WAY OF PERFECTION FOR THE LAITY A detailed explanaticn of the Discalced Carmelite Third Secular Order Rule BY REV, FATHER KEVIN, O.D.C. GILL anp SON . DUBLINWWibit Obstat + PLE. THOMAS AQUINAS A S."PERESIA A JUSULINTANST P. F. BENEDICTUS A MATRE DE, Censores Deputati. ‘TFnprimi potest : P. F. JOSEPIT A POULRO Jisu, Provincialis. Dublini, die 11° Octobris, 1963. Wb Obstat = EDUARDUS GALLEN, Censor. Theol. Deput. Imprimi potest : ye IOANNES CAROLUS, Archiep. Dublinen., Hiberniae Primas. Dublini, die 15° Novembris, anno 1963. N.B.—Those who are not specially interested in our Carmelite Tertiaryship, but desire to obtain a knowledge of Carmelite spirituality, are advised to read from chapter xi to chapter xv of this book, By Carmelite spirituality we mean the methods and principles of prayer and the interior lift which inspire the lives and counsels of the three great saints, sa of Jesus, John of the Cross and Teresa of the Child Jesus. We trust readers will find in those pages in simple language all that is necessary to give them such an appreciation of the spirit of those saints as will make them resolve to take the means to acquire it. This book is devoted to the explanation of those means. DEDICATION To all souls who, amidst the distractions of the world, are earnest in seeking to keep their hearts for God and look to Mary to do this for them. THE THIRD ORDER OF CARMEL “Ideal: the union of the soul and God, a union more intimate than that of the window and the ray, of the coal and the fire. Wondrous means: surrender of the soul to the action of God by prayer, ‘ holy meditations and contemplations,’ in a word, Love and its pursuit, those are the spiritual arms of the Order of Carmel. Its motto is that of Saint Paul, ‘ Ambulate in dilectione’ (walk in love). The child of Carmel * knows only one means to reach perfection . . . Love’; nothing troubles him, nothing affrights him—nothing is wanting to him. God alone is sufficient for him. Following the beautiful programme of Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity, his life must be a continual communion, ‘he awakes in Love— the whole day is lived in Love in doing the will of the Good God—then, when evening comes after a dialogue of love which has never ceased in his heart, surrendering to the fire of love which consumes all his faults and infidelitics, he sleeps again in love ’ under the gaze of Our Lady, the sweetness and glory of Carmel.”—Rev. Father Eliseus of the Nativity, O.D.C. “ Abide in My Love ”—Invitation of our Saviour in His discourse of love at the Last Supper. “My sole business is Love St. John of the Cross, Doctor of Divine Love. “ My vocation is Love —St. Teresa of the Child Jesus.INTRODUCTION In response to pressure from many quarters the explanation of the Rule of the Third Secular Order, which appeared in the magazine Carmel, is here given in book form. Te has been carefully revised and in places recast. The author has been assured that the original articles have helped not only souls in secular life, but also in the cloister, It is certain that there are innumerable persons compelled to live amidst the turmoil of the world who are anxious to preserve their hearts entirely for God and to live in constant union with Him. The Rule of the Disealced Carmelite Third Secular Order is a most suitable form of life to attain this end. Of all Tertiary rules it is the nearest approach to the religious life, and although the Tertiarics of other Orders are bound to seck the perfection of the Christian life, towards this end there is a definiteness and helpfulness in the Discalced Carmelite Third Order which is lacking in others. For that very reason the obligations are greater and_ this is one reason why the Discalecd Carmelite Third Order is not so widespread. But a greater reason for this is that the Order is not sutheiently well known, Those who desire to acquire the true spirit of the Little Flower of Jesus will surely succeed by fidelity in observing the Rule of our Third Order, It is certain that if the Order were better known among