Way of Life
The old Rule of Life, or Regula vitæ, of 1979 requires Seculars to pray for at least a half an hour each day "in an atmosphere of interior silence and solitude," to pray Morning Prayer (Lauds) and Evening Prayer (Vespers) of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office), and to attend daily Mass when possible. Lectio Divina is a highly encouraged practice among them. As models of this ancient way of life, they study the writings and imitate the lives of the many saints of the Discalced Carmelite Order, especially St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, both doctors of the Church. Although the Rule of Life was replaced by the new OCDS Constitution of 2003, the essence of their way of life remains unchanged. They "gladly mortify themselves in union with the Sacrifice of Christ," and their "interior life must be permeated by an intense devotion to Our Lady." They wear the brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is the habit of the Secular Order and the entire Discalced Carmelite Order. Larger scapulars of various sizes are worn for ceremonial purposes. They attend the monthly meetings of the local communities of which they are members, and members of each community serve terms on the community's council. They are also encouraged to attend spiritual retreats, and often collaborate with the Friars for this purpose.
Read more about this topic: Secular Order Of Discalced Carmelites
Famous quotes containing the word life:
“At birth man is offered only one choice—the choice of his death. But if this choice is governed by distaste for his own existence, his life will never have been more than meaningless.”
—Jean-Pierre Melville (1917–1973)