The Teresian Carmel has spread throughout the world. The nuns continue to live in contemplative communities in widely different situations and cultures. The friars live the contemplative life but also serve as missionaries and are active in varied ministries but especially those concerned with the spiritual life. The Secular Order members live the Teresian charism in the circumstances of their daily life in the world.

The Teresian Carmel has been especially fruitful with saints and writers on the ways of prayer and the spiritual life who creatively responded to the needs of their time: the most famous are Sts Teresa of Ãvila, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux, and Edith Stein.