The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) is an integral part of the Carmelite Order. They live according to the Rule of St Albert and have their own Constitutions. They are composed mainly of lay people, but also of secular clergy.
Like the Friars and Sisters, prayer is central to their lives, they spend time each day in prayer and in the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours. Members of the Secular Order try to attend daily Mass whenever possible. They are especially called to live a life modelled on Mary in allegiance to Christ and encouraged to study the writings of the Carmelite saints of the Discalced Order, especially St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross. They attend a meeting of their community each month.
One must attend meetings of the community for some time before being accepted into formation. A Carmelite vocation must be discerned both by the person themselves and by the community they wish to join.
Provincial Delegate (Ireland): Fr. Vincent O’Hara OCD
Avila, Morehampton Road, Dublin DO4 YF66
Tel: 01 643 0200
The National Council:
President: Flo Fitzgerald
OCDS Communities:
Avila – Elijah of Mount Carmel
Meeting: Avila on the 4th Saturday of each month from 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 pm.
Avila – St Joseph’s
Meeting: Avila on the 4th Saturday of each month from 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 pm.
Belfast – Holy Cross
Meeting: Poor Clare Monastery, Cliftonville Road, Belfast on the third Saturday of each month at 2.30 pm.
Derry – St Colmcille
Meeting: Termonbacca on the last Sunday of each month at 6.00 pm.
Dungarvan – Holy Family of Nazareth
Meeting: Carmelite Monastery, Tallow on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.15 pm.
Knock – Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Meeting: first Wednesday of every month at Carmelite monastery, Knock. 6.00 pm at Tranquilla.
Loughrea – St Joseph’s
Meeting: The Abbey on the last Wednesday of each month. During Winter months the meeting takes place on the last Saturday of each month at 11.00 am.
New Ross
Meeting: Carmelite Monastery on the first Wednesday of each month at 11.00 am.
Clarendon Street – St Teresa
Meeting: St. Teresa’s on the third Sunday of each month at 2.00 pm