Le prime Costituzioni dell’Ordine Carmelitano

Abstract

The oldest text of the Carmelite constitutions that has come down to us is the one approved by the general chapter of London in 1281,  but almost certainly already in 1247, at the time the Rule was approved, the Carmelites already had constitutions. The article examines  and comments on it in the fundamental points with reference to the sources and context of contemporary religious life. The  well-known derivation of the Carmelite constitutions from those of the Friars Preachers is kept in mind to highlight the specifics  of Carmel as they were expressed by its own legislation. Some aspects are highlighted such as the question of the choice of places, the  forms and modalities of the apostolate, itinerancy and criminal law.