A Marian Way of Life
The Spirit of the Order
When the prophet Elijah announced to his disciple Eliseus that he would soon be called from this life, Eliseus asked him to bestow his double spirit upon him. Carmelite tradition has interpreted this double spirit as the formula of the mixed life; union of contemplative and apostolic life. In the tradition and teaching of St. Teresa, reformer of the Order of Carmel, the Discalced vocation is to a more intense interior life - the life of prayer. In the teaching of Holy Mother Church through the II Vatican Council, its apostolate is involved in the mission of the Church - "not only to bring to men the message and grace of Christ, but also to penetrate and perfect the temporal sphere with the spirit of the gospel" - making the gospel known and men holy.
"While the members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites will prefer before all else to stay hidden with Christ in God at the heart of the Church... prayer and the apostolate when they are genuine are inseparable."
The Ideals of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
In the spirit of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross, members of the secular Order are to be mindful of the Presence of the Blessed Trinity in their persons. Carmel means an enclosed or secret garden in which God Himself actually lives and dwells.
The Object of the Secular Order is to make each member conscious of the divine indwelling and to come as close as possible to the Trinity in this mortal life.
Secular Carmelites through Christian Charity, are to bring the Divine Guest into the lives of those with whom they live, work and socialize.
Admission to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
Those seeking admission to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites must be eighteen years of age, of upright character, good common sense, and motivated by a sincere desire of leading and evangelical life.
The Member Undertakes
Pursuit of evangelical perfection, in the world under guidance and spiritual direction of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers
The Member Shares
· In the spiritual heritage of the Order
·
· its holiness
·
· its mission
·
The Habit
1. The large BROWN SCAPULAR shall continue to be given as the habit of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites at the time of admission to formation.
2.
3. A smaller BROWN SCAPULAR (or for good reason, the SCAPULAR MEDAL) may be worn for everyday use, if the member so desires.
4.
Entrance
After a preparatory period, usually six months, during which time the Aspirant attends the monthly fraternity meeting and is especially instructed in its Rule, in order to determine whether he/she has a vocation to the Secular Order of Carmel, he/she is clothed with this habit, admitted to Formation and becomes a member.
Profession
After suitable contact with the community the candidate is admitted for a period of formation, which normally extends for two years before the temporary Promise, and for another three years before the definite Promise.
One year after having made the final (definite) Promise, the Secular Carmelite, who so requests it, may be permitted to take vows of chastity and obedience.
the vows add to the observance of chastity and obedience the merit of the virtue of religion.
Main Obligations
1. Secular Carmelites shall make at least a half-hour of mental prayer daily.
2.
3. They shall recite the Morning and Evening Prayers (Lauds and Vespers and if possible Night Prayer (Compline) from the Divine Office.
4.
5. The members will always wear the BROWN SCAPULAR of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For good reason, the SCAPULAR MEDAL, properly blessed may be substituted for the scapular.
6.
7. Daily participation in the Eucharistic Celebration if possible, and frequent meaningful reception of the Sacrament of RECONCILIATION.
8.
9. Members will feel themselves called in a special way to the exercise of Fraternal Charity and the Apostolate.
10.
11. Besides fast days prescribed by the Church, they will observe fast on the Vigils, the day preceding the following feasts:
12. Our Blessed Lady of Mount Carmel - July 16
13. Our holy Mother St. Teresa - October 15
14. Our holy Father St. John of the Cross - December 14
15. All Saints of the Order - November 14 *Abstinence on these vigils is not obligatory
16.
17. Secular Carmelites will have an intense devotion to Our Lady, and will honor her daily by some particular act. The daily Rosary is especially recommended.
18.
19. On the death of a Secular Carmelite brother or sister: a. The fraternity will have a Mass offered. b. The members of the fraternity will recite together: (1) Vespers of the dead, with particular reference to the deceased member, as well as to all the deceased of the Order. Or (2) The Rosary, or (3) Other suitable prayers c. Each member will, if possible, have a Mass offered or participate in a Mass and receive Holy Communion for the deceased.
20.
21. The Secular Carmelite should remember the deceased members of the Order in their daily prayers.
