“Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee….” These words of St Augustine, best explain the inner thirst of every person. Through the human history we find people in various religions going in search of God or God experience. This phenomenon continues even today (even in this consumeristic society) … for our hearts are ….

Elijah the famous Prophet of the Old Testament, is the prime example of one who was burning with love for God and was in search … “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts,” he said (1 Kg 19:10). On Mount Carmel, he encountered God who revealed Himself through the sound of sheer silence (1Kg 19:12). Under his inspiration and the mantle of our mother, Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Carmelites world over have been dedicating their life to experience the Living God and proclaim His message to the world in the footsteps of Elijah.

The Carmelite Order was born in the 12th Century on Mount Carmel in Israel, when the pilgrims and crusaders retired to the Holy Mountain in search of the inner quiet and peace. They called themselves the sons of Prophet Elijah and brothers of Our Lady of Mt Carmel. Thus began a systematic search for the union with the God.

St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross, the two mystical Doctors of the Church who are the best guides to the union with this Living God brought renewal into this Order which has contributed a number of Saints and Blesseds to the Church. St Therese of Lisieux (Little Flower), St Edith Stein, Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, Blessed May Baourdy … are some of them.

The goal of every Carmelite is union with God, through their contemplative and apostolic activity (mission). Of course the latter being the fruit of the former. Silence, retirement, mortification are the ways in which the Carmelite attains his goal of experiencing the Living God. The call of every Christian is to be holy/perfect (Mt 5:48). Carmel strives with all its energy to actualize this call.

In a world filled with noise, God calls you through Carmel to retire to the inner chamber of your heart in silence and bear witness to him realize your call.

Do you want to lead a life centred on prayer and contemplation, lived in a community of brotherhood and spent in the missionary and charitable activities? Carmel extends you a red carpet welcome.

Contact us:

Fr. Deep Fernandes OCD
The Vocation Promotor
Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte
Kulshekar Post, Mangalore – 575 005
Email: carmelgudo@gmail.com
Ph: 9480660755