The Order of Carmel
The history of the Order of Carmel dates back to the end of the 12th century, when some men decided to settle on Mount Carmel, in the Holy Land, to live a eremitic life "in allegiance to Jesus Christ."
"Let us remember our holy Fathers, past hermits,
whose lives we seek to imitate."
Teresa of Jesus
Forced to move to Europe almost a century later, they choose the prophet Elijah as a model of contemplation and action: his ardent zeal for the Lord, but also his search for the face of God, who reveals Himself in the “whisper of a gentle breeze” (1 Kings 18-19) inspires them.
Elijah is also for them a model of intercession : through his prayer the Lord gives rain to the people exhausted by the drought and brings back to life the son of the woman who welcomes him in her house (1 Kings 17-18).
Like other Orders at that time, they placed themselves under the protection of the Virgin Mary and chose the original name of “Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel”. The scapular, which was initially a piece of work clothing, became the symbol of belonging to the Order, in the commitment to follow the virtues and examples of the Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Carmel.
Carmel
is all Mary's
Teresa de Jesús (1515 - 1582) gathers the tradition of the Carmel and renews it, placing as pillars of her new family of the Teresian Carmel:
- prayer as a relationship of friendship with God: “Try, my daughters, since you are alone, to have company. Well, what better company than that of the Master who taught you the prayer you are going to pray? Represent the Lord Himself with you and watch with how much love and humility He teaches you. And believe me, as long as you can, such a good friend will not fail you." (Path of perfection 26,1);
- passionate love for Christ: “Look at the Crucified and everything will seem like little to you.” (7 Mansions 4.8)
- the fraternal encounter in small communities of sisters in which love becomes work and service: “Oh, how good and true will be the love of the sister who can benefit everyone by leaving her own benefit to that of others, go very advanced in all virtues and keep her Rule with great perfection!” (Path of perfection 7.8)
May self die within me, and may Another greater than myself,
Who loves me better than I love myself,
live in me to serve Him. May He live and give me life;
may He reign, and may I be His captive !
My soul desires no other liberty.
Exclamations of the Soul to God, 17,3
John of the Cross (1542-1591), poet of the beauty of God and his passionate love for men, is at her side, as a disciple, friend and confidant. With his help, Teresa will also be able to found the male branch of the Order.
"How gently and lovingly
you wake in my heart,
Where in secret you dwell alone;
And in your sweet breathing,
Filled with good and glory,
How tenderly You swell my heart with love.”
Living flame of love, 4
After them, many other saints have fertilized the land of the Teresian Carmel, starting with Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873-1897), Doctor of the Church like Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross.
Patroness of the missions with Saint Francis Xavier, "little Therese" has revealed to the modern world the merciful and compassionate face of God.
I cannot fear a God
Who became so little for me...
I love Him!...
Because He is only love and mercy!
Letter to Father Bellière, 08/25/1897
Among the other ripe fruits of the land of Carmel are Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein, 1891-1942), who died in the Auschwitz extermination camp during Nazism; Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906), Teresa of the Andes (1900-1920), Mariam of Jesus Crucified, the Little Arab (1846-1878)... and many others.
"A soul united to Jesus
is a living smile
that radiates Him
and give access to Him"
Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
