Why call ourselves Carmelite Monks? Haven’t Carmelites always been either hermits or friars? Isn’t this an innovative change or an aberration to the Carmelite charism? These are strong questions that deserve a good answer. We Wyoming Carmelites feel that we have a good reason to call ourselves Carmelite Monks.

Why call ourselves Carmelite “monks” compared to hermit

The term for monk is very ancient and is from the Greek μοναχός or the Latin monachus which both mean “single” or “solitary.” It was a very broad term for anyone who was set aside in chastity for the life of solitary prayer by way of vows. Included among monks in a more particular way are hermits, eremitae, which is what St. Albert calls the first hermits in the Carmelite Rule. The first hermits were types of solitaries who dwelt near the spring of Elias on Mt. Carmel. Each had an individual separate dwelling. Their cells were singular or singulas and also separate or separatas. The first hermits were clearly solitary in the way “monk” generally meant. They were more generally speaking monks.

The Carmelite Hermits were certainly called Carmelite Monks at various times. In the Institutions of the First Monks, the Carmelites were called monks. Regardless of the date of its authorship, whoever wrote it believed the ancient way of speaking about the Carmelites was as monks since this was an ancient term for their solitary life. In many ways, as Wyoming Carmelites we do claim to live a more ancient form of the Carmelite life in the sense that we live on a mountain like that of Carmel, near springs, in individual separate hermitages where we strive to meditate on the law of the Lord day and night.

Benefits to Wyoming Carmelites calling ourselves monks

One reason why we decided specifically to have a more monastic focus is in imitation of St. Teresa of Jesus. The great discalced Carmelite reformer wanted emphasis place on obedience, charity and manual labor. These are all elements of the communal life. Frankly, look at how St. Teresa’s way has produced saints! It is undeniable. Our Carmelite Monks live a very strong community life following St. Teresa since she stressed it would help religious become virtuous. The common life is the test of virtue.

The phrase of hermit today seems to more exclude this Teresian way of the communal life to a certain degree. Perhaps they will pray some of their divine office alone in their cell rather than together in community. Perhaps the hermits will eat in their cells, etc. That is why we as Wyoming Carmelites call ourselves Carmelite monks harkening back to the more general name of ancient solitaries, so as to stress that we pray and eat and work and recreate according to the common life solidified by St. Teresa.

So are we Wyoming Carmelites really just hermits calling ourselves monks? In as much as cloistered nuns also call themselves hermits. We strive to be alone in our souls with God throughout the day. Also this mountain we live on in Wyoming is very solitary. But considering the communal life we live that is very strong, I think we would just call ourselves Carmelite Monks.

You can learn more about us at our main website here: Wyoming Carmelites.