SECULAR ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES
England, Wales and Scotland

It was only yesterday that I realised Pope Francis was visiting Belgium with the intention of canonising one of St Teresa’s devoted...

This lovely story was recently sent to me by a member of a Carmelite Group. A Water Bearer had two large pots; each hung on each end of a...

Several of the nuns that Teresa trained herself went on to be apostles in other parts of Europe.  I particularly like the story of...

Just as the One Catholic Church is the fount of inexhaustible riches, the one Carmel has given birth to an inexhaustible wealth of...

Today’s saint, who used to be known popularly as Padre Pio, was one of those who helped me on my journey into the Church.  I had...

I was in a Seculars group meeting yesterday and we had a talk from the wonderful Fr Matt Blake OCDS.  He was talking about the cross and...

Last night I heard a truly inspiring story from a young man who is currently a Carmelite novice.  Although baptised Catholic, he was not...

Today’s saint - the Italian Franciscan Friar St Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663), makes me think of our celebrated French Carmelite and...

Today is the feast day of a marvellous saint, St Albert of Jerusalem. I am always profoundly moved when I think of him, not so much...

I found this quote on the Facebook site of the Friends of the OCDS. The site is a good source of inspiration. 'When life breaks you, it...

I had a long chat yesterday with K, who is preparing to be received into formation soon.  We talked about how she had got to this point...

Last night I participated in an internet meeting with members of a Secular Carmelite group based in a small town in a very rural area.  I...

Invitation to a  Carmelite Day: Saturday 5th October. If you would like to know more about the life and prayer of a Secular Carmelite or...

I am one of those persons who delight in the internet because of its power of bringing people together over distance – email for example...

At a Seculars meeting on Saturday we talked about the subject of formation.  We have our five-year course of formation - but of course...

In one of our meetings last night we were discussing St Teresa’s Way of Perfection.  Much of our discussion centred on the connection...

A fellow Carmelite asked me 'What is a blog?' This illustrates the gulf between those who have some familiarity with social media and...

I am much encouraged by the welcome that parish priests give to new Secular Carmelite groups. Finding a good venue is a priority with a...

Yesterday was the Feast of St Brocard, a leading figure in the early history of the Carmelite Order, but unfortunately little is known...

The latest issue of OCD Communicationes has arrived from Rome. This is a regular newsletter containing reports of OCD and OCDS...