We embrace an eight century contemplative, prophetic tradition of Gospel living, patterned on the Carmelite Rule and inspired by Elijah and Mary. As contemplatives, we seek to live consciously in the presence of God and to affirm and challenge one another by living a prayerful life in common. As prophets, we walk with people, announcing God's presence, denouncing oppression, and promoting the well being of the human family, as we serve in pastoral, educational, spiritual, and other creative ministries in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Peru. The elements of the Carmelite crest appeared toward the end of the 15th century on the cover of a book about the life of St. Albert. The elements we have chosen for our shield have some of the same characteristics as that historic crest. The mountain refers to Mount Carmel, our place of origin, now in Haifa, Israel. The stars represent us as Carmelites. The lower star is those still on the way to the top of the mountain. The other two stars represent Carmelites who have ended their journey. A crown of gold represents the kingdom of God. The hand bearing a sword reminds us of Elijah holding the fiery sword and the banner reading "I am on fire with zeal for the Lord God of hosts." (1Kings 19:10) The Marian nature of the Order is symbolized by the background of blue, a color typically associated with Mary.