SECULAR ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES

(ENGLAND & WALES)

'The great Teresian Carmelite family is present in the world in many forms. The nucleus of this family is the Order of Discalced Carmelites - the friars, the enclosed nuns and the seculars. It is the one Order with the same charism. The Order is nourished by the long tradition of Carmel, expressed in the Rule of St. Albert and the doctrine of the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, [St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux] and the Order's other saints.' (Preface of the Constitutions of the Secular Order. 2003)

Each one strives to recognise the "particular importance of prayer which, nourished by listening to the Word of God and by the liturgy, is conducive to relating with God as a friend, not just in prayer but in daily living. To be committed to this life of prayer demands being nourished by faith, hope and above all, charity, in order to live in the presence and the mystery of the living God." (Art. 9c. Constitutions.)

Secular Carmelites are members of the Roman Catholic Church, either married, single, lay or clerical, who go about their daily life, hoping to be witnesses to the love and God and the value of prayer and contemplation.

Daily Life: Secular Carmelites strive to develop their spiritual life by fostering a life of prayer; they practise solitary prayer for half an hour each day. They also value the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church by praying Morning, Evening and if possible, Night Prayer of the Church. Whenever possible they participate in the daily celebration of the Eucharist. They wear the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, who is present in a special way in the life of every Carmelite.

Formation and preparation for the taking of the Definitive Promise, at the end of at least 5 years, is undertaken by the Community or group to which the person belongs. This formation enables the Secular Carmelite to develop in human, Christian and spiritual maturity for the service of the Church.

Regional Delegate for the Secular Order: