The Carmelite Logo.
The design of the logo is connected with the Prophet Elijah. The Carmelites trace their origin to the hermits who lived `in the spirit of Elijah` on Mount Carmel in the 12th century.
The peak or point in the centre of the shield is taken to represent Mount Carmel, the scene of the Prophet`s greatest triumph over the false prophets of Baal and the dwelling place of the followers of Elijah.
The star in the lower part symbolizes Elijah and the two stars above it represent Christ and Mary.
The sword symbolizes the power and zeal of Elijah. In the scripture Elijah appears again and again as God`s Prophet, speaking out boldly against abuses and reminding the Israelites of their special calling to live as God`s people. The sword is sometimes shown as flaming, to suggest the ardent and zealous spirit of the prophet. ( cf. 1 Kings 18:20ff. Ecclesiasticus 48;1) – Around the crest are grouped twelve stars.
The number is meant to refer to the crown of the woman in the Book of Revelation who has always been taken as a figure of Our Lady (Revelation 12:1). – The motto or legend consists of the words of Elijah (1 Kings 19:10 “With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord God of hosts” “Zelo zealatus sum pro Domino Deo exercituum”). These words express the whole life of the Prophet Elijah, the very spirit that moved him.
The Spirit of Elijah.
Elijah displayed remarkable courage and zeal, he showed himself to be a true servant of the Lord. Elijah, the man of God, the zealous servant, has left his mark on salvation history. He is venerated by Christians, Jews and Moslems. From the origins of the Order on Mount Carmel at the dawn of the 13th century, the Order has venerated Elijah as its model, he belongs to the `roots of the Order`.
Elijah and Mary.
The two inspiring figures of the Order. Elijah and Mary. The relationship between the first Carmelites and the Prophet Elijah and the Virgin Mary is more than just a relationship of name – it is a similarity of ways of life with the two figures. Living with a prophetic heritage, modelled on the Prophet Elijah and the Virgin Mary. Elijah – a man of God, ready to serve.
Mary – a listener, open to the Word and a model for our lives. The Prophet Elijah burnt with zeal for the Lord, cf. 1 Kings 19:10 and made his way to Mount Horeb, and even though he was tired, he continued to walk on until he reached his goal. Only at the end of his somewhat difficult journey did he meet the Lord in the murmuring of a gentle breeze, cf. 1 Kings 19:1-18.
Looking to him as an example, the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel understand more profoundly that only the one who has trained himself to listen to God and to interpret the signs of the times can meet God and recognise Him in the events of daily life. God speaks in many ways, even in ways which can seem insignificant.