We, the Discalced Carmelite friars...

"are men who follow a way of consecrated life inspired by the Rule of St Albert as it was interpreted by Saints Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross.

"The distinctive feature of our way of life is our focus on personal prayer - or meditation, as it is often called today. In addition to our daily Mass and Divine Office we spend two hours in personal prayer each day.

"This prayer is at the very heart of our life. Through it we deepen our awareness of God's love for us and his presence in our world. We feel called to witness to the value of prayer.


"The second important element in our life is that we live in community, usually of 4-6 people.

"Life in community supports us as we try to live out our 'allegiance to Jesus Christ.'

"Our life is at the service of God's people. Prayer is a priority in that service.

"We are fortunate in inheriting the mystical tradition of St Teresa and St John of the Cross.
"Our contribution as Carmelites lies principally in helping people in their prayer, whether they pray regularly or have forgotten how to pray."

from the website of the Carmelite friars of the Discalced (OCD) tradition in Ireland, Scotland and Nigeria