Discalced Carmelite Seculars are practicing members of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and inspired by St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, make commitment to the Discalced Carmelite Order to seek the Face of God for the sake of the church and the world.
Discalced Carmelite Seculars are members of the Carmelite family of the 16th century reform of St. Teresa of Jesus. Discalced means unshod. St. Teresa's followers wore sandals rather than shoes, a practice which distinguished them from Carmelites of the Ancient Observance. These followers are present in the modern world as friars, enclosed nuns and Seculars. The Discalced Carmelite Order is "nourished by the long tradition of Carmel, expressed in the Rule of Saint Albert and the doctrine of the Carmelite doctors of the church and the order's other saints." ("Constitutions of the Secular Order of the Teresian Carmel," 2003)
Discalced Carmelite Seculars come from all walks of life, from every level of education and from every type of work. We are Catholic laypersons over the age of 18 (married or unmarried) or ordained diocesan priests or deacons.
There are more than 45,000 Discalced Carmelite Seculars worldwide and more than 6,000 in the United States. We gather in canonically erected communities or recognized study groups under the guidance and leadership of the order.
The following principles of the Rule of Saint Albert, written for the hermits on Mount Carmel in the 13th century, guide Carmelite Secular life today:
("Constitutions of the Secular Order of the Teresian Carmel," 2003)
The entire period of formation commonly requires about six years.
Aspirancy
Attendance at 12 monthly meetings of the community is required, so the Aspirant may be supported by its members as he or she learns more about Secular life and discerns whether he or she has a vocation to the order.
First period of formation
A minimum of ftwo years is required for study and growth in prayer, the apostolate and community life. At the end of this time, the council of the community may invite the candidate to make a Temporary Promise of poverty, chastity and obedience to the order.
Second period of formation
At least three years precedes the Definitive Promise. Either period of formation may be extended if the council and the individual in formation agree that doing so is in the best interest of the candidate.
The Holy Spirit O.C.D.S. Community has met in this area since 1953. The group currently meets monthly at the Carmelite Monastery in Mobile.
For more information, contact:
Paul Schubert
(251) 605-7299
© OCDS Community of the Holy Spirit 2024