Blessed Virgin Mary

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, the mother of God. The Carmelites are known for their devotion to the Mother of God. Mary serves as the patron saint of all Carmelites, watching over us with motherly care due to her role as the mother of Jesus Christ. Since the very beginning, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been our preeminent guide. Prophet Elijah saw the cloud as a symbol of the Virgin mentioned in the prophecies of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14).  Even the theologians see in that little cloud a figure of Mary.

The hermits who lived on Mount Carmel followed Elijah’s example and prayed for the advent of the much-awaited Virgin, who would become the mother of the Messiah. Mary, along with the Old Testament prophet, Elijah, is considered a spiritual founder of our Order.

For this reason the Carmelites were formally known as the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. Till date we place ourselves under her maternal protection. An ancient saying in the Carmelite Order states: Carmelus totus Marianus est, that is, "Carmel is totally Marian."

Devotion to Mary as Mother is a characteristic expression of Carmelite Spiritualty.