The Carmelite Order began in the 12th century with hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. They sought to “live in allegiance to Jesus Christ” through prayer and meditation on the Word of God.
Today, the Order includes:
Friars
Nuns
Secular (lay) members
Secular Carmelites are Catholic lay people who make promises to live according to the spirit of the Carmelite Rule while remaining in their ordinary state of life.
Our spirituality is deeply shaped by:
Saint Teresa of Ávila
Saint John of the Cross
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
The Prophet Elijah
Key elements of Carmelite life include:
Daily mental prayer
The Liturgy of the Hours
Devotion to Our Lady
Study of Carmelite saints and doctrine
Fraternal community