History of the
Carmelites:
In the beginning they lived as hermits on Mount Carmel and sought simplicity and holinesss through penance and prayer as a way of following Christ (the basis for the Carmelite Rule)
However, by 1230 the Carmelites found refuge in Europe. They served the church and relied on the charity of others. For this reason they were known as ‘mendicant friars’. In 1247 the Pope approved the Carmelite Rule.
Most Carmelites were ordained as priests and because they were the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel they considered themselves to be members of Mary’s Order and wore a white cloak in her honour giving them their name ‘white friars’.
After 250 years, in 1452, the Carmelite Order began to welcome women members, the Carmelite Nuns. Then, one hundred years later in 1562, Saint Teresa founded a new style of Carmelite community in Spain. It was to become the first of a new Order: the Discalced Carmelites meaning 'barefoot' or the practice of wearing sandals.
In the beginning they lived as hermits on Mount Carmel and sought simplicity and holinesss through penance and prayer as a way of following Christ (the basis for the Carmelite Rule)
However, by 1230 the Carmelites found refuge in Europe. They served the church and relied on the charity of others. For this reason they were known as ‘mendicant friars’. In 1247 the Pope approved the Carmelite Rule.
Most Carmelites were ordained as priests and because they were the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel they considered themselves to be members of Mary’s Order and wore a white cloak in her honour giving them their name ‘white friars’.
After 250 years, in 1452, the Carmelite Order began to welcome women members, the Carmelite Nuns. Then, one hundred years later in 1562, Saint Teresa founded a new style of Carmelite community in Spain. It was to become the first of a new Order: the Discalced Carmelites meaning 'barefoot' or the practice of wearing sandals.
The Carmelites Today:
The Carmelites came to Australia in 1802 and there are seven Carmels in Australia, two in New Zealand, and one each in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Wallis Island.
The Discalced Carmelites are made up of friars, nuns and secular members.The Discalced Carmelites has spread throughout the world. The nuns continue to live in contemplative communities in widely different cultures and situations. The friars also serve as missionaries as well as living the contemplative life.
The Friars have houses Varroville, St Ives, Sydney, and Morley revealing that the Discalced Carmelites which Saint Teresa reformed back in Spain in the 16th century is now part of life in Australia in the 21st century.