This new group was launched on 28th March 2015, with the approval of Bishop John Fleming, and includes people from different backgrounds ages and nationalities. Laymen stayed on Mt. Carmel after the Crusades to become hermits in a community whose Rule’s central tenet was “to meditate on the Law of the Lord night and day.” Later Carmelite saints were born with their passion for an even more direct and intimate experience of God. Saints Teresa and John of the Cross were given real divine touches that transformed them, as well as the know-how to bring others along, leaving rich guidance for today’s want-to-be contemplatives. They meet three times a year, usually February, May, and in the Fall. Some need to keep in touch mostly via the website.

Our cultural individualism leaves us longing for belonging. For friends. For something bigger than our own small world. Friends in Christ. Communion. We become friends by being willing to share the journey, inspire one another with the help we have found, trying to live a personal Rule of Life, and praying with and for one another.

Friends of Carmel at the Holy Well near Holy Hill Hermitage
Friends of Carmel Retreat Day