About Us
The Discalced Carmelites are friars and nuns who dedicate themselves to a life of prayer. The Carmelite nuns live cloistered (enclosed) and follow a completely contemplative life, while the friars also engage in the promotion of spirituality through their retreat centers, parishes and ministries. Lay people, known as the Secular Order, follow their contemplative call in everyday life. Devotion to the Virgin Mary is central to Carmelites and symbolized by wearing the brown scapular.
History of OCD
Carmelites trace their roots and their name to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. In the 13th century, a band of European men gathered to live a simple life of prayer. Their first chapel was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and they called themselves the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. The Order underwent many stages of development and was formally reformed in the 16th Century by St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.
History of the OCD Delegation in Malawi
The first friars came to Malawi on 3rd December, 1963. Today, they are present in Kasungu (two houses), Mchinji, Balaka, and Chiradzulu. Their mission involves parish ministry and leading retreats.
Provincial Leadership
Malawi is a Delegation of the Province of St. Joachim Navarra in Spain. Leadership is entrusted to the Delegate Provincial together with two Counsellors, who guide the life and mission of the Order locally.
What We Do
Rooted in prayer and contemplation, the Discalced Carmelites engage in parish service, retreat ministry, and spiritual guidance. Their charism blends a deep contemplative spirit with active ministry, all inspired by their devotion to Mary and the Carmelite saints.
