The Carmelite tradition is an ancient one, going back in spirit to
the Prophet Elijah and to his disciple, Elisha, who received his
mantle and his "double spirit," the two-fold spirit of
contemplation and apostolic zeal.
The words of Elijah -- "With zeal have I been zealous for the
Lord God of Hosts" -- have become the Carmelite motto. It was not
until 1209, however, that St. Albert, Bishop of Jerusalem, gave the
hermits of Mount Carmel a formal rule of life.
These first hermits dedicated a little chapel to the Blessed Virgin
Mary on Mount Carmel, undertaking the obligation of living the
evangelical counsels in allegiance to Christ and His Virgin Mother.
When the hermits came to Europe during the Middle Ages,
certain
adaptations were made to fit the European social structure.
I
EARLY TRADITION