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We, at Baltimore Carmel, are Discalced Carmelite women and members of the Carmelite Communities Associated, one of a nation-wide groups within the world-wide family of Carmelite nuns and friars.
Carmel is as old as the twelfth century hermits who inhabited the caves of ancient Palestine and as new as the longing for more that stirs in your heart today. Its mission is to be a prophetic presence in the world that awakens and supports the realization of the life of God in all people and in all creation. Its way is contemplative prayer.
Rooted in an ancient Order inspired by the prophet Elijah and reformed by St. Teresa of Avila, our Carmel is built on a foundation of continual prayer, silence, solitude, community, and selective presence to the world. Through solitary and communal prayer, we hope to touch all people with the healing and renewing power of God's love.
Called by God to live together in Christian community, and blessed with the example of Mary, who pondered on the Word of God in her heart, we endeavor to live according to gospel values.
The vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience offer the freedom to live these values in a deeper way, challenging us to approach all creation with reverence, treasuring human relationships, and respecting one another through cooperative effort to live in creative harmony.
While Carmelites know well the everyday ups and downs of living together, our day is enriched by the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, solitude, spiritual reading, work, two hours of silent prayer, leisure and a simplicity of life that supports contemplative prayer.
Along with scripture and contemporary writings, the works of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Edith Stein are powerful aids to fidelity. The Rule of Carmel would have us "meditate day and night on the law of the Lord unless otherwise justly employed." This translates into our endeavor to remain conscious of God's presence in all we do and in our relationships with others.
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