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Early Christianity viewed Elijah as the father of monasticism, and from that time hermits who sought God’s presence in solitude lived on Mount Carmel. Carmelites started as a group of hermits who around 1200 inhabited the Carmel mountain area. They wished to lead a life like that of Elijah, the exemplary solitary one. By physically experiencing his solitude on Mount Carmel they hoped to attain contact with the same God before whose face he stood.

"There came a might wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before Yahweh. But Yahweh was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But Yahweh was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentler breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave." 1 Kings 10:11-13

Click the image for a full size version Written by the hand of Christine Simoneau Hales www.christinehales.com

In the prophet Elijah, whom Sacred Scripture presents on the summit of Mount Carmel in profound prayer, burning with zeal for the glory of God and living continually in his presence, (1 Kings 18:36,37). Carmelites recognize the inspiration of their life, dedicated to contemplation in solitude. Elijah accomplishes his work and disappears "leaving behind him a spiritual following". (2 Kings 2:15,16)