The Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, commonly known as the Carmelites, are a religious order of the Catholic Church that traces its origins back to the 12th century. Founded as a hermit community on Mount Carmel in Israel, the Carmelites have a rich history spanning more than eight centuries, with monks and nuns spread across the world in over 50 countries. Their unique spirituality, devotion to Mary, and emphasis on contemplative prayer have distinguished them from other religious orders.

The Carmelite order was founded by a group of hermits who, in the early 12th century, lived in caves and small huts on Mount Carmel, the location of the biblical Prophet Elijah’s encounter with the prophets of Baal. They sought to imitate Elijah’s solitary life, and their community grew as more men joined them. However, with the fall of the Holy Land in 1187, the monks fled to Europe, where they established themselves as mendicant friars, devoting themselves to prayer, penance, and preaching.

Over the centuries, the Carmelites evolved and adapted to different cultures and contexts. In the 16th century, a reform within the Carmelites led to the creation of two orders: the Discalced Carmelites, who advocate a stricter observance of the original rule of the order, and the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance, who continue to follow the traditional rule.

The Carmelite charism centers on contemplation, which is the practice of silent prayer and meditation, seeking union with God. Carmelites see contemplation as a way of living out the Christian gospel, by being attentive to the presence of God in everything, and responding with love and compassion. Their devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, is also central to their spirituality. Carmelites take Mary as their model of discipleship and intercede through her to their Heavenly Father. They also wield the scapular, a garment traditionally worn by Carmelites, as a sign of Mary’s protection and her maternal care for her children.

Another important aspect of the Carmelite spiritual life is fraternal life in community. Carmelites live together in convents or monasteries, where they support one another in their prayer and work. By living in community, Carmelites seek to foster the unity of the Church, and create a space of welcome for those who seek God.

The monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel comprise one branch of the Carmelite order. They have monasteries in Wyoming, California, and Oregon in the United States, and a growing community of lay associates who support the monks through prayer, friendship, and financial assistance.

The monks live a contemplative life, devoted to prayer and study. Their daily schedule includes several periods of communal prayer and Mass, as well as private prayer and study. They also engage in manual labor, such as gardening and woodworking, as a way of supporting their monastery and sustaining themselves.

The monks welcome guests to their monasteries, providing a space of silence, hospitality, and prayer for those seeking spiritual nourishment. They offer retreats, spiritual direction, and opportunities to participate in their liturgies and other aspects of monastic life.

The Carmelite way of life, as exemplified by the monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, challenges us to deeper commitment to prayer, community, and seeking God’s presence in all things. Their witness serves as a reminder that the heart of the Christian life is not just about doing things, but rather about being transformed by grace and becoming more like Christ.

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