Spirituality of Carmel
According to the ideal of St. Theresa, the Discalced Carmelites live a contemplative life. They maintain a balance between quiet in solitude and life in the community of sisters. Teresa of Avila with John of the Cross managed to reform the Order. Both "in some sense, laid the foundation of the Order" (Paul VI. Letter "Carmeli Montis"). Significant in the writings of Carmelites are teaching and experience, passed down from generation to generation – especially deep communion with God and the path to Him. Not only personal talents, but also the grace granted to the Order and belonging to his charisma. The vocation of Teresian Carmelites is in essence ecclesial and apostolic. The apostolate is purely contemplative and consists of prayer and devotion to the Church and for the Church.
Saints of the Order of Carmelites
Teresa of Jesus (of Avila) (1515–1582)
Conducted reform in the XVI century, giving the Carmelites its essential form.
"God is so great that He truly deserves that we look for Him all our lives."
John of the Cross (1542–1591)
Together with Teresa of Avila founded the male branch of the Order, spirituality enriched the Order of Carmelite's mystical theology.
"If a person is looking for God, God is looking for that person even more."
Thérèse of the Child Jesus (Thérèse of Lisieux) (1873–1897)
Taught the "small path," which then and now is spiritual support for people.
"My way to God is through love, loyalty and trust."
Jewish philosopher Edith Stein (1891–1942) Having read St. Teresa of Avila’s work “Vida”, converted from atheism to Catholicism. In 1933, she went to Mount Carmel and lived there as Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She was killed at Auschwitz.
"Those who seek the truth seek God, even if they do not realize it."