Flower of Carmel
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Flower of Carmel is a community of Secular Order Discalced Carmelites (OCDS), an association of Roman Catholic lay people, at least 18 years of age,  and secular clergy who embrace a calling to strive for Christian perfection in the world according to the spirit and ideals of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. We are faithful members of the Church called to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Our emphasis is on (1) vocation, (2) living in the world, and (3) following the spirit of Carmel, which is striving for close union with Christ through contemplative prayer. The Secular Carmelite lives a life which is both apostolic and contemplative. The ideals which the Secular Order members strive to achieve, under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are: a deep sense of God's love, fidelity to contemplative prayer, a spirit of detachment, and apostolic generosity in fraternal charity.

As Secular Carmelites strive for Christian perfection, they are supported by OCDS Constitutions, the spiritual ideals and tradition of the Carmelite Order, the example and teachings of its saints, the guidance of a Spiritual Assistant (usually a priest of the Order), and the fraternal bond that exists among each member of the Order. Following in the way of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, Secular Carmelites endeavor to make their lives as grace-filled and as fruitful as possible in every way for the whole Church and the world. They are called upon to carry into the world the witness, message and example of the Discalced Carmelite Order.