Carmelite Hermits of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Hermits of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel were founded in 1987 as an eremitical community of Carmelites within the ancient Order of Carmel. We lead a semi-eremitical, semi-communal form of life, based upon the Carmelite Rule and the spiritual teaching of the saints of Carmel.
By means of prayer and silence, stillness and solitude, we seek a participation in the life of the indwelling Holy Trinity. Gathering the faculties of the soul to employ them in the unceasing remembrance of God and the work of love, we attempt to fulfill the admonition of Sacred Scripture to pray always (Lk. 18:1 and 1 Thes. 5:17). As far as possible, we support ourselves by the labor of our hands and minds. We lead a simple life; our treasures are spiritual not material, yet our life is wholesome, nourishing body, mind, and spirit.
Each member of our community spends part of his day in the solitude of his hermitage. We come together as a community for the liturgy, meals and an hour of recreation during which the silence is lifted and we enjoy the company and conversation of one another. A greater degree of solitude is permitted to experienced members of the community.
-from their website
Contact:
Carmelite Hermitage
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8249 de Montreville Trail
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
vocation@carmelitehermitage.org
www.carmelitehermitage.org
Professed Members: Contact for more information
Year Founded: 1987
Archdiocese: St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN
Qualifications: Contact for more information
Formation: After initial correspondence, a visit to the hermitage is arranged. A simple application process precedes postulancy, which begins on the day of entrance and lasts for six months to one year. At the end of this period, the postulant receives the Carmelite habit and a new name. He then begins a two year novitiate. Upon successful completion of this program of formation, the novice makes vows of obedience, chastity and poverty, first for three years, and then for life.
Age range/limit: 20-40
Belated vocations? Contact for more information