The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, known as OCDS,

The Members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites are faithful members of the Catholic Church, called to live “in allegiance to Jesus Christ” through “friendship with the One we know loves us” and in the service to the Church. Under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the Biblical Tradition of the prophet Elijah and inspired by the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, they see to deepen their Christian commitment received in Baptism.

Carmel Vocation

“welcomes those of the faithful who, by special vocation, undertake to live in the world an evangelical life of fraternal communion imbued with the spirit of contemplative prayer, in imitation of the Virgin Mary, and animated with the apostolic zeal according to the example and teaching of the Carmelite Saints”. They come from all walks of life, men and women, young and old, married and single, seeking to respond to God’s call.

Marian Devotion

For Secular Carmelites, Mary is a model of total commitment to God’s Kingdom. She teaches us to listen to God’s Word in Scripture and in life, to believe in it in every circumstance in order to live its demands. While giving life in Teresian Carmelite spirituality, Mary’s presence also shapes its apostolate. As a result, the Secular Carmelite is committed to knowing Mary better daily, through the Gospel, to communicate to others an authentic Marian devotion leading to imitating her virtues. Guided by the outlook of faith, members of the Secular Order will celebrate and promote the liturgical devotion to the Mother of God in light of the mystery of Christ and the Church. They will practice, in faith and love, the devotional exercises in her honor.