Carmelite Spirituality
Interior Life Foundations
The core of Carmelite spirituality is a journey of the heart.
The Carmelite way of life is a prophetic vocation, which, in the light of the prophet Elijah’s example (1Kings 19), means living in the presence of God and bearing witness to him. It is a combination of a life of union with God and a life of apostolic activity. In addition, Carmel belongs totally to Mary: Devotion to Mary as Mother and as a “sister in the faith” is characteristic of Carmelites.
"Communing with God in prayer is the direct path to holiness" according to St. Teresa of Avila. She speaks in her autobiography about this interior relationship with Christ, "That no one ever took Him for His friend that was not amply rewarded; for mental prayer is nothing else, in my opinion, but being on terms of friendship with God, frequently conversing in secret with Him Who we know loves us."
Through conversing with Our Lord and His Blessed Mother in personal prayer, the soul becomes more like them by the graces they give when communing with them. Over a life time of mental prayer, the soul is conformed more and more to God by its communing with God.
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Progress in Union with God is proved by virtue and love for one's neighbor. St. Teresa explains, "The best sign that any one has made progress is that she thinks herself the last of all and proves it by her behavior, and that she aims at the well being of others in all that she does. This is the true test - not sweetness in prayer." Perfect conformity to God is about perfect love of God and of neighbor, and the proof of this love is in the love a soul has for others". (An excerpt from https://www.carmelitemonks.org/)
Below are images of key figures (the first four historical and the fifth a contemporary) who dedicated themselves and lived the Carmelite Way as monastics, spiritual leaders, reformers, and writers. The intent of the Radical Love apostolate is not for individuals to become monastics but to live in a Carmelite way, through the heart of Jesus, by employing a daily prayer/meditation practice to open our hearts to Jesus and living from that in the world. Click the name of each Carmelite for information on their lives.
“It is certain that the love of God does not consist in experiencing sweetness or tenderness of heart but in truly serving God in justice, strength, and humility."
St. Teresa of Avila
“Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful, and loving infusion of God, which if admitted, will set the soul on fire with the Spirit of love.”
St. John of the Cross
“This, then, is what I think about the Justice of God; my own way is all confidence and love, and I cannot understand those souls who are afraid of so affectionate a Friend.
St. Therese of Lisieux
“Each woman who lives in the light of eternity can fulfill her vocation, no matter if it is in marriage, in a religious order, or in a worldly profession.”
St. Teresa Benedict of the Cross (Edith Stein)