← [[preparation-f1a|Preparation for Making the First Promise]] | [[formation-I-a-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[essential-themes-f1a|The Essential Themes for Formation I, Year A]] → # Introduction to Formation I, Year a Secular Carmelites Are Called to Immerse Themselves in the Writings of Our Carmelite Saints, Particularly Those of Our Founders, Saints Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross (Ratio:76a) “Special importance is given to St. Teresa of Jesus who, in our tradition, we refer to as Our Holy Mother. The reason is because she is the one to whom the charism was given. St. John of the Cross was the original collaborator with Our Holy Mother in both the spiritual and juridical refounding of Carmel in this new charismatic way. So he is called Our Holy Father. To know their histories, their personalities, and, most importantly, their doctrine confirms every Carmelite in his or her identity” (Ratio: 77). Saints of Carmel used vivid images to illustrate and explain their journeys to eventual union with God. St. John of the Cross uses the image of a mountain and its ascent as a metaphor for the spiritual life of intimate friendship with God. St Teresa of Avila, also known as Teresa of Jesus, uses the wonderful image of a castle and its seven dwelling places to understand the progression in prayer and the mystery of the human person. The modern saint, Thérèse of Lisieux uses the image of an elevator to explain her passionate journey to reach God in Carmel: "I wish to find an elevator which would raise me to Jesus... The elevator which must raise me to heaven is your arms, O Jesus!” (Story of a Soul, chapter X). While these different sensory images complement each other in understanding the movement of the Holy Spirit in prayer, one cannot fail to recognize the common theme of “ascent” weaving through their journey to Mount Carmel. Our life in Carmel is intended to help us in our ascent of this holy Mountain. The function of a community’s structured formation program is to shape our response to God’s call to reach the summit. “There is an intellectual aspect to the formation of a Discalced Carmelite. There is a doctrinal basis to the spirituality and identity of one who is called to the Order. As the friars and nuns, the seculars too must have a good intellectual and doctrinal formation, since as members of the Order they represent and give witness to a mature and profound spirituality” (Ratio: 79). Further, we are formed into community for aid and support on our ascent; no one can climb this Mountain alone. “In the experience of community life, we find the movement and guidance of the Holy Spirit as the most effective way to grow in virtue. The call to ‘be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Mt 5:48) helps us to live three key principles of Carmel: to give ourselves entirely to God; to strive for purity of conscience; and to foster an intimate union with God. Through community life, we learn love, gentleness, and respect for others, which enables us to bring more souls to Christ. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the formation that begins in our Secular Order community comes to fruition in the experience of our whole lives. It is our responsibility to set aside specific times for personal prayer and study each day, and to be of service to one another.” (Courtesy: OCDS Website of the California-Arizona Province of St. Joseph) The writings of St Teresa of Avila are the expression of the charism of the Discalced Carmelites. The syllabus for this year of Formation I introduces St Teresa's The Way of Perfection. Each session focuses on one theme or sub-theme to explain the life of prayer experienced and taught by St Teresa. 4 “The Way of Perfection is an excellent introduction to the understanding of Teresian Carmelite spirituality and its main element of contemplative prayer. Through the sharing of her own experiences, Teresa explains the fundamental elements of prayer, while giving counsel on the weakness of the human condition and its struggles in prayer as one ascends the mountain of Carmel to seek Divine Union with the ‘One Whom we know loves us’” (Courtesy OCDS Washington Province). The goal of studying The Way of Perfection is to become familiar with Discalced Carmelite spirituality, identify the foundations of prayer, and explore the diversity of paths and practical insights presented by St Teresa of Avila. Because Secular Carmelites are called to live by their Constitutions, it is crucial for all candidates to become familiar with the OCDS legislative documents. It is important during this period of formation to develop the habit of frequently reading and reflecting on the OCDS Constitutions and local statutes. Formators are recommended to assign small portions of the legislation for monthly study, and then spend ten minutes at the beginning of each formation session discussing the assigned reading. Finally, continue to recognize the importance of community meetings and the purpose of the vocation. Subsequent to all that was said and done in prayer, St Teresa succinctly reminds that the most important element of community life is the attitude and practice of the virtue of humility: “So, sisters, strive as much as you can, without offense to God, to be affable and understanding in such a way that everyone you talk to will love your conversation and desire your manner of living and acting, and not be frightened and intimidated by virtue.” (WP 41:7) This introduction is an opportunity to welcome you to the call of Carmel, to invite you to begin living the life of a Discalced Carmelite Secular and to open your heart to exclaim the words of St Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, who wrote, “O My God! Most Blessed Trinity, I desire to Love You and make You Loved, to work for the glory of Holy Church by saving souls on earth and liberating those suffering in Purgatory.” (Act of Oblation to Merciful Love) 5 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Formation I Year A: The Way of Perfection* (US National Formation Program, 2024).