Carmelites facts for kids
The Carmelites are a special group of Catholic people. They are a religious order called the Order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. They started a long time ago, in the 12th century, on a mountain called Mount Carmel. This mountain is in a place now known as Israel. That's where they got their name!
The Carmelites believe their spiritual roots go back to the Prophet Elijah. He was a very important person in the Bible. He lived on Mount Carmel many centuries before the order began.
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The Beginning of the Carmelites
The first Carmelites were hermits. This means they lived alone in caves or simple huts. They spent their time praying and thinking about God. They wanted to live a quiet life, much like Elijah.
Life on Mount Carmel
These early Carmelites lived near a spring called Elijah's Spring. They built a small chapel there. It was dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This is why their order is called "Our Lady of Mount Carmel."
Around the year 1200, a leader named Albert of Jerusalem gave them a special rule to follow. This rule helped them live together in peace. It told them how to pray, what to eat, and how to live a simple life.
Moving to Europe
Life on Mount Carmel became difficult. There were many wars and conflicts in the area. So, the Carmelites started to move to Europe. They went to places like England and France.
When they moved, their way of life changed a bit. They became more like other religious orders in Europe. They started living in communities called monasteries and convents in cities. They also began to preach and teach.
Important Carmelite Saints
Many famous saints have been Carmelites. They helped the order grow and change over time.
Saint Simon Stock
The Virgin Mary presenting the Scapular to Saint Simon Stock Simon Stock was an early Carmelite leader in England. He lived in the 13th century. He is known for a special gift called the Brown Scapular. Carmelites believe that Mary gave him this scapular. It is a sign of her protection and love for those who wear it.
Saint Teresa of Ávila
[[Santa Teresa de Jesús (Museo del Prado).jpg|thumb|Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582)]] Teresa of Ávila was a very important Carmelite nun from Spain. She lived in the 16th century. Teresa felt that the Carmelite order needed to go back to its simpler, original ways. She wanted nuns to live a life of deep prayer and poverty.
She started new convents where the nuns lived very simply. They wore sandals instead of shoes, which is why they were called "Discalced" Carmelites. "Discalced" means "without shoes."
Saint John of the Cross
[[Johncross5.jpg|thumb|John of the Cross (1542–1591)]] John of the Cross was a Carmelite priest who worked with Saint Teresa. He helped her start the "Discalced" branch for men. He was also a great writer and poet. His writings teach people about deep prayer and how to get closer to God.
Carmelites Today
Today, there are two main branches of Carmelites:
- The Carmelites of the Ancient Observance (O.Carm)
- The Discalced Carmelites (OCD)
Both groups follow the Carmelite rule. They live lives of prayer, community, and service. They continue to spread the message of God's love.
What Carmelites Do
Carmelites spend a lot of time in prayer. They also work in many different ways. Some teach in schools, some work in hospitals, and some help people in need. They try to live out their motto: "With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord God of Hosts."
Images for kids
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The Prophet Elijah is regarded as the spiritual father of the Carmelite order
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Plan of Mount, Relief view of Mount Carmel and Haifa Bay in the 17th century
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Ruins of the first church on the slopes of Mount Carmel
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The Martyrdom of the Carmelites marked the end of the hermit life of the Carmelites on Mount Carmel
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Stella Maris Monastery in Mount Carmel, Haifa
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The Convent of Saint Joseph in Ávila (Spain) was the first foundation of the Discalced Carmelites
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Carmelites of the ancient observance in choir (2020)
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The General councils of Carmelites of the ancient observance (O.Carm) and Discalced (OCD) Carmelites
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Titus Brandsma.
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Calced Carmelite.
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Discalced Carmelite.
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Calced Carmélites.
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Discalced Carmelite.
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Brown Scapular.
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The Carmel of Beja, in Portugal
See also
In Spanish: Orden de Nuestra Señora del Monte Carmelo para niños
