The Spirituality of the Carmelites<br/><br/>

The Carmelite Order has its origins in the late 12th century, when some pilgrims and crusaders gathered at Mount Carmel to live out their Christianity as hermits after the example of the prophet Elijah. The Order later spread throughout Europe. In the 16th century, with St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) and St. John of the Cross (1542-1591) as strong proponents, the Order’s reform movement began in Spain.<br/><br/>

St. Teresa of Avila required the Carmelite nuns to spend two hours in silent prayer each day as a top priority while maintaining a personal, monastic spirit in their lives. St. Teresa also required the community to always bear the spirit of mutual love and cooperation. St. John of the Cross even adapted the Greek word often used by St. John the Evangelist, koinonia, to describe the bond between fellow Christians.<br/><br/>

Although we are not Carmelite nuns, the same spirit of prayer and love is the guidance principle of our lives.<br/><br/>

As you know, there are eight Carmelite nuns who live a few houses down from the priests’ rectory. These nuns are devoting their lives, cloistered and in prayer for the Church and for the needs of the world. They also specifically pray for the needs of our parishioners; for this we offer our sincere thanks.<br/><br/>

December 14th is the feast day of St. John of the Cross. Let us pray for his intercession for us.