← [[session-07-asp|Understanding the Carmelite Charism of Prayer]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[session-09-asp|Apostolate — Charism of Prayer]] → # Brief History of the Discalced Carmelite Charism of Prayer Side note: This session’s focus is on the history of our charism, as opposed to the history of the Order. Our Constitutions remind us that our identity, values, and commitment date from the biblical tradition of Elijah to our Blessed Mother Mary and the Rule of St. Albert. Required Reading: Constitutions, articles: 1-8; Constitutions art. 29-31a; Carmelite Spirituality in the Teresian Tradition, pgs. 13-16 and 34-68 Essential points to discuss: • “Elijah represents the prophetical tradition of Carmel and in an inspiration to live in the presence of God, seeking Him in solitude and silence with zeal for God’s glory.” • The Virgin Mary is present in a special way, most of all as a model of faithfulness in listening to the Lord and in service to Him and to others. • The hermits of Mount Carmel and the Rule of St. Albert. The Rule of St. Albert is the original expression of the spirituality of Carmel. • Legacy of Teresa and John - interpreters of the Carmelite Charism. St. Teresa: “The style of life we aim to follow is not that of nuns but of hermits.” The origin of the Discalced Carmelites is to be found in St. Teresa of Jesus. St. John of the Cross was the companion of St. Teresa in the formation of the Discalced Carmelite Order. • Modern contribution to the Carmelite Charism– St. Therese of Child Jesus. • Other Carmelite saints • “The great Teresian Carmelite family is present in the world in many forms. The nucleus of the family is the Order of Discalced Carmelites: the friars, the enclosed nuns, and seculars. It is the one Order with the same Charism” (Const. Preface). 13 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).