Carmelite Explorers

In 2003 two Carmelites and two lay people discussed forming a group who would come together for prayer and for sharing a vision of Carmelite spirituality. Could the Carmelite tradition be a spiritual home for people who are conscious of their spiritual life and would like to develop it? They took the name “Explorers” quite deliberately: it was not going to be laity being taught by Carmelites, it was to be a searching together by laity and Carmelites about the meaning of the Carmelite tradition today.

The Explorers Meeting takes place monthly on a Saturday from 10.00 – 12.30. At each meeting, in a relaxed and friendly setting, the participants explore a Carmelite theme or topic presented by a member of the group followed by a prayerful reading and sharing of a text. Among the topics discussed have been the Carmelite Rule, Mary and Carmel, the Carmelite saints and present day issues of Justice and Spirituality and the call to service. Texts come mostly from the Carmelite Tradition and include the Carmelite Rule and other ancient Carmelite documents, the writings of the Carmelite mystics, principally Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of Lisieux, Elizabeth of the Trinity, Edith Stein and some recent statements about Carmelite life made by the Friars.

The participants endeavour to relate these themes and texts to the ordinary daily life. In the exchanges they acquire a greater knowledge of the Carmelite tradition, they get a chance to appreciate more their own spiritual life and in most cases they form a real bond with the Carmelite Order of Friars and with the wider Family of Carmel. Over the years different trends have emerged in the group. Some people feel more and more that in Carmel they have found their spiritual home. They know this because every time they hear people talking about the Carmelite tradition something resonates very clearly with their experience of God and what they desire in life. Some come because they like the meeting itself and find it helpful; they may not be present at every meeting. Whenever they attend the Explorers they find meeting the other members and pondering a topic with them to be both pleasant and helpful.

In the group there is also some thought about the nature of the link with the Carmelite Family. In January 2009 official recognition was given to the Explorers by the Provincial of the Carmelite Friars of the Irish Province as an authentic expression of Carmelite life which constitutes them as part of the Carmelite Family.

Those wishing to know more about the Carmelite Explorers or attend a meeting should contact :

Mary Forrest (01) 2985099 [evenings only]

Chris O’Donnell, O.Carm., Terenure College, Templeogue Road, Dublin 6W. (01) 4904621