Nestled atop the picturesque slopes of Mount Carmel, the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery is a haven of tranquility and spirituality in Haifa. This revered religious site holds deep significance for both pilgrims and visitors seeking a serene retreat amidst the beauty of nature.
History and Significance of Stella Maris
In the 12th century, during the Kingdom of Jerusalem rule of the region, groups of religious hermits began to inhabit the caves of this area in imitation of Elijah the Prophet. In the early 13th century, their leader and prior (referred to in the rule only as ‘Brother B’, although sometimes claimed despite an absence of supporting evidence to be either Saint Brocard or Saint Bertold) asked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Albert Avogadro, to provide the group with a written rule of life, which he did.
This was the originating act of the Order, which took the name ‘Order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel’ or Carmelites. An oratory was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in her aspect of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, the latter part of which translates in Latin to Stella Maris. Within a few decades, when the capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, Acre, fell in 1291 to the Mamluks, these monastic hermits were forced to leave the Holy Land. The Carmelite order spread throughout Europe, where, from 1238 onwards, the Order had begun to find houses — at the end of Saint Louis’ first crusade to the Holy Land in 1254, he had taken six Carmelites back to France with him.
In 1631 the Discalced branch of the Order returned to the Holy Land, led by the Venerable Father Prosper. He had a small monastery constructed on the promontory at Mount Carmel, and the friars lived there until 1761, when Zahir al-Umar, the then effectively independent ruler of Galilee, ordered them to vacate the site and demolish the monastery.
The Order then moved to the present location, which is directly above the grotto where the prophet Elijah is said to have lived. Here they built a large church and monastery, first clearing the site of the ruins of a medieval Greek church, known as “the Abbey of St. Margaret” and a chapel, thought to date back to the time of the Byzantine Empire.
This new church was seriously damaged in Napoleon’s 1799 campaign. Sick and wounded French soldiers were accommodated in the monastery, and when Napoleon withdrew, the Turks slaughtered them and drove out the friars.
In 1821, Abdullah Pasha of Acre ordered the ruined church to be totally destroyed, so that it could not serve as a fort for his enemies, while he attacked Jerusalem.
The current church and monastery, built under the orders of Brother Cassini of the Order, was opened in 1836. Three years later Pope Gregory XVI bestowed the title of Minor Basilica on the sanctuary, and it is now known as “Stella Maris”, meaning Star of the Sea. For much of the 20th century it was occupied by the military, first the British, and later the Israelis, but at the end of their lease it was handed back to the Order.
Architectural Beauty and Surroundings
The Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery features a combination of architectural styles that have evolved over the centuries. Its striking facade, adorned with arched windows and a central bell tower, exudes a sense of timelessness.
The monastery serves as a center of Carmelite spirituality throughout the world. The symbol of the Order is mounted right above the entrance door. During the erection of the church, friars were assaulted by their neighbors and had to defend their property and the church guests. As a result, the monastery’s ground floor is built out of thick walls with few small openings covered by bars.
As you step inside the monastery, you’ll be greeted by peaceful courtyards, well-tended gardens, and a serene atmosphere conducive to contemplation. The interior of the monastery is adorned with religious artworks, intricate mosaics, and sacred symbols, creating a space of reverence and spiritual connection.
The monastery’s main church resembles the shape of a cross. Its dome is decorated by colorful paintings based on motifs from both the Old and New Testament: Elijah rising to heaven, David stringing his harp, the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Family, and the Four Evangelists. Latin inscriptions of biblical verses are written around the dome.
The altar stands on an elevated platform situated above a small cave associated with Elijah. The cave can be reached from the nave by descending a few steps and holds a stone altar with a small statue of Prophet Elijah. The altar above the cave is dominated by a statue of the Virgin Mary carrying Jesus in her lap and holding the Scapular in her right hand, known as Our Lady of the Scapular. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the patroness of the Carmelites, and as such is known as “Our Lady of Mount Carmel”.
Highlights and Points of Interest
Elijah’s Cave: Within the monastery complex, you’ll find the revered Elijah’s Cave, a holy site mentioned in religious texts. It is believed to be the place where the prophet Elijah sought refuge and encountered a divