SECULAR ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES
England, Wales and Scotland

How do you know if you are called to be a lay (Secular) Carmelite?  As an OCDS Regional Representative I have had many conversations over...

On this feast day of the great St Augustine, I am struck by the excerpt from his writing in today’s Office of Readings, because it makes...

Today is the Feast of St Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868), a French saint not as well known in this country as he deserves to be.  He...

A fascinating discussion in a recent meeting of a contemplative prayer group in which I am involved.  Our meetings have three parts:...

The poem below has been sent in by Kathy Twist of the Welshpool OCDS group. Such contributions are welcomed from OCDS members. The Dark...

An exciting new development for the Manchester area.  A small group of us met on zoom this week to discuss forming an OCDS group there,...

Ever wondered why the Psalms have such a prominent place in our worship?  As Seculars we encounter them every day in the Prayer of the...

Lovely passage from St Bernard (his feast day is today) in the Office of Readings.  First he says that of course the creature’s love for...

Today we celebrate the Feast of St John Eudes (1601-1680). ‘ After ten years of preaching missions with the Oratorians in France, Father...

I am still on a high from our Romsey meeting last Saturday.  One of our members made her First Promise and two others were received into...

The writings of St John of the Cross may not explicitly mention Our Lady frequently, but In the life of the Saint we find substantial...

Today’s saint, the great Pole Maximilian Kolbe, widely remembered for his sacrificial death in Auschwitz, ' often referred to St....

An interesting question came up recently in discussion during a formation session.  We were looking at Book I, Chapter 3 of The Ascent of...

Are we just right at the beginning of the internet age?  Is this period the equivalent to the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution? ...

I blogged last week (7 August) about the mediaeval Carmelite St Albert of Trapani and about the delightful story that has his admirers...

Teresa’s Way of Perfection never ceases to amaze me.  She displays such a combination of spiritual wisdom and plain common sense.  What...

It seems that St Teresa had a great devotion to today’s saint, Albert of Trapani OCD (c.1240-1307).  He was a Sicilian Carmelite, son of...

I was just sent a rather beautiful YouTube video entitled ‘ Three Powerful Words that open heaven’ .  It is a half-hour talk, very simple...

I was just reading about the first Australian-born saint, Mary Mackillop (1842-1909) - and a fascinating story it is.  In 1867, Mary...

Below is a prayer of St John Vianney, the Curé of Ars (1786-1859), patron of priests, whose Feast is today.  He was actually a Franciscan...