the class for which it caters, very many more would join it. The book is compiled especially for those who are isolated and have no one to explain the spirit of the Order and who do not find in the Manual a sufficient vvi INTRODUCTION explanation of the nature of their obligations and of the advantages they enjoy. This book has been compiled to give as complete an explanation as can be supplied in reasonable limits. Though intended primarily for the class already men- tioned, the greater part of the book explains in simple language the principles and doctrine of the interior life and so will be found most helpful to all Catholics, especially religious. St. Teresa of Jesus in founding her monasteries with strict enclosure, in order to preserve them from the spirit of the world, explained to her daughters that she did so because, as the friends of Jesus were so few, she wanted them to be good ones. If this book is instrumental in forming a few good friends for Jesus and Mary, the author will be more than repaid. All who profit by this book, as well as the author, are deeply indebted to those whose financial aid has made publication possible. Note FOR THE FirTH PRINTING It has been considered advisable to give as concisely as possible the current rubrics for the use of the Roman Breviary and Missal. This is helpful even for a better under- standing of the Office of the Blessed Virgin. The explanation of this Office has been revised according to these rubrics. Otherwise there is little change in this fifth printing. We express our gratitude to our loving Saviour and His Virgin Immaculate Mother for the wide circulation of this book. FOREWORD BY AN ENGLISH TERTIARY These few words of introduction are intended primarily for those who, by the publication of this book are, for the first time, able to read any explanation of the holy Rule followed by a Discalced Carmelite Secular Tertiary. Those who argue that a life of Christian perfection is almost impossible when living in the world and who thereby forget Our Lord called all to perfection: “Be ye perfect as also your Heavenly Father is perfect ” (Matt. v. 48), will find in a careful perusal of the book the error of their statements. But it is chiefly to those who, if circumstances permitted, would seek the solitude of the cloister, that the book will have its irresistible appeal. It will prove to them that it is possible to live a con- templative life, even whilst forced to remain in the world. The interior life, the ideal which Carmelite Tertiaries have always before them, is carefully portrayed; the means to attain this ideal are carefully explained. The way is clearly indicated by which Carmelite Tertiaries seek for perfection in whatever position in life they are placed, whether exalted or lowly. If we bear in mind the grave warning of Our Lord: “How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it !” (Matt. vii. 14), this book should come as a beacon of light to those in earnest search of a deep interior life, a realization that here at last is what they had always sought but hitherto never found.CONTENTS PART 1 Nature OF THE THIRD OxpeR AND Dutirs OF TERTIARIES Chapter i—Tue Score or THe Tuirp ORDER Page D1, Our Third Order. : . 1 n. 2. Objects to be attained by it 4 n. 3. Means to attain these ends s Chapter Il—EsrastisHMENT oF THE THIRD OpRER nn. 4-7. Establishment of Congregations . 32 mn, j-9. Isolated Tertiaries : : : 12 Chapter II—Facutry of Apmirrng To THE THIRD ORDER nn. 10-11. Superiors who can receive and profess Tertiaries : . . . 16 Chapter [V—Conprtions NECESSARY FOR ADMISSION TO THE Tub Orver nm. 12. Class of persons to be accepted as Tertiaries : : . . 18 Chapter V—Tar Havir n. 13. The full Carmelite Habit for Brothers and Sisters of the Order. : 23 The distinctive Tertiary Habit or Scapular . : . : 25 nm. 14. Always to be worn. : . 26 nD. 1S. Blessing of the Scapular : : 2z Chapter VI—Apmission 10 THE THIRD ORDER THe CLOTHING nn, 16-17. Caution in receiving Candidates : 29 nm. 18, Postulancy . . . . 32 nm. 19, Retreat before Clothing : . 