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For more information or to discuss a vocation as a member of the Carmelite community, please click here. |
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The Discalced Carmelite
Servants of Mercy
And
Disciples of the Most Blessed Sacrament
(O.C.D.S.M.) |
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Musical credit: “Bring Flowers of the Rarest” from the album “Salve Regina” and sung by Robert Kochis. No financial compensation or benefit is sought nor derived by the Order for use of this song or promotion of the artist. It is used as a means of promoting the artist and his work with no attempt to obtain compensation. This album is available for purchase through Amazon.com along with other works by Mr. Kochis. |
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The full name of this congregation is THE DISCALCED CARMELITE SERVANTS OF MERCY AND DISCIPLES OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. Our charism is expressed through performing the Seven Spiritual and Corporal Acts of Mercy and in devotion to Our Lord who is ever-present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. We are a "mendicant order" and rely on the generosity of benefactors and donors for the work God calls us to. Jurisdictionally, we are an Episcopal Institute accountable directly to the Presiding Bishop of the Church and not subject to Diocesan jurisdiction. |
The RuleWe observe a Rule which combines aspects of the rule of life given by St. Albert of Jerusalem to the first Carmelites as well as the rules of the Ancient Observance which were established by St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. It could be said that we are "Teresian Carmelites" as we strive to observe the rule of the Reform as closely as possible. |
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Our habit consists of the white tunic, belt with 15-decade rosary and crucifix, full length scapular and mantelletta with cowl and sandals. A brown traveling cape is worn during travel while a white Choir cape is worn during community prayer and Mass. Solemnly professed members also wear the medal-cross of St. Benedict. The white tunic: The white tunic is symbolic our devotion to Our Lord ever present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. It symbolizes the purity of Our Lord as well as a reminder of the state in which we should maintain our soul. The belt, rosary and mission crucifix: The belt signifies girding ourselves to do the work of Our Lord. The 15-decade Rosary is our spiritual "sword" and symbolizes that at all times, regardless of where we are and what we are involved in, our need to be in prayer at all times. The crucifix is symbolic of our missionary charism in bringing the faith to all of God's people. The Scapular, mantelletta and cowl: Our Blessed Mother of Mt. Carmel gave the scapular to St. Simon Stock in 1247 as an outward sign of her special protection of all her children who would wear the scapular. Throughout the history of the Catholic faith, the scapular has held a place of honor and esteem, often referred to as the "garment of salvation". The scapular, along with the mantelletta signifies our willingness to take upon ourselves the yoke of Christ and our submission to him. The cowl symbolizes again our submission to God and, when worn over the head, our silent union with God in prayer and contemplation. In addition to the habit as described above, Sisters and Nuns of the Second Order wear a white coif and wimple and veil (shoulder-length black for postulants, white for novices, mid-length (middle of back) black for junior professed and waist-length black veil for solemnly professed). The veil worn by contemplative sisters is further designed to be drawn down over the face when the sisters receive guests who are not relatives or when visitors enter the cloister. Members of the Third Order wear the tunic, belt with 5 decade rosary, full length scapular with cowl and medal-crucifix of St. Benedict. The habit is worn when in community either at prayer or public ministry but is not worn outside of liturgical or ministerial activities. |
Our HabitThe habit is an outward sign of our consecration and commitment to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to His mother, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Of course, in the latter 20th century, many would view wearing of a Religious habit as being "old fashioned" or "Medieval" while some may even see the habit as an obstacle to ministry (either literally or emotionally). Yet, the habit - though not carrying any magical or mystical powers - is a silent witness of our commitment and our vows. |
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Horarium The daily Horarium is observed primarily by those living in community. Members living alone or apart from an established community observe the same daily horarium as much as possible according to the activities of daily living which they are involved in (for example, full time employment or studies). |
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4:40 AM 5:00 AM 5:50 AM 6:30 AM 7:45 AM 9:30 AM 12:50 PM 1:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 8:45 PM 9:15 PM 10:00 PM |
Rise Private Study / Meditation |