History of Carmel

History of Carmel

"This religious family of the Discalced Nuns of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel is a renewed form of the       Carmelite Order. As such, it joins fidelity to the spirit and traditions of the Order with the will for constant renewal.”   

Constitutions 1

History of Carmel

"This religious family of the Discalced Nuns of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel is a renewed form of the Carmelite Order. As such, it joins fidelity to the spirit and traditions of the Order 
with the will for constant renewal.”   

Constitutions 1

Origins of the Order

By the end of the twelfth century a group of hermits, former crusaders and pilgrims, were living in caves and huts on Mount Carmel in Northern Palestine. They had gathered there over time, living a simple life, tilling the land for food and spending their days in prayer and silence. They took their name, the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, from the rich and fertile mountain range, a place which had come to symbolise the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Origins of the Order

By the end of the twelfth century a group of hermits, former crusaders and pilgrims, were living in caves and huts on Mount Carmel in Northern Palestine. They had gathered there over time, living a simple life, tilling the land for food and spending their days in prayer and silence. They took their name the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel from the rich and fertile mountain range, a place which had come to symbolise the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Later developments

As a result of persecution in the Holy Land the Brothers returned in groups to their own countries, thus spreading the Carmelite Order. This migration resulted in England becoming one of its strongholds and Aylesford Priory was officially recognised in 1247.  Furthermore, an Englishman, St Simon Stock, was elected Prior General of the Order. 

The move from Mount Carmel inevitably brought many changes to the Order. No longer able to live the solitary life of Carmel, the Brothers became mendicants like the Franciscans and Dominicans. This meant travelling around preaching and fulfilling the pastoral ministry of the church. The friars struggled with this radical change. Notwithstanding, the adapted Carmelite Order flourished and was ratified by several popes.

Later developments

As a result of persecution in the Holy Land the Brothers returned in groups to their own countries, thus spreading the Carmelite Order. This migration resulted in England becoming one of its strongholds and Aylesford Priory was officially recognised in 1247. Furthermore, an Englishman, St Simon Stock, was elected Prior General of the Order. 

The move from Mount Carmel inevitably brought many changes to the Order. No longer able to live the solitary life of Carmel, the Brothers became mendicants like the Franciscans and Dominicans. This meant travelling around preaching and fulfilling the pastoral ministry of the church. The friars struggled with this radical change. Notwithstanding, the adapted Carmelite Order flourished and was ratified by several popes.

The first Carmelite Nuns

Blessed John Soreth was Prior General of the Order from 1451-1471 and was responsible for founding communities of Carmelite nuns. In 1535 a young Spanish noblewoman, Teresa de Ahumada, entered one of these communities - the convent of the Incarnation in Avila, Spain - and lived there for over twenty years. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Teresa was moved to renew Carmel so that it would be “entirely directed toward prayer and contemplation” in the spirit of the early hermits. St Teresa of Jesus became foundress of what is today known as the Teresian Carmel.

The first Carmelite nuns

Blessed John Soreth was General of the Order from 1451-1471. He was responsible for founding communities of Carmelite nuns. In 1535 a young Spanish noblewoman, Teresa de Ahumada entered one these communities, the convent of the Incarnation in Avila, Spain and lived there for over twenty years. Inspired by the Holy Spirit Teresa was moved to renew Carmel so that it would be “entirely directed toward prayer and contemplation” in the spirit of the early hermits. St Teresa of Jesus became foundress of what is today known as the Teresian Carmel.
“For the love of God I ask all of you to fix your eyes on the race of the Holy Prophets from whom we have descended… We are beginning now; but let those who come after us strive always to keep on beginning.” 

Foundations 29, 32, 33
“For the love of God I ask all of you to fix your eyes on the race of the Holy Prophets from whom we have descended… We are beginning now; but let those who come after us strive always to keep on beginning.” 

Foundations 29, 32, 33
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