← [[leadership-fh|Leadership]] | [[formation-handbook-toc|Table of Contents]] | [[fellowship-fh|Fellowship]] → # Centrality of the Order and the Church in the Program of Formation Understanding the structure of the Order is an integral part of formation. We are not just one isolated community; we are rooted in the Order as part of a harmonious whole. “The Order is the friars, the nuns and the seculars. Part of our mutual support is your mutual support to each other” (Welcome, pg. 113). According to the OCDS Constitutions, the Secular Order is a distinct branch of the Order. However, it is not an independent branch as are the friars and the nuns. “The Secular Order is juridically dependent on the Discalced Carmelite Friars” (OCDS Const. 41). Thus, it is important for the Carmelite Seculars to recognize the vital presence of the friars in our community lives and be mindful of their valuable contributions regarding the overall formation of the candidates. In his May 24, 2021, letter to the Carmelite Seculars, Fr. Saverio Cannistra, OCD, Superior General, reiterates the importance of collaboration with the other two branches of the Order — the Teresian Carmelite Family. He observes with concern the “emergence of polarizations and radicalizations” among some members of OCDS. “Hence, our urgent need to rediscover those spiritual dispositions outlined in our Rule” (#4). “This is especially true in regard to meditation on the Word of God instructing us to safeguard our memory and keep our hope alive, constantly renewing our covenant with God in Christ. This was the example set by Sts. Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross during their lifetimes: although immersed in the current problems of the Church and of the Order, their hearts were always fixed on their Trinitarian fatherland. Like them, in a humble and trusting relationship with the Lord, we must seek to find the inspiration and strength to work in the service of the Church and our Order. Again, like them, we must journey and work together…In this way, it is essential that every member of our Order feels co-responsible for that area of the Church to which he/she belongs, as well as building up their own Carmelite community with active and mature involvement” (#4). As can be seen, the ecclesial dimension of the OCDS vocation demands that every aspect of formation be imparted in profound communion with the Universal Church. “The Carmelite Secular is called to live and witness the charism of the Teresian Carmel in the local Church” (OCDS Const. 27). Consequently, we — as the family of Teresian Carmelites — repeat the words of Our Holy Mother St. Teresa: “I am a daughter [or son] of the Church” and Our Holy Father, St. John: Awaken and enlighten us, my Lord, that we might know and love the blessings which You ever propose to us, and that we might understand that you have moved to bestow favors on us and have remembered us” (Living Flame of Love 4:9) --- **Source:** [[maps/bibliography#^biblio-ocds-fh|OCDS Formation Handbook]]