Berthold of Calabria facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Berthold of Mount Carmel
Born	Limoges, France
Died	1195 AD
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Feast	March 29

Berthold of Calabria was a brave crusader and a saint. He is known for starting a group of hermits on Mount Carmel in 1185. Later, around the 15th century, he became known in Carmelite writings as Saint Berthold of Mount Carmel. Some stories say he was a leader of the Carmelite Order before Brocard.

Who Was Berthold of Calabria?

Berthold was born in Malifaye, a place in southwest France. His father was the Count of Limoges. The name "Calabrian" was a way people back then referred to someone from the "West." Berthold was also the nephew of Aymeric of Malifaye, an important church leader in Antioch.

Berthold's Journey to the Holy Land

Berthold traveled to the Holy Land as part of the Crusades. These were religious wars fought to gain control of holy sites. He was in Antioch when it was surrounded by an army called the Saracens. During this difficult time, Berthold had a special vision. He felt that Christ was telling him that the soldiers' actions were wrong.

At that time, many hermits lived alone in different parts of Palestine. Hermits are people who choose to live a simple life, often away from others, to focus on their faith.

Starting a Community on Mount Carmel

Some stories say that in 1185, Berthold went to Mount Carmel. There, he built a small chapel. He also gathered a group of hermits who wanted to live with him. They wanted to live in a way that copied the ancient prophet Elijah.

This group was traditionally believed to be the start of the Order of the Carmelites. However, historians who study the Order say there isn't enough proof for this idea. Berthold lived the rest of his life on Mount Carmel. He led the community he had started for 45 years until he passed away in 1195.

Tradition also says that another leader named Brocard accepted Berthold as the head of the hermits. Saint Berthold's special day, called his feast day, is celebrated every year on March 29.

See also

• Hermit
• Discalced Carmelites
• Carmelite Rule of St. Albert
• Book of the First Monks
• Constitutions of the Carmelite Order
• Dialogues of the Carmelites