Association of British Contemplatives Directory

The Order of Carmel traces its origin to Mount Carmel in the Holy land, and a group of hermits who lived there in the 12th century. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was a foundational aspect of their spirituality.

In 16th century Spain the order was renewed and enriched by St Teresa of Jesus, who gave a strongly apostolic and ecclesial thrust to its strictly contemplative life of prayer. The modern Carmelite aims to achieve a balance between eremitical solitude and silence on the one hand, and a profoundly evangelical community life on the other - a life which is rooted in the Word of God and supported by the daily work of her hands, whilst she lovingly holds the needs of the whole world in her prayer.

There are several Carmelite Monasteries for nuns in Great Britain, and further details may be obtained by contacting any one of them.

See the website of the Association of British Carmels: http://www.carmelnuns.org.uk, which also has links to the individual monasteries.