History of the Order
A Brief History of the Carmelites
The Carmelite Order began when a group of hermits settled on Mount Carmel, near modern-day Haifa, Israel. Inspired by Elijah and the Virgin Mary, they sought a life of prayer, solitude, and contemplation. In the early 13th century, St. Albert of Jerusalem gave them a rule of life, emphasizing simplicity, community, and prayer. They built a chapel dedicated to Our Lady and became known as the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Due to political instability in the Holy Land, the Carmelites were forced to migrate to Europe and adapt to a mendicant life, emphasizing both prayer and pastoral work to serve the needs of the people. Despite their new surroundings, they remained committed to a contemplative life in the midst of a busy and noisy world. During this time, silence, solitude, and prayer continued to be regarded as the essence of their life. They emphasized these values even while being actively engaged in apostolic activities.
Renewal of the Contemplative Life
In 1562, St. Teresa of Jesus, a Carmelite nun, had an inspiration for a renewal of the contemplative life. Together with St. John of the Cross, she established a new branch of Carmelites dedicated to the single-minded search for a loving union with God in prayer. They became popularly known as the “Discalced Carmelites.”
Inspired by her visions and mystical experiences, Teresa envisioned a small convent where nuns could live in greater simplicity and devotion, free from the distractions of wealth and external influences. St. Joseph’s convent became the first foundation of the Teresian reform. Her efforts, alongside St. John of the Cross, led to the eventual recognition of the Discalced Carmelites as a separate branch of the Carmelite Order.
This new way of life marked a turning point in Carmelite spirituality, bringing a renewed focus on contemplative prayer, with humility, detachment, and love as foundational virtues. During her lifetime, she established 17 convents between 1562 and 1582, just before her death. Her work laid the foundation for the worldwide expansion of the Discalced Carmelites, influencing Christian spirituality for centuries.