On this day the Carmelite Order celebrates the memory of all its saints, those known and those unknown. Some of the most famous Carmelite saints include St. John of the Cross, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Therese of the Child Jesus (Thérèse of Lisieux), St. Albert of Jerusalem, St. Teresa of Jesus (of the Andes), St. Rafael of St. Joseph, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), and St. Simon Stock. The Carmelites have a very unique background. Unlike most Religious Orders, they have no founder. Earliest historical accounts find the first Carmelites already settled as Christian hermits on Mount Carmel - a mountainous ridge in Israel-Palestine - around the year 1200. The text known as the Rule of Saint Albert is the foundational document setting out the spirit in which all members of the Carmelite Family are invited to live 'in allegiance to Jesus Christ'. Although the shortest of all medieval 'rules', this text has proved to be full of wisdom and inspires thousands of Carmelites to this day. For more about these great saints, please click on the image. Peace be with you!