Among the foremost mystics of any age are the great Spanish saints, St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross, founders of the Discalced Carmelites back in the 16th century. Originally, the Carmelites began in the 13th century, in the Holy Land. A number of hermits lived on the slopes of Mount Carmel (hence the name), devoting themselves to prayer and solitude, before grouping together in communities when they moved west.

In the great renewal movement of the 16th century, these two charismatic figures, St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross, undertook the renewal of the Carmelite Order. The result was the creation of the Discalced (or Teresian) Carmelites as a separate entity of both nuns and friars, alongside the parent group.

Today, the Discalced Carmelites number over 4000 friars and 11,000 nuns worldwide and are present in over 100 countries. The Anglo-Irish province of friars has communities in Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia and Nigeria. In their way of life their particular emphasis is on prayer and community. Their life and ministry is neatly summed up by St Teresa in these words: "To speak to Him (Jesus) and to speak of Him".

In Ireland, the Discalced Carmelite friars have communities in Dublin, Loughrea and Derry. The best-known of their communities is St Teresa's, Clarendon Street, with its beautiful church, which has been described as "an oasis of peace in a busy city". The church is tucked away just off Grafton Street, the shopping centre of Dublin, bustling with life and activity. But even the most ardent shopper can get tired of the hustle and bustle and many feel the need to drop in to the quiet of St Teresa's to say a quick prayer or light a candle. St Teresa's has been serving the people of Dublin for over two hundred years. Daniel O'Connell worshipped here, as did Mother Catherine McAuley, the Pearses, Kevin Barry, Matt Talbot, to mention a few.

Situated where it is, St Teresa's is a reminder that in the midst of the rush of life there are other things too in the spiritual sphere that deserve our attention. The splendid choir that sings at the 11.30 Mass in St Teresa's on Sundays is a feature of the variegated church ministry.

One of the wonders of Clarendon Street is the thriving Confession ministry, which is ongoing through the day, Monday to Saturday. And this at a time when the general perception is that people hardly go to Confession anymore! Ask the busy friars in St Teresa's!

A recent development in Clarendon Street, in response to the needs of the times, is the creation of a Pastoral Centre which offers four Conference Rooms, counselling and meeting rooms and supports pastoral initiatives in the city centre. The Centre is in big demand among a variety of groups, including small groups who wish to enhance their knowledge and sharing of their Christian faith as well as groups who come together to reflect on the Scriptures in a conducive environment.

Another innovation of the Discalced Carmelites in Dublin is the recent opening of a new Retreat Centre in Avila, Donnybrook. It has been built alongside the former Retreat Centre, which is now the central administration office of CORI. The Carmelites have sensed that many people today are searching for meaning in their lives and are especially looking for an environment that will enhance their personal prayer. The new Centre offers such an environment. The beautiful chapel can be accessed discreetly at any time of the day. There will be a particular emphasis on providing an inviting "space" for young people to come together and experience community, to learn about their faith and indeed to share their faith.

While most of the activity of the new Centre will focus on day and evening gatherings, it does provide eight en-suite rooms for people who wish to do private or directed retreats.

In addition, there are two hermitages on the grounds, in keeping with people's desire for more solitude.

The rejuvenated Clarendon Street and the new Centre at Avila are just two instances of the attempts of the Discalced Carmelites to respond to the perceived needs of people who wish to enhance their spirituality in our present-day consumerist society.