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In the 11th Century a group of Latin Rite hermits began living on Mount
Carmel in Palestine, following the example of the Prophet Elias who had
lived there himself, many centuries before. In time these people of
prayer became known as "the hermits of St. Mary of Mount Carmel." Their
life was marked by poverty, manual work, silence, simple liturgical
prayer, and solitude. Because of Muslim victories in the Holy Land, the
hermits eventually moved to England and other European countries, where
they became the Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church.
Mary, herself, was a
contemplative person. Perhaps this is the reason the first hermits of Mt.
Carmel placed themselves under her patronage. This icon of our Lady of
Mt. Carmel combines both Byzantine and Latin elements, like the early
history of the Carmelites. In her right hand, Mary holds the brown
Carmelite scapular. |
