Daily Life
The 6 Pillars in the Life of a Secular Discalced Carmelite
Daily Life of a Secular Carmelite
The foundation and essence of our vocation is prayer.
Therefore in imitation of our Blessed Mother Mary and heeding the call of Jesus, her Son, to “pray always without becoming weary”
Secular Carmelites will seek union with God and strive to live in the constant awareness of his presence.
Divine Office
Pray Morning & Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours in union with the Universal Church each day.
Engage in a daily examination of conscience--ideally right before Night Prayer, which is highly encouraged. Participate frequently in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Mary
Practice devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is our model of the contemplative life. Emulate her in mental prayer & practice of the presence of God. Place your entire spiritual life under her guidance. Pray the Rosary, Angelus, Litany of Loreto or other approved Marian devotions.
Meditation
Practice Mental Prayer for at least 30 minutes each day in an atmosphere of interior silence & solitude. This is the time to be with God and to strengthen your relationship with Him so you can be a true witness to His presence in the world. Daily Spiritual Reading & Lectio Divina are highly encouraged.
Mission
Actively participate in the Community Apostolate. Spread Carmelite spirituality to address the needs of the church and world for authentic spirituality and prayer as found in the teachings of the three Carmelite Doctors of the Church.
Mass
Seek, within the limits imposed by the secular state, to participate in daily Mass whenever possible.
When attendance at daily Mass is not possible, reflection on the scripture readings of the day is encouraged.
Meetings
Strive to place the good of the community and fraternal charity above self-interest. Faithfully attend the Monthly Community Meetings. Attend at least one retreat per year. Participate in Days of Recollection. Desire and ability to attend meetings are a sign of an authentic vocation.
Following Jesus as members of the Secular Order is expressed by the promise to strive for evangelical perfection in the spirit of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience and through the beatitudes.
(OCDS Constitutions)