Friars Communities
Formation of Carmelite Friars
This is the time that the candidate comes in contact with the vocation directors and is invited
to two sessions of one week each. The aim of the sessions is to make the candidate familiar with
the Carmelite way of life and also to help him discern his vocation. These two sessions are called
"Come and See." Thus the candidate is called to see how the Carmelites live, stay work and also
interact with some of them.
Postulancy gives the candidate an opportunity to gradually come to know and experience the spirit
of the order. All this is done in the Carmelite formation house at Inter-Congregational Institute
(ICI) Balaka-Malawi. It is this time also that the candidate is enrolled in the studies of Philosophy
and Religious studies which covers a period of three years.
At the end of Postulancy, candidate move to novitiate. Novitiate is a year of intense spiritual
experience in preparation for the giving of one's life to God, through the Profession of the Vows
of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. At the end of the year a candidate will make his first vows and
becomes a member of the order.
After Profession, those desiring to become Priests will go for theological studies and those to be
brothers will go for studies which will help them in their apostolate. This is a stage for developing
a lively understanding of the world and the mystery of Christ and of the church.
Solemn profession ordinarily takes place after renewing four times the vows. That is any time
after renewing for the fourth time the three Evangelical Councils. Candidates for the orders then
continue on to Diaconate and priesthood.
A candidate for the orders can be ordained a deacon any time after his solemn profession.
Later after six months of service, a candidate can be finally be ordained to priesthood.
Carmel Prayer House
Kasungu Malawi
Chiphaso Friars Community
Kasungu Malawi
Kapiri Our Lady of Mount Carmel Friars Community
Kasungu - Mchinji Malawi
St Teresa Formation House ICI
Balaka
St. John of the Cross Spirituality Centre
Chiladzulu Malawi
