Carmelite Missionaries of Merciful Love in Action (CMMLA)

We endeavor to live out our charism of merciful love by addressing the profound epidemic of loneliness in modern society, as well as comforting those who experience all other types of poverty such as rejection, discrimination and marginalization. Anchored and grounded in contemplative prayer, we endeavor to conform our lives to the Beatitudes and regular practice of both Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Through prayer and action, we become by God’s grace carriers of God’s merciful love to society’s most vulnerable populations and are equally transformed by Jesus Christ Whom we encounter in the poor we serve. We take Jesus at His word when he said, “What you did to the least of these, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25)

At the heart of our mission is the understanding that love is not merely an ideal—it is an action whereby we will the good of the other. Carmelite Missionaries of Merciful Love in Action seek to reflect the merciful heart of Jesus Christ by living lives of contemplative prayer and intentional service, especially to those who feel unwanted, unloved or uncared for.

Our Rule of Life:  

In keeping with Carmelite tradition, the Carmelite Missionaries of Merciful Love in Action follow the "ancient" Carmelite Rule of St. Albert. The order's particular charism asks members to conform their lives to the Beatitudes and the Gospel call to love one another as Christ loves us. By practicing the Works of Mercy, our Carmelites endeavor to be “contemplatives in the world," who balance prayer, community life and ministry to those in need. The order welcomes priests, deacons, religious brothers, religious sisters, and laypersons who feel called to live our particular Carmelite charism.  

A Call to Missionaries of Love:

We invite individuals who feel called by God to serve as missionary carriers of God’s merciful love to those who feel unwanted, unloved and uncared for. The order is open to those who are committed to prayer, community, and selfless service in the spirit of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection and all other holy women and men of Carmel. 

For more information, or to inquire about applying to join the Carmelite Missionaries of Merciful Love in Action, please contact the order’s Prior General, Fr. Séamus of Jesus at [email protected].