MT. CARMEL COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO, INC.
(Formerly Father Urios High School)
Brgy. 3, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
E-mail: mccsf.registraroffice@gmail.com
Instructor: Mr. Mithy Layos
Reporter: Maricho Bandibas | Sweetcil Jean Felipe | Regina Royo | Aljhun Butron
Course: CARMELIAN EDUCATION
CONCEPT # 5: THE CARMELITE FAMILY
The Carmelites, conscious of being part of the Church and of history, established in close
collaboration: communities of cloistered nuns, Congregations of sisters, Consecrated Lay people,
numerous groups of Third Order Lay members, and Confraternities of the Scapular of Our Lady
Mt. Carmel. All these groups, born of the spirit throughout the centuries, and inspired by the
Carmelite Rule are intimately united by the bond of love, of spirituality and, of the communion
of spiritual goods. They constitute the Carmelite Family in the church in response to their
commitment to evangelization in houses of prayer, centers for spiritual exercises, parishes,
Marian Sanctuaries, schools, and religious associations; to Justice and Peace wherever human
dignity is trodden underfoot, especially among the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering.
The Carmelite Family encompasses a diverse community within the Catholic Church,
originating from the Order of Carmelites, which was founded in the early 1200s on Mount
Carmel in Palestine. The Order is characterized by its commitment to a contemplative life,
inspired by the prophet Elijah and the Virgin Mary, and is composed of various sectors including
lay people, religious men and women, and cloistered nuns.
Origins and Structure
The Carmelite Order began as a group of hermits who sought to live a life of solitude and
prayer, following the example of Elijah. They established a chapel dedicated to the Blessed
Virgin Mary and adhered to a rule of life written by St. Albert, Patriarch of Jerusalem, between
1206 and 1214. This rule emphasized community living, prayer, and service to others, which
remains central to Carmelite spirituality today.
Structure of the Carmelite Family:
1. Carmelite Friars: These men live a life of community and service, engaging in various
ministries such as preaching, teaching, and social justice work. They follow the Rule of
St. Albert and are dedicated to living in allegiance to Jesus Christ.
2. Carmelite Nuns: Founded in the 15th century, these cloistered women focus on a life of
prayer and contemplation, embodying the Carmelite charism in a more secluded
environment.
3. Carmelite Sisters: Various congregations of sisters exist, each with unique missions but
united in their Carmelite spirituality. They often engage in educational and healthcare
ministries.
4. Lay Carmelites: Also known as the Third Order, these individuals incorporate Carmelite
spirituality into their daily lives, often forming communities that support one another in
their spiritual journeys.
Spirituality and Charism
Carmelite spirituality is grounded in the pursuit of a deep relationship with God through
prayer, contemplation, and community. The Rule of St. Albert serves as a guiding framework,
emphasizing a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ. The community aspect is vital, as members
believe that personal growth occurs through relationships and shared experiences.
The Carmelite Family also celebrates a strong Marian devotion, recognizing Mary as a
central figure in their spirituality. This devotion is reflected in their practices and the annual
celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16.
Core Values
The Carmelite Family is guided by several core values:
Joy: Members strive to reflect joy in their lives, seeing it as a manifestation of the Holy
Spirit.
Authenticity: Being true to oneself and expressing one's genuine self is fundamental to
Carmelite life.
Total Commitment: Trusting in Divine Providence and being open to God's will is a
hallmark of Carmelite spirituality.
Family Spirit: The sense of community and mutual support is essential, fostering unity
and love among members.
Modern Developments
In the contemporary context, the Carmelite Family continues to evolve, with various
expressions of lay and religious life. The two main branches are the Carmelites of the Ancient
Observance (O.Carm.) and the Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.), each maintaining distinct
traditions while sharing a common heritage. The Carmelite Family is active worldwide,
participating in diverse ministries aimed at building the Kingdom of God and addressing social
justice issues.
Some notable contributors to the Carmelite Family include:
Saints and Blessed
St. Teresa of Ávila: A 16th-century Carmelite nun who initiated a reform of the Order,
emphasizing a more austere and contemplative lifestyle. She is a Doctor of the Church
and a patron saint of the Carmelite Family.
St. John of the Cross: A contemporary of St. Teresa, he collaborated with her in the
Carmelite reform and is known for his profound mystical writings. He is also a Doctor of
the Church.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux: A 19th-century Carmelite nun, known as the "Little Flower,"
who lived a life of simplicity and trust in God. She is a patron saint of the Carmelite
Family.
Founders and Reformers
St. Albert of Jerusalem: The Patriarch of Jerusalem who wrote the Rule of Life for the
early Carmelite hermits in the 13th century, providing a framework for their spiritual
journey.
Venerable Mother Luisita: The foundress of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred
Heart of Los Angeles, who emphasized the core values of joy, authenticity, total
commitment, and family spirit.
Lay Members
Carmelite Tertiaries: Lay people who incorporate Carmelite spirituality into their daily
lives, often forming communities that support one another in their spiritual journeys.
Carmelite Spirituality Groups: Lay people who follow the Carmelite way in the
ordinary circumstances of everyday life, enriching the life of Carmel with their growth
and diversity.
These individuals, along with others, have contributed to the Carmelite Family's spiritual
heritage, serving as models of faith, prayer, and service to the Church and the world.
