Carmel in the World

When people think of Carmel, they often associate it with separation from the world and a monastic way of life characterized by long prayers, strict fasting, and night vigils. Such an understanding of Carmel would be difficult to live in the world. However, the essence of the spiritual journey of Carmel is quite different: a radical emphasis on the values of the Spirit and the primacy of spiritual life. These are life stances that attract contemporary individuals in their desire for authenticity and depth. Carmel in the world – as a community of the Carmelite III. Order – is a community of believers who live the life of the gospel in the spirit of the Carmelite family and under its spiritual guidance. Members of the Carmel community in the world take the Most Holy Mother Mary as a model for their spiritual life and, like the prophet Elijah, witness to those around them that “God is with us,” that He is still active even in this secularized world through their attitudes and actions. Their special task is to discern the signs of the times amidst the confusion of current events, interpret them in the light of the gospel, and draw attention to the values of the spirit with their lives. Care for spiritual life in parish or other communities, leading prayer groups, supporting the building of God's kingdom primarily through prayer and sacrifice – these are the most common ways in which members of this community serve. The III. Order began its renewed activities in the autumn of 1990. On April 6, 1991, there will be the first organizational and working meeting for members and those interested in this community in Kostelní Vydří. Interested individuals from the region of northern Moravia will have their community center in Frýdlant nad Ostravicí.