33 i mn. 20-21, Reception Ceremony . . . 35 mn. 22-25. The Novitiate . : . . 37 ixx CONTENTS Chapter VII—THe Progression nn, 26-28. Preparations and Ceremony . n. 29. Formula of Profession . n, 30. Renewal of Vows . . n, 31. The Vows n. 32. Leaving the Order Vows are public Chapter VII--Tue Vow oF OBEDIENCE Nn. 33. Nature of this Vow . ne. 34. The Tertiary’s Superiors . . Ne 35. How the Vow is violated. . n. 36. The Spirit of Obedience Chapter IX—Tue Vow oF CHasTiTy Nn. 37- Nature of the Vow . . . n. 38. Purity expected in a Tertiary . n. 39. Modesty in Dress . . n. 40. Offences against Chastity . . Introduction to Chapter X . Chapter X—Tue Lirtie OFFICE OF “Our Lapy n. 40. What this Office is and how to recite it n. 42. The Divine Office n. 43. Substitution for the Office ne 44. Time of reciting the Office n. 45. Recitation in Common, Ceremonies of Choral Recitation, Choir Officials n. 46. Abbreviation of Office . Chapter XI -Mentar Prayer n. 47. Forms of active Mental Prayer— Meditation Affective Prayer Acquired Contemplation : Distractions and aridities at prayer. Active Purification necessary for Mental Prayer Obscure Contemplation, the first stage of Mystic Prayer, Passive Dark Night of the Senses : Page 45 48 52 60 61 61 64 64 66 66 69 ji B 74 8r gt 9s 97 89 112 114, 1g 120 124 128 131 CONTENTS Chapter XI (continued) Mystic or Passive Prayer The Desire for Mystic Union Passive Purification, the Passive Dark Night of the Spirit . n. 48. Time to be given to Mental Prayer Dn. 49. Importance of Spiritual Reading The Holy Gospels The Imitation of Christ The Works of our holy Mother St. Teresa The order in which they are to be read and studied The Works of our holy Father St. John of the Cross The Story of a Soul The Works of St. Francis de Sales The Works of St, Alphonsus-Maria Liguori The Lives of the Saints n. 50, Examination of Conscience n. gt. Practice of Recollection Chapter XH—Ho ty Mass aNb THE FREQUENT RECEPTION OF THE SACRAMENTS nm. 52. Holy Mass daily . n. 53. The Sacraments, frequent Confession : How to make fruitful Confessions ne 54. Holy Communion weekly and on special days. The Spirit of Repara- tion . : . . - n. 55. Holy Thursday . n. 56, Frequent and Daily Holy Communion n. 57. Spiritual Communion Chapter XII—Prety n, 58. Solid piety n. 59. The Tertiary’s conduct i in the home Duties of our station in life xi Page 133 BO Wo 46 49 1ST 13 153 6 9 160 161 162 162 163 167 04 7 182 183 87 188 191 194 195 198xii CONTENTS Chapter XIII (continued) n. 60. Monthly and Yearly Retreats nn. 61-62. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament Personal love for Jesus . Devotion to Our tady of Mount Carmel Devotion to St. Joseph . Devotion to St. Elias and St. Eliseus Devotion to St. Teresa of Jesus Devotion to St. John of the Cross Devotion to St. Thérése of the Child Jesus n. 63. Prayers and good works for the Church, for the Missions and for the Pope Chapter XIV—FastING AND ABSTINENCE. n. 64. Prescribed Fasting and Abstinence to be kept as liturgical Observances n. 65. Special Days of Fasting and Abstinence for our Tertiaries n. 66. Special Days of Abstinence mn, 67-68. Dispensation from Fast and Abstinence Chapter XV-—SILENCE AND THE AVOIDANCE OF IDLENESS n. 69. Necessity for Silence n, 70. Charity in Speech nn, 71-72. Em ployment of Time St. John of the Cross on the value of the contemplative life Spiritualizing the Daily Task . Catholic Action in the Home Catholic Action in Civil Life Chapter XVI—CHARITY TOWARDS THE Sick, AND PRAYERS FOR THE DrEAD nn, 73-74. Charity among the Members of the same Congregation, especially towards the Sick and Needy n. 75. Care of the Dying and Prayers for them Page 200 201 204 207 214 217 220 222 223 224 229 233 235 236 239 240 244. 