THE WAY OF PRAYER AND CONTEMPLATION
The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites welcomes those of the faithful who, by special vocation, undertake to live in the world an evangelical life of prayer and fraternal communion with the priests and nuns. They follow the example and teaching of the Carmelite saints. Secular Carmelites strive to imbue their daily lives with prayer within the gracious love of the Trinity. They look to Jesus who teaches them to pray to the Father and to our Blessed Mother Mary to show them by her example, how to listen to her Son. Secular Carmelites come from all walks of life, men and women, young and old, married and single--each one trying to respond to God's call. Currently there are five Secular Carmelite communities in Tanzania.
BRIEF HISTORY
Responding positively to the exigencies of the time and the opportunities offered by our charism, the Carmelite Friars of the mission ventured to establish the Secular Carmel (OCDS) as the part of the Carmelite family in Tanzania. The first unit began in the diocese of Mbeya in our parish at Uyole in 2007. This first group of ten members made their first profession on 19 October 2009, when the parents of St. Therese were beatified. In the year 2007 another unit was started in Kihonda where our mother house is located. This group of nine members made their first profession in 2010. Later, in 2012, new communities were established in St. Peter Claver Parish and St. Therese Parish. The last community was established at Malamba-Mawili in 2018.
OCDS Administration
A practicing member of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and inspired by Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint John of the Cross, makes a commitment to the Order to seek the face of God in prayer and service for the good of the Church and the needs of the world.
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Delegate Vicar: Fr. Edwin Mushi
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President: Severini Antony Baruti
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First Councilor: Salutary Cornel Chami
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Second Councilor: Michael Madikenya Mallya
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Third Councilor: Helena Jackson Kalembwe
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Formator: Hyasinta Mtuka Baruti
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Treasurer: Julius Francis Mpombo
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Secretary: Yusta Arthur Makusi
Our Communities
Secular Carmelite communities provide a way for laity to embrace Carmelite spirituality, live a life of prayer and contemplation, and seek holiness while remaining fully engaged in the matters pertaining to the world. They offer a unique balance between the contemplative and active aspects of the Carmelite tradition, allowing individuals to pursue a deeper relationship with God within their everyday lives.
St. Elijah Community
Kihonda
Peter M. Malecela
President
Eliza Martin Ngomalilo Bujashi
First Councilor
Elionora Joseph Massawe
Second Councilor
Asteria Adam Kusekwa
Third Councilor
Eliza Martin Ngomalilo Bujashi
Treasurer
Hyasinta Mtuka Baruti
Formator
Everalda Fridolin Mbangati
Secretary
Members (22):
Definitive Promises 17
Temporary promises 4
Formation 1
St. Elijah Community
Kihonda
P. O. Box 363
Morogoro - Tanzania
St Albert of Jerusalem
Mbezi Louis
Elizabeth William Msofe
President
Christer Filbert Mabulla
First Councilor
Salome Otmary Mwantobe
Second Councilor
Mariana Ndahani Faru
Third Councilor
Christer Filbert Mabulla
Treasurer
Michael Madikenya Mallya
Formator
Maria Cleophas Shirima
Secretary
Members (17):
Definitive Promises: 9
Temporary Promises: 5
Formation: 3
St. Albert of Jerusalem Community
Mbezi Louis
P. O. Box 6813
Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania
St Therese of Child Jesus
Mbezi Mwisho
Bartholomew Saeni Lunyenza
President
Gabriel Carol Tarimo
First Councilor
Regina Damas Francis
Second Councilor
Estellah Christian Ngonyani
Third Councilor
Matilda Edward Shirima
Formator
Joyce Edward Matimbo
Secretary
Stella Rwehabuka Kahwa
Treasurer
Members (22):
Definitive Promises 13
Temporary Promises: 6
Formation: 3
St. Therese Community
Mbezi Mwisho
P. O. Box 80157
Dar- es- Salaam - Tanzania
E-mail: malishoocd@yahoo.com
St John of the Cross
Malamba Mawili
Sarah Mgaya Mutabazi
President
Juliano Ernest Mkiwa
First Councilor
Method Mathias Kessy
Second Councilor
Selestina Deogratias Tesha
Third Councilor
Batilda Evagri Chuwa
Formator
Magdalena Thadei Luambano
Secretary
Hapiness Stephen Nyamohonga
Treasurer
Members (21):
Temporary Promises: 20
Formation: 1
St John of the Cross Community
Malamba Mawili
P. O. Box 10889
Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
Who is a,
Secular Carmelite?
A practicing member of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and inspired by Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint John of the Cross, makes a commitment to the Order to seek the face of God in prayer and service for the good of the Church and the needs of the world.
Certain Qualities indicating
That a person is suited to the Vocation of a Secular carmelite!
At the human level:
A stable personality, common sense, emotional maturity, ability to trust and be open, Readiness to cooperate, Realism, tolerance and flexibility, A certain self-knowledge, and fidelity to upright moral principles.
At the level of Christian life:
A willingness to cooperate with God in a spirit of faith, Dedication to prayer, Love of the Scriptures, Commitment to the Church and involvement in the local parish community, A compassionate and active love.
OCDS, Kihonda
At the level of the Teresian charism:
A taste for prayer and a desire to establish a personal and friendly relationship with God, a contemplative and active spirit, A love for the Church and a desire to familiarize oneself with Carmelite spirituality.
REQUIREMENTS:
to be an OCDS
- Involvement in the Community monthly meetings
- Participation in the monthly formation programs
- Practice of mental prayer at least thirty (30) minutes daily
- Daily prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours: Morning, Evening and if possible Night Prayer
- Regularity in the use of Sacred Scriptures as an aid to prayer
- Growth in the love for the Holy Eucharist
- Participation in retreats and immersions essential to formation
- Diligence in the study and internalization of assigned lessons and topics
Beauty of Carmel: Seeking God in the world Through Secular Carmel
We look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared spiritual growth with our beloved Discalced Carmelite Friars in Tanzania. Together, we will continue to spread the light of Carmel, drawing closer to God and making His love known to all."
SALUTARIS CORNEL CHAMI
As we celebrate these 40 years of their presence, we are filled with gratitude for the friars' guidance, support, and the spiritual nourishment they have provided us. Their example of humility, devotion, and commitment to the Gospel continues to inspire us to live out our Carmelite vocation in our secular lives.
SEVERIN ANTHONY BARUTI
Over these four decades, the Discalced Carmelite Friars have played a vital role in nurturing and fostering the Carmelite way of life within our local communities. Through their preaching, spiritual direction, and pastoral care, the friars have helped us deepen our understanding of the Carmelite charism and its relevance in our daily lives. They have encouraged us to embrace a life of prayer and to seek God's presence in the midst of our secular responsibilities.
ASTERIA ADAM KUSEKWA
