Constitutions of the Carmelite Order

Foundational sources for the Constitutions include the desert hermit vocation as exemplified in the life of the Prophet Elijah.

For the Carmelite the contemplative vocation is exemplified par excellence in the life of the Virgin Mary, beloved to the Order under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Additionally, the Carmelite Rule of St. Albert and the Book of the First Monks comprise fundamental points of reference in the life and spirituality of the Order.

The reform led by Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross restored Carmelite life with a new joy and asceticism.

The Carmels under the 1990 Constitutions, many of which are in Spain, are generally more traditional and fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Holy See.