Community is at the core of Carmelite life. The first Carmelites were inspired by the image of the early Church in Jerusalem presented in the Acts of the Apostles. – the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and nobody claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common (Acts 4:32).
In the Carmelite Rule, drawn up for those early Carmelites who lived on Mount Carmel, we read of a common refectory, common ownership and daily gathering for prayer and Eucharist (Rule 7, 12, 10, 14).
Carmelites are called to live as members of a community. They seek God not as isolated individuals but as brothers who are committed to supporting one another in prayer and in the service of other people. Living in community involves close personal interaction on a daily basis which helps each member to grow as a human being.
James is 24 years old and originally from Granard, Co. Longford: I joined the Order in 2007 as a novice coming from a background in Musical performance and Youth ministry. Having completed by novitiate in Aylesford, Kent, I was professed on August 31st 2008 at Gort Muire where I am now a member of the community. I am studying philosophy at NUI Maynooth. Since joining the Order I have been the opportunity to continue my love of all things musical. While in Aylesford I produced an album and DVD of music and Song for the British Province of Carmelites; ‘Timeless Echoes’ tries to open the sights and sounds of the Carmelite way of life to a wider audience.