To be taken with love for a soul, God does not look on its greatness, but the greatness of its humility.
St John of the Cross
We, Carmelites, have always thought of Mary as the Patron of the Order, its Mother and Splendour; she is constantly before our eyes and in our hearts as “the Virgin Most Pure.” Looking to her, and living in spiritual intimacy with her, we learn to stand before God, and with one another, as the Lord’s brothers.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
Carmelites see in the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and archetype of the Church, the perfect image of all that they want and hope to be.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
From Elijah, Carmelites learn to be people of the desert, with heart undivided, standing before God and entirely dedicated to his service, uncompromising in the choice to serve God’s cause, aflame with a passionate love for God.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
The Carmelites see in Elijah a solitary prophet who nurtured his thirst for the one and only God, and lived in his presence. He is the contemplative, burning with passionate love for the Absolute who is God.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
Carmelites will show solidarity and will be eager to collaborate with all who suffer, who hope, and who commit themselves to the search for the Kingdom of God.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
As a contemplative brotherhood, we seek the face of God also in the heart of the world. We believe that God has established his dwelling place among his people...
(Carmelite Constitutions)
Carmelites are led, day by day, to know and experience the mystery of Jesus Christ. Inspired by the Spirit and rooted in Christ Jesus, abiding in him by day and by night, Carmelites allow every choice and every action to be guided by his Word.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
For a very long time I too have worn the Carmelite Scapular! Because of the love which I have for our heavenly Mother, whose protection I experience constantly...
(Bl. Pope John Paul II)
Those who put on the Scapular are introduced into the land of Carmel so that they might "eat its abundant fruit" and experience the tender and maternal presence of Mary...
Scapular Formula
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For us to be brothers means to grow in communion and in unity, overcoming privileges and distinctions, in a spirit of participation and co-responsibility, in sharing material possessions, a common programme of life, and personal charisms;
(Carmelite Constitutions)
We are led to appreciate the mystery of those with whom we share our lives. Our Rule requires us to be essentially “brothers”, and reminds us that the quality of interpersonal relationships within the Carmelite community needs to be constantly developed and enhanced, following the inspiring example of the first community in Jerusalem.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
Through living like Christ, in solidarity with the events and the hopes of the human race, Carmelites will be able to make appropriate decisions to transform life, making it conform more closely to the will of the Father.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
We are to pray with perseverance, especially by keeping vigil and praying the psalms. We are also to be clothed in spiritual armour; to live in fraternal communion, expressed through the daily celebration of the Eucharist...
(Carmelite Constitutions)
