A call to prayer

A vocation to Carmel includes the call to prayer and contemplation, to seek Christ in solitude, and to discover Him in each brother and sister, in each event of one's daily life. Like the prophet Elijah, the Carmelite strives to live each moment in the presence of the living God. Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Carmelite aims always to keep God's word, pondering it in his heart. Like St. Teresa of Jesus, he sees prayer as "an intimate sharing between friends," as "taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us." When God gives the gift of a vocation, this gift comes with a mission. The first responsibility of the Discalced Carmelite mission is to give witness to God who is experienced in the silence and solitude of prayer. As St. Teresa of Jesus states: The fruit of authentic prayer is good works; always good works.

Secular Discalced Carmelites pray Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, and Night Prayer if possible. We practice mental prayer for at least 30 minutes per day, and attend daily Mass as far as possible.

Prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven; it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.

St. Therese of Lisieux