Who We are

Discalced Carmelite > Who We are

The Discalced Carmelites, also known as the Barefoot Carmelites, are a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint John of the Cross in the 16th century. Our spirituality is rooted in the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God through prayer, simplicity, and service, following the teachings of our founders. We renounce material possessions and worldly pleasures, instead focusing on spiritual growth and union with God. Our community life in monasteries or convents provides a supportive environment for our journey of faith, where we encourage and support one another. As Discalced Carmelites, we strive to live lives of prayer, simplicity, and service, following the example of Christ and our founders.

WHAT WE BELIEVE: The Carmelites, believe in living a life of prayer, simplicity, and service, following the teachings of Jesus Christ to deepen our relationship with God through contemplation and meditation. We value community, supporting and uplifting each other in our spiritual journey, and hold a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as our spiritual mother and guide. Our beliefs are centered around seeking God in all things and living out our faith in a spirit of humility and love.

Central to the Discalced Carmelite spirituality is the practice of contemplative prayer, particularly the prayer of recollection and the prayer of quiet, which are seen as pathways to experiencing the presence of God. This deep sense of God’s presence is nurtured through a life of solitude and silence, as well as through the reading of sacred scripture and other spiritual texts.

The Discalced Carmelites also place a strong emphasis on community life, with members living together in religious houses known as “monasteries” or “convents.” These communities provide a supportive environment for the pursuit of holiness, with members encouraging and supporting one another in their spiritual journey.

Today, the Discalced Carmelites continue to be a vibrant religious order within the Catholic Church, with communities spread throughout the world. They remain faithful to the vision of their founders, seeking to live lives of prayer, simplicity, and service in imitation of Christ.