We, the Hermits of St. Mary of Carmel, are a semi-eremetical community, of Carmelite Hermits who live a hidden life, detached from the world.   Following the Primitive Rule of St. Albert, we live in silence and solitude, in imitation of the humble and simple life of the Mother of Nazareth. 

Ever since Old Testament times, when the holy Prophet of God, Elijah, slew the prophets of the false god on its heights, the holy mountain of Carmel has been seen and revered as the place where the worship of the only True God was defended and firmly established and also the place where communion with God could be sought and attained.  Tradition tells us that since the time of Elijah there have always been at least a few persons dwelling on Mt. Carmel who were dedicated to the continual seeking and worship of God.

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The geographic Mt. Carmel that we take our Carmelite name from is a mountain range along the Mediterranean in Israel. It is a green oasis surrounded by desert, hence, its name "Carmel" which means "the Garden of God" in Hebrew. The metaphorical Carmel is a way of life, our disposition as we make our spiritual path up Mt. Carmel.