CARMELITES (O.C.D.)
(ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES)
In Goa from 1620 till 1709, Again from 1939
Brief Historical Background:
The Carmelite Order was founded by a group of hermits residing on Mt. Carmel, in Palestine, in the early 13th century. They chose to dwell on the mount, after the example of Prophet Elijah. There, they built an oratory dedicated to Our Lady. Carmelites have since seen themselves as sons and daughters of Our Lady and reflect this in wearing the Brown Scapular. From about 1240, they began to move into Europe, where their order underwent some changes, moving from an eremitical life into becoming a mendicant order. In the 16th century, St. Teresa of Avila began a reform movement within the order. She desired to call the order back to a contemplative form of life. With the assistance of St. John of the Cross, she was able to spread the reform to the friars as well. Eventually the reform brought in a new branch of the order: the Discalced Carmelites.
Superior General:
Curia Generalizia O.C.D. – Corso d’Italia, 38-00198 ROMA (Italia) Tel: (0039) +06 – 85443244 Fax : (0039)+06-85350206 Email : ocdgen_en@pcn.net
Provincial Superior:
Sadbhavana, P.O.Box 5602, Rajajinagar, Bangalore 560 010 Tel: 080 23476402 Fax: 23476584 Email: ocdkgp@svnl.com