The hermits choice of Mount Carmel was logical: it had caves, water and a variety of fruit trees.  The name ‘Carmel’ means orchard or vineyard.  The mountain is closely associated with the life of the Prophet Elijah and the hermits took him as their model and inspiration.  They tried to live “as Elijah in the presence of God.” 

The hermits built a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady. The hermits themselves seem to have lived in caves in the hills.  About the year 1210, they approached Albert, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, to ask him for a “formula of life” to guide them.  Albert gave them a Rule of Life, which received the approval of Pope Honorius in 1226.  The hermits were known as The Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, or Carmelites.