The Teresian Carmel expands throughout history in multiple and complementary forms of life. Its most natural and complete expression is found in the three branches of the Order: the nuns, the friars, and the seculars. All three live the same charism in different ways. 

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The pluriform reality of the Carmelite family — which is also composed of religious and lay aggregated institutes— requires that we enter into a close relationship between nuns, friars and laity that makes their complementarity fruitful. Sharing among the members of the three branches is a source of mutual stimulation and new vitality. 

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Moreover, the diversity of forms of life within the Teresian Carmel makes it possible to distinguish and highlight the specific ways in which each group expresses the charism of friendship with God: the nuns in unceasing prayer and evangelical self-denial in the service of Christ and the Church, the friars in a mixed life of prayer and apostolate, and the laity in the commitment to family life and work.

 

Being Discalced Carmelite Friars Today: Declaration on the Carmelite-Teresian Charism  paragraph 43 (p.33)