The Carmelite Order is a Roman Catholic religious order founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel in Israel. It emphasizes a life of prayer, contemplation, and community. Members, known as Carmelites, seek to deepen their relationship with God through silence, meditation, and the practice of virtues. Carmelites follow the Rule of St. Albert, which guides their spiritual life and communal living. The order has both active and contemplative branches, with some members engaging in pastoral work while others focus solely on prayer and solitude. Notable figures in the order include St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.