top of page


SECULAR ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES
England, Wales and Scotland
INEXHAUSTIBLE RICHES
Just as the One Catholic Church is the fount of inexhaustible riches, the one Carmel has given birth to an inexhaustible wealth of...
cpblamires
Sep 24, 20241 min read
St Pio of Pietrelcina
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...
cpblamires
Sep 23, 20241 min read
Our crest
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...
cpblamires
Sep 20, 20241 min read
A tale of our times
Last night I heard a truly inspiring story from a young man who is currently a Carmelite novice. Although baptised Catholic, he was not...
cpblamires
Sep 19, 20241 min read
An exquisite saint
Today’s saint - the Italian Franciscan Friar St Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663), makes me think of our celebrated French Carmelite and...
cpblamires
Sep 18, 20241 min read
This man was a true hero
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...
cpblamires
Sep 17, 20242 min read
When life breaks you
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...
cpblamires
Sep 16, 20241 min read
The adventure of faith
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...
cpblamires
Sep 13, 20241 min read
Spiritual bonds
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...
cpblamires
Sep 12, 20241 min read
An invitation
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...
cpblamires
Sep 11, 20241 min read
A Problem with the internet
I am one of those persons who delight in the internet because of its power of bringing people together over distance – email for example...
cpblamires
Sep 10, 20241 min read
Knowing and Loving
At a Seculars meeting on Saturday we talked about the subject of formation. We have our five-year course of formation - but of course...
cpblamires
Sep 9, 20241 min read
Loveless prayer
In one of our meetings last night we were discussing St Teresa’s Way of Perfection. Much of our discussion centred on the connection...
cpblamires
Sep 6, 20241 min read
What is a blog?
A fellow Carmelite asked me 'What is a blog?' This illustrates the gulf between those who have some familiarity with social media and...
cpblamires
Sep 5, 20241 min read
Priests who encourage us to go deeper
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...
cpblamires
Sep 4, 20241 min read
A founder figure
Yesterday was the Feast of St Brocard, a leading figure in the early history of the Carmelite Order, but unfortunately little is known...
cpblamires
Sep 3, 20242 min read
News from around the world
The latest issue of OCD Communicationes has arrived from Rome. This is a regular newsletter containing reports of OCD and OCDS...
cpblamires
Sep 2, 20241 min read
Let nothing trouble you
Many people find solace in Teresa's famous saying Let nothing frighten you, All things pass away: God never changes. Patience obtains...
cpblamires
Aug 30, 20241 min read
Two simple saints
Still thinking about St Mary of Jesus Crucified - otherwise known as Mariam Bouardy OCD (1846-1878), or 'the little Arab'. Born in Upper...
cpblamires
Aug 29, 20241 min read
Busyness and prayer
'Every Christian needs a half hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour'. I just came across this quote...
cpblamires
Aug 28, 20241 min read
bottom of page