The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites

The Third Order or the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) is composed of lay men and women who are called to live the Teresian Carmelite charism while remaining in their ordinary state of life. Whether single or married, raising families, or engaged in professional work, Secular Carmelites seek to deepen their union with God through a life of contemplative prayer and apostolic witness. They ordinarily commit themselves to daily mental prayer (30–60 minutes), the celebration of Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, regular participation in the Eucharist, ongoing formation, and the fraternal life of their local community.

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The origins of the secular vocation can be traced to the medieval Church, when lay faithful sought to share spiritually in the life and mission of the mendicant orders. Within the Carmelite tradition, Bl. John Soreth promulgated a Rule for the Carmelite Third Order in 1455, long before the Teresian Reform. Although the early Discalced Carmelites initially did not admit lay members, secular communities gradually emerged throughout Europe. To foster unity among these groups, the first known Rule for the Secular Order of the Discalced Carmelites was published in Marseille, France, in 1708. It emphasised daily Mass, the Divine Office, an hour of mental prayer, fasting, and works of charity, especially on behalf of members who were ill.

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In 1912, Fr. Elia of St. Ambrose prepared the first official Rule of the Third Secular Order, which remained in force until after the Second Vatican Council. In 1970, a revised Rule of Life highlighted the distinctive lay vocation and introduced the First Promise. The current Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, approved by the Holy See in 2003, continue to guide Secular Carmelites in faithfully living the Gospel according to the spirit of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross.