CARMELITE FRIARS NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCE OF SAINT ELIAS
THE RULE OF SAINT ALBERT
As journeymen from various walks of life, these men gathered close to the spring of the great prophet Elijah. Mount Carmel, a legendary mountain range, was under the jurisdiction of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, St. Albert Avogadro (1149-1214), a priest of the Canons Regular and a canon lawyer. The brothers asked for his help. The rule was written around 1208, and given to the brothers as a way of life recognized officially by the Church. In 1247 Pope Innocent IV made a few changes that allowed the brothers to adapt to living in cities as they migrated to Europe. Along with Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustinians, the Carmelites became part of what is now referred to as the mendicant movement. This movement consisted of men who lived out lives consecrated to God. These holy men were officially recognized by the Church and given the freedom to cultivate a particular spirituality or Charism.