The Belfast Carmelites
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Carmelite spirituality is first, Christian spirituality. Carmelites pursue a life that is "consistent with the presence of the Spirit of the Risen Christ within us and with our status as members of the Body of Christ."
The distinctive Carmelite expression of our way of life might be summarized as our desire to "live in allegience to Jesus Christ," "to be zealous for the Lord", and to "meditate day and night on the Lord."
The Carmelite perspective on spiritual growth is strongly influenced by the writings of St. Tereas of Avila and St. John of the Cross.
May these insights inspire your own pursuit of and growth in prayer.
Carmelites have long considered themselves, "Our Lady's Order." From the very beginning, Carmelites have placed themselves under her patronage as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The Carmelite devotion to Mary lends a special character to our Order's spirituality. The well known Catholic apologist, James Akin explains Mary's role in the Catholic faith. You can also read a devotional perspective on Mary in a chapter by the well-known theologian, Rev. William G. Most. If you are motivated, you can read his entire on-line book Mary in our Life (Nihil Obstat: Ernestus P. Ament, Censor Deputatus; Imprimatur: + Leo Binz, Archiepiscopus Dubuquensis, Die 9 Aprilis 1959.)(c) Copyright 1954, 1955, 1959 by P. J. Kenedy & Sons).
cultivating a life of prayer and to sustain it.
St. Teresa wrote prolifically about her experience of mystical growth in her loving relationship with God. At this link, you can read select passages from her autobiography describing her understanding of different types of prayer and her experience of increasing intimacy with God. This link discusses:
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