Discalced Carmelite Friars of the Irish Region

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 Sts 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." We are there for one another in the ups and downs of daily life. The demands of community life also help us become less selfish.

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. We try to give our celebration of sacraments or the way we run our parishes a prayerful quality that is distinctive. We invite people to join us in our prayer. We pray with and for people. We give individual accompaniment and retreats and courses on prayer.

If you would like to see the locations of our various communities and their work please click here. They will give you a better idea of who we are and what we do.