WHAT ARE SECULAR CARMELITES?

The Carmelite Order began in the 12th century with hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. They sought to “live in allegiance to Jesus Christ” through prayer and meditation on the Word of God.

Today, the Order includes:

• Friars
  
  

• Nuns
  
  

• Secular (lay) members
  
  

Secular Carmelites are Catholic lay people who make promises to live according to the spirit of the Carmelite Rule while remaining in their ordinary state of life.

Our spirituality is deeply shaped by:

• Saint Teresa of Ávila
  
  

• Saint John of the Cross
  
  

• Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
  
  

• The Prophet Elijah
  
  

Key elements of Carmelite life include:

• Daily mental prayer
  
  

• The Liturgy of the Hours
  
  

• Devotion to Our Lady
  
  

• Study of Carmelite saints and doctrine
  
  

• Fraternal community