248 247 249 250 260 262 CONTENTS Chapter XVI (continued) nn, 76-81, Suffrages for deceased Superiors and Tertiaries Chapter XVII—FreQueNTATION OF THE Cuuncues OF THE ORDER AND THE MONTHLY CONFERENCE nn, 82-83. Attendance in church on Special Festivals and other occasions n. 84. The Salve Regina : n. 85. Attendance at the monthly Conference and other meetings . n. 86, Peace and Concord at meetings EXHORTATIONS n. 87. Fidelity to Vocation n. 88. Motives of Fidelity : n. 89. Dispensation and Commutation n. go. Caution in seeking Dispensations —. n. ot. Living up to the standard of other Carmelites : . n. 92. Supererogation and Discretion . PART II Tue GOVERNMENT OF THE THIRD ORDER Chapter I—Tuk Suprrions AND OFFICIALS OF THE Tuirp ORDER n. 93. Erection of a Congregation in Discalced Carmelite churches . : n. 94. In other churches, Provincial Delegate n. 95. Officials of a Congregation —. n. 96. Election and Appointment of Officials n. 97. Period of Election or Appointment n. 98. Filling Vacancies . . n. 99. Resignations Chapter II—Tut CHAPTER n, 100. Chapter meeting nh. ror. Time for holding the Chapter and preparations for it . : . xili Page 264 270 271 292 274 274 275 277 278 279 280 284 285 285 288 288 290 290 291 292xiv CONTENTS Chapter I]—-THE CHapTER—continued. nn, 102-105. Procedure at the Chapter n. 106, The third ballot . : n. 107. Conclusion of the Chapter. . Chapter I]]—Tue Superior anp Director nn. 108-114. The various duties of the Superior or Director Chapter IV—Tue Prior (PRIORESS) mn. 11g. Qualities required in a Prior (Prioress) nn. 116-117. His (her) duties mn, 118-121, Charity to the sick, dying and “dead Chapter V—Tue Discreets nn, 122-124. Their duties and the manner of performing them . Chapter VI—Tue Sus-Prior (SuB-PRIORESS) AND Masten (Mistress) oF Novices nn, 126-128. . : Chapter VII—Tue TreasuRER mn, 129-132. Chapter ViIl—Tue INFIRMARIANS nn, 133-138. . - . Chapter IX—TuHE Sacristan nn. 139-141. . Chapter X-—THE SECRETARY mn. 142-146. Chapter XI—THE Counen n. 147. Its composition . . n. 148, When it meets . . . . n. 149. The secrecy to be observed Chapter XIl—Tue Mretines nn, 150-153. . . Chapter XIII—THe MontHty CONFERENCE mn, 164-159. . . Chapter XIV—Tue Procession OF ‘Our Buessep Lavy nn. 160-162. . . . . : Page 298 298 301 302 304 305 306 307 399 310 313 314 31s ats 316 317 318 319 EXPLANATION OF THE “RULE OF THE THIRD SECULAR Orper OF THE BLEsseD VircGiIN OF Mount CARMEL AND OF THE Hoty MortHer Saint TERESA OF Jesus.” The Manual, containing the Rule, of which this book is an explanation, is divided into three parts with an appendix added. The first part explains the nature of the Third Order and the duties of the individual Tertiaries, whether they are formed into a Congregation or not. The second part explains how Tertiaries formed into a Sodality or Congregation are to be governed. The third part contains the ceremonies connected with the Third Order. The appendix sets out the indulgences and other privileges of the Third Order.Way of Perfection for the Laity PART I On THE NaTurE OF THE THIRD ORDER AND THE Duties OF THE TERTIARIES CHAPTER I SCOPE OF THE THIRD ORDER 1. The Third Secular Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and of the Holy Mother Saint Teresa of Jesus is an association of persons who, though living in the world, desire to aim at Christian perfection in the way most suitable to their state of life, according to the spirit and under the direction of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, under the protection of the august Queen of Carmel, and in imitation of the many saints whose virtues have adorned her venerable Order. The Order is called the “Third Order,” because there are three Orders, the First is that of the Friars, the Second the Nuns, both of which practise the Primitive Rule of Carmel. It is called the * Secular Order” because there is a Third Order of Carmel (or rather many Third Orders) composed of those who embrace the religious state. They are spoken of as the Regular Third Order. The Third’ Orders, whether Regular or Secular, live according to a rule modelled on the Primitive Rule observed by the First and Second Orders. The title of the Third Order we are considering embraces the name of “The Holy Mother Saint Teresa of Jesus” to distinguish this Order as being “ under the direction of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.”