Karmeliter

Carmelites, Catholic contemplative order, originated at the end of the 12^th century. A mendicant order since 1247, the Carmelites, have been divided into two branches since the 16^th century, the Reformed or Discalced ("unshod") Carmelites, who wear sandals in place of shoes and stockings, and the older branch, or "shod" Carmelites. The reformed branch of the order came to Austria at the beginning of the 17^th century. (Vienna: 1622, Graz: 1629, Linz: 1674, Mannersdorf Hermitage: 1654). As of 1994 there were Discalced Carmelites in Vienna, Lower Austria (Mayerling, Jeutendorf/Municipality of Böheimkirchen), Upper Austria (Linz, Gmunden),Tyrol (Innsbruck, Rankweil), Styria (Graz, Bärnbach, Mariazell), and Carinthia (St. Michael near Wolfsberg). The Order of Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel, with 22 convents (Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Styria, mother house in Linz), the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (mother house in Vienna), and the Carmelite Sisters of the Child Jesus (priory in Poland) combined a contemplative way of life with activities and charitable works within society.