS Community.
 
Living the vocation today
 
Since canonical establishment, the Community has continued to gather for the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, mental prayer, Carmelite formation, fraternal fellowship, and service.

On September 8, 2026, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit OCDS Community launched its coordinated digital apostolate following Council approval. The community website, maryspouseocds.org; the Facebook Page, Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit OCDS Community; and the dedicated community email address, maryspouseocds@gmail.com, established a unified public presence for sharing Carmelite spirituality, supporting community communication and administration, and strengthening continuity for future leadership.
 
Our continuing mission
 
Nourished by the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, daily mental prayer, and the wisdom of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit seeks to live the Carmelite vocation in families, parishes, workplaces, and the wider Church. Its history is a testimony to patient formation, faithful friendship, ecclesial communion, and the quiet work of the Holy Spirit across generations.
 
Prayer • Formation • Fraternity • Apostolic Service