Q. What can I read to help discern if I might have a true vocation to the Discalced Carmelite Secular order?

A. Aside from reading with great affinity the writings of our saints like St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of the Andes (and more!) there are two books that many of us find especially helpful!

These books are both by Fr Michael Griffin, OCD, and published by Teresian Charism Press.

Commentary on the Rule of Life

Welcome to Carmel

You may call or write directly to Holy Hill for information on obtaining the books, or you may find them in your local Catholic bookstore.

Discalced Carmelite
Friars of Holy Hill
1525 Carmel Road
Hubertus, Wisconsin 53033

(414) 628-1838 Holy Hill also has a website that shows their beautiful shrine, The National Shrine of Mary, Help of All Christians. As yet I have not seen the books, they publish more than merely these two, available online. Still you can enjoy their site! http://www.holyhill.com

Carmelites are not taught to be Carmelites by study, the Holy Spirit does this work. In reading these two books, some find themselves in every page, and are inspired to pursue discernment in a vocation in the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order. OCDS are not "associates" of the order, they are full members. This is why their is a long process of discernment. It begins with "Aspirancy" that is typically 6 months to a year. Then if the person and the community feel they may have a vocation, they are invited to join. There is a Clothing Ceremony, where one receives the large scapular, worn outside normal clothing at the Secular monthly meetings. There is then a 2 year period of study of Carmelite saints and spirituality. After this time if the member and the community still believe they have a vocation, they make their 'First Promise'. Then there is a period of 3 years of study. After this, if the member and community believe there is an authentic vocation, the member makes the "Definitive Promise". After this, short of an extreme condition, the member is forever a Discalced Carmelite.

Once a vocation is discerned, the Discalced Carmelite order has a wealth of saints, including 3 Doctors of the Church, St Teresa of Jesus (Avila), our foundress, St John of the Cross, the Mystical Doctor of the Church, and St Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (Lisieux). Other saints and blesseds include St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), St Teresa of the Andes, St Teresa Margaret (Redi), Bl Elizabeth of the Trinity, Bl Francisco Palau y Quer and many more. ICS Publications (publications of the work of the Institute for Carmelite Studies) has been providing excellent translations and publications of the saints' writings. These are personally recommended over previous translations. I did not even like St Therese of Lisieux when I first read "Story of a Soul". Then I read the ICS edition. Now HERE is the real Therese, and I loved her!

ICS has tapes as well as books, and all are highly recommended! They even have a volume discount with an order of only 5 books. They have a website:

http://www.icspublications.org