St. John of the Cross’ mystical theology led to a richer understanding of prayer, suffering and transcendence through Christ. His deep life of prayer and intense love for Christ are evident in all his works. The Dark Night of the Soul is one of his most famous works. He partnered with St. Teresa to found the Discalced Carmelites. 

St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, is arguably the most beloved modern saint and her teachings and writings are timeless lessons on how to love God. Her Little Way is a theology based on doing small things with great love.

St. Teresa of Avila, reformed the Order during the rise of Protestantism and despite the challenges of her time. St. Teresa is Foundress and Holy Mother of the Discalced Carmelites, as her reformed Order is called. She is the first of the four women Doctors of the Church.

 These 3 holy Saints of Carmel (and Doctors of the Church) all shared a life of interior union with God through prayer. Like all Carmelites, they lived under the spiritual motherhood and patronage of Mary, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Mary’s way of life is for the Carmelite, a model of being conformed to Christ.