Friars

The word Friar comes from the Latin word frater through French frère, which means “brother”. A friar is member of any of certain religious orders of men, especially the four mendicant orders (Augustinians, Carmelites, Dominicans and Franciscans).

Friars are special monks that do a service to a community and that lead a simple life. A friar is similar to a monk. Friars are like monks in that they are devoted to a religious life. The difference is that a friar lives and works among regular people in society, while a monk lives in a secluded, self-sufficient group of monks. They arose in the medieval era where monastic orders remained rooted in place.

Carmelite Friars are devoted to Mary and serve God through prayer, community and fraternity. The Carmelite friars while following a contemplative life also engage in the promotion of spirituality through their retreat centres, parishes and churches.

The friars are the oldest continually-surviving branch of the Carmelite Family and are called "active contemplatives". As Teresian Carmelites, these men strive to live a zealous life of allegiance to Jesus for the salvation of souls.