My life is but an instant, an hour that passes by; a single day that slips my grasp and quickly slides away. O well, you know, my dearest God, to love you, I only have today.

St. Therese was born January 2, 1873, in Alençon, France to Louis and Zelie Martin. She was the youngest of five daughters, all of whom entered religious life. The Martins were a faithful and loving family.

Elijah, an Old Testament prophet is a model for the Carmelite Spirituality. He is known for his fiery zeal and miracles. Though he was a public figure, he was aware of the “silent whispers” of God in his life. Because of this influential figure, the Carmelites practice an active and contemplative life.

Carmelites are dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She is the inspiration of all Carmelite spirituality.

St. John of the Cross was born Juan de Yepes Álvarez, (June 24, 1542-Dec. 14, 1591), in the humble farming village of Fontiveros, Spain. “Fontiveros” means “true spring.” St. John was a Carmelite friar and priest, a mystic, and a major figure of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. St. John’s writings and poetry, including to Mount Carmel, […]