The word "Carmelite" takes its origin from Mount Carmel, the mountain of the Prophet Elijah, which in the biblical and patristic traditions means fertility, beauty, generosity and wealth of grace. All this, adapted to the spiritual life, is realised in those who embrace the Carmelite monastic life.  From
1400, under the guidance of the friars, pious women who sought a deeper
spirituality, have wanted to adapt the spirit of Carmel and the Rule
to their condition as women. Thus were born the cloistered Carmelite
nuns - officially in 1452 in Florence (Italy) - known as praying communities,
completely dedicated to meditation, prayer, work and penance. In France,
they spread quickly through the efforts of Blessed Frances D'Amboise,
assisted by Blessed John Soreth. In
1562, Teresa of Jesus began her famous "Teresian" reform with the aim
of re-establishing a true Carmelite life for religious women as proposed
in the Council of Trent. This was a reform which was meant to remain within
the larger family. But after the death of Teresa of Jesus, the group of "Discalced
Carmelite nuns" followed the "Discalced Carmelite friars", cutting themselves
off from the original trunk and constituting a separate group.
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The
Origins
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