Simple Carmelite Crest
The simple shield is made up of a mountain in brown and three stars.
Simple Carmelite Crest—Explained
(1) The mountain is Mt. Carmel in Palestine where the Carmelite Order came into being. It was on Mt. Carmel that Elijah sought intimacy with God. (2) The lowest star represents the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Star of the Sea. (3) & (4) Two upper stars represent Elijah and Elisha.
The Carmelite Coat of Arms
In the Carmelite Coat of Arms all the elements of Elijah's double spirit are to be found.
The Carmelite Coat of Arms of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary
The left-hand portion of the shield is representative of the history, spirit and meaning of the Order. The right side has symbols representing the 3 countries where the Province is situated and a heart and monogram for the Province's dedication to the Most Pure Heart of Mary.
The Carmelite Coat of Arms of the Province of Saint Elias
This shield is divided into three parts: the left side portrays the history, spirit and meaning of the Order and the right signifies the province's sphere of activity and its Irish origins.
Simple Shield
The coat of arms of the Discalced Carmelite Order is similar to the O. Carm. shield, except for the fact that the mountain evolves into a cross at its tip.
Stained Glass Window with Carmelite Crest
The basic elements are present: the 12 stars surrounding the shield, the crown (Queen of Carmel), Mount Carmel, and the three stars. The banner proclaims "Maria, Regina Carmeli [Mary, Queen of Carmel]."
Carmelite Crest
The makeup of the Carmelite crest appeared for the first time towards the end of the 15th century, in 1499. We invite you to read the excellent description of this crest on the Carmelite Web Site at
www.ocarm.org/eng/scudoeng.htm. It includes details about the mountain, the stars, the crown and more.
Carmelite Monastery at Notting Hill
This shield from the
Carmelite Monastery at Notting Hill is particularly beautiful. It strongly represents the Carmelite motto: "I have been most zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts." (1 Kings 19:14)
Coat of Arms — The Carmel of the Divine Heart of Jesus, Northern Province
The brown field represents humility and penance, the silver star in the center stands for the living members of the Carmel who are striving to practice these virtues. The white field is Mary. The two golden stars are the saints of Carmel of the old and the new law; Holy Mother Teresa added the cross to inspire her daughters to love the cross of Jesus. The stars above the crown symbolize the virtues of Mary. The arm and hand of the prophet Elias wields the sword of his ardor. The wreath of thorns are the sufferings that the Church must endure because of the sins of her members.
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Variety of Carmelite Crests and Shields
Represented above are a variety of Carmelite crests, coats of arms and shields from schools, religious societies, and Carmelite web sites. Can you identify all the symbols?
