Home > Our People > Friars > Vocations

Open a printable version

On Being a Carmelite Friar

A Carmelite is someone who has been called by the Holy Spirit to seek the face of the living God and hear his word deep within. He seeks by a life of contemplative prayer to enter into communion with God the Father, through Christ his Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is just this commitment to prayer that makes a Carmelite. His whole life flows from that source.

Carmelite prayer has its own distinctive spirit. Our understanding of prayer is deeply theological, guided by the teaching and experience of St Teresa and St John of the Cross.

Prayer is a real relationship with God. Its genuineness is measured by Gospel fidelity rather than any extraordinary personal experiences. Growth in prayer is accompanied and measured by an increasing depth of faith, hope, love, joy, peace, perseverance, kindness and generosity. Contemplation is simply a growing friendship with Christ. As with any relationship it needs time and mutual presence to grow.

We are called to work in the presence of God throughout the entire day. Prayer is not confined to set times and places but is an attitude that embraces all of life. This practice of the presence of God both fosters a life of prayer and grows out of it. The Order of Discalced Carmelites provides the authentic and realistic climate for such a life of prayer.

[next>]

For vocations information about the Carmelite nuns,
please see information under each Carmel. Visit Carmelite Nuns

Pray with our Saints: texts to help you reflect.

Open a printable version

Single complete document, with some pictures [HTML]
Single complete document [Word97] [Adobe Acrobat]

For more information please contact the Australian Vocations Director:

Fr Greg Homeming ocd
Mount Carmel Priory
St Andrews Road,
Varroville NSW 2566 Tel: (02) 9603 1433

Email Fr Greg Homeming

[next>]