THE GREAT TRADITIONS OF CATHOLIC PRAYER – PART IV

THE CARMELITE TRADITION – THROUGH CALVERY TO GLORY

I. The Carmelite tradition order began at Mount Carmel in modern day Lebanon in the mid twelfth century. Its current formulation owes a great deal to two of its greatest saints St. Theresa of Avila (1515-1582) and St. John of the Cross (1542-1591). The order, which emphasizes growth in the spiritual life through struggle, through darkness, and through charity in the smallest matters, also led to the profound writings of St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), another doctor of the Church.


II. In the sixteenth century, there was a great reform of the Carmelites led by St. Theresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. With this reform Carmelite spirituality developed more into its current form. In the nineteenth century, St. Therese of Lisieux described her "little way to perfection" in her autobiography, which has become a classic.



III Carmelite spirituality thus emphasizing brining the wisdom and holiness of God to earth through this deep prayer, even and especially when it is difficult, and through a willingness to be purified through suffering.

B. There is a great sense that the moral life and prayer are needed for each other.