An international lay community of people inspired by the spirituality and mission of St Ignatius of Loyola. Begun in 1553 and formerly known as the Sodalities of Our Lady, CLC was established in Australia in 1976, and has undergone radical renewal in recent years.
The secular branch of the Discalced Carmelites are laity who in the context of home and work live an evangelical life. Imbued with the spirit of contemplative prayer and taking the Virgin Mary as model they live according to the teachings and example of St Teresa of Jesus (Avila), St John of the Cross and the Carmelite saints, including St Therese of Lisieux and St Edith Stein.
In various parts of the world God has raised up Covenant Communities in the work of His Holy Spirit from the Charismatic Renewal.
The Emmanuel Community is an Association of Christ’s Faithful comprising Catholics in all states of life: lay people, both married and single; men and women consecrated in celibacy; and priests. Today, there are 7,000 committed members of the community in 65 different countries on 5 continents. These include 150 priests, 80 seminarians, 12 permanent deacons, 170 sisters and brothers consecrated in celibacy. A layman, Pierre Goursat (+25 March 1991) founded the community in Paris in 1976. In 1992, the Vatican officially recognised the community statutes.
The Knights of the Southern Cross, established in 1919, is a lay association of Catholic men that encourages active participation in secular affairs such as political lobbying, community health, community ethics and social justice as well as Church leadership and participation, spiritual formation and enrichment.
