What is the spirituality of the Carmelites?

Carmelite spirituality emphasises the fact that, according to the New Testament, Jesus, the Son of the Holy One, has become God’s revelatory figure among all people. He came on earth to reveal himself as vere homo et vere Deus – truly man and truly God – and to give his earthly life for our salvation.

What makes Carmelites unique?

Whenever there was a spiritual need, the Carmelites reached out in unique fashion as contemplatives in action. They engaged in preaching, teaching, and spiritual direction. Others served as missionaries, as university teachers, or in pastoral care. Some became famous for their holiness and service: St.

What is the charism of the Carmelite order?

The Carmelite charism is a gift that has come from eight hundred years of Carmelite history and consists of three elements; they are Contemplation, Community and Service. A Charism refers to the distinct spirit that animates a religious community and gives it a particular character and identity.

What rule do the Carmelites follow?

Aspects. The Rule states that it is fundamental for a Carmelite to “live a life in allegiance to Jesus Christ – how, pure in heart and stout in conscience, must be unswerving in the service of the Master” (no. 2).

How do Carmelites pray?

Carmelite prayer, by the book…

Here are some basics: Begin, as any session of Scripture reading should, by asking the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to God’s word. Slowly read the sacred text you have chosen, paying close attention to each word. Take a moment to soak in what you have read.

Are Carmelites contemplative?

The Carmelite nuns live in cloistered (enclosed) monasteries and follow a completely contemplative life. The Carmelite friars, while following a contemplative life, also engage in the promotion of spirituality through their retreat centres, parishes and churches.

Are Carmelites mystics?

There has been a serious study of the medieval tradition preceding the two Spanish mystics, a study which has not only shown the Carmelite roots of the two great Doctors but which can stand on its own as a valued mystical tradition.

Why was the Carmelite Order founded?

The monks hoped to continue on Mount Carmel the way of life of the prophet Elijah, whom early Christian writers depicted as the founder of monasticism. The early Carmelites were hermits: they lived in separate cells or huts and observed vows of silence, seclusion, abstinence, and austerity.

Can Carmelite nuns see their family?

For their enitre lives, their time will be divided between constant prayer and the work of the convent. Most do not read novels, see movies, or play sports. They do not hug one another and keep all physical contact to a minimum. Most of them rarely, if ever, see their families.

Do Carmelite nuns take a vow of silence?

The Carmelite nuns are a cloistered and ascetic order, living largely in silence. They do not leave the monastery, except when necessary, such as to see a doctor. The nuns only speak if it is essential, leaving more time for contemplation and prayer.

What is the meaning of the word Carmelite?

Definition of Carmelite

: a member of the Roman Catholic mendicant Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel founded in the 12th century.

What do Carmelite nuns eat?

What time do nuns go to bed?

17.00: Vespers, the fifth service of the day. After Vespers, the nuns would have a light supper. 19.00: Compline, the last service of the day. Following this, nuns would go straight to bed.

Can Carmelite nuns talk?

The nuns at the Quidenham Carmelite Monastery, in the depths of the Norfolk countryside, have dedicated themselves to a life of silent prayer. They don’t speak, except during short work periods, recreation time in the evening and during mass, when they sing and pray aloud.

Can you become a nun if you have had children?

Each faith and order sets its own requirements for those who want to become nuns. A woman who wants to become a Catholic nun, for example, must be at least 18 years old, be single, have no dependent children, and have no debts to be considered.

What do nuns do for fun?

3 Afternoon. From 1 to 2 p.m., nuns living within monasteries enjoy recreation. During this time they can play board games, go for walks or simply exchange stories and enjoy each others’ company. This hour of recreation is followed by an hour spent in silent prayer.

How much money do nuns make?

The salaries of Nuns in the US range from $24,370 to $69,940 , with a median salary of $41,890 . The middle 60% of Nuns makes $41,890, with the top 80% making $69,940.

Are nuns always celibate?

Aspiring nuns and monks are required to reject private property, marriage and biological family ties. Celibacy – abstinence from sexual relations – is implicit in the rejection of marriage and procreation and has always been central to the monastic ideal.