FROM CARMELITE HISTORY

The first rule for the recluses living on mount Carmel (see the story of the Prophet Elijah in the first Book of Kings) was written in 1210 by St. Albert, the bishop of Jerusalem. For two centuries there were only male Carmelites. The first non – cloistered Carmelite convents appeared in 1450; cloistered ones appeared in 1455. In 1562 St. Theresa of Avila reformed the Carmelite convents, naming them the Order of the Discalced Carmelites (ODC). Those who did not accept the reforms retained the name of the Order of Carmelites (OC). After St. Theresa met St. John of the Cross, the reform was also established in the monasteries in 1567. During 1872 – 1930 the contemplative Carmelites appeared without the grilles marking the seclusion of the cloister; besides their main calling of conteplation, these Carmelites dedicate a certain amount of time to apostolic work.