Sacred History
We walk a path of contemplative life that stretches back eight centuries from Mount Carmel to the present. We follow in the footsteps of those who, throughout Carmel’s history, have sought the Sacred Presence dwelling within them and within all creation.
Where It All Began
As Carmelites, we stand on a continuum stretching back through myth and history and continuing into our time and place. We are the spiritual descendants of pilgrims who found their way to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land.
These seekers were part of a large lay movement of religious renewal, who sought to live the Love and Wisdom of Jesus in community.
Today, we see Mount Carmel as more than a location on a map. It is also a symbol of the Mystical space within all of us where God dwells in sacred silence.
Renewing a Tradition
After 27 years in the monastery, St. Teresa of Avila felt called to return to a simpler life in the spirit of the early contemplatives on Mount Carmel.
Her vision and energy, shared with a small group of her sisters, inspired a new vision for Carmel which led to the reform of Carmelite life.
Teresa’s vision continues blossoming in our time, finding unique forms of expression in different cultural settings all around the world.
Today, our monasteries serve as an oasis of prayer, not only for the Sisters but for all who desire to “come away and rest awhile,” far from the distractions of daily life. In the silence of this space, the voice of Love can be heard – inviting us into deeper relationship with God, with ourselves and with all creation for our own healing and that of our world.
Renewing a Tradition
After 27 years in the monastery, St. Teresa of Avila felt called to return to a simpler life in the spirit of the early contemplatives on Mount Carmel.
Her vision and energy, shared with a small group of her sisters, inspired a new vision for Carmel which led to the reform of Carmelite life.
Teresa’s vision continues blossoming in our time, finding unique forms of expression in different cultural settings all around the world.
Today, our monasteries serve as an oasis of prayer, not only for the Sisters but for all who desire to “come away and rest awhile,” far from the distractions of daily life. In the silence of this space, the voice of Love can be heard – inviting us into deeper relationship with God, with ourselves and with all creation for our own healing and that of our world.
Extraordinary Women of Carmel
“Carmel learned to tell the story of the human heart as a love story.” – John Welch, O.Carm.
In each generation, extraordinary women have followed where Teresa led – deep into the heart of contemplative listening to the Spirit of God that transformed their hearts, minds and way of being in the world.
As friends of God, their prayerful contemplative presence of love and peace was their response to the oppression, injustice, violence and suffering of their time.
Extraordinary Women of Carmel
“Carmel learned to tell the story of the human heart as a love story.” – John Welch, O.Carm.
In each generation, extraordinary women have followed where Teresa led – deep into the heart of contemplative listening to the Spirit of God that transformed their hearts, minds and way of being in the world.
As friends of God, their prayerful contemplative presence of love and peace was their response to the oppression, injustice, violence and suffering of their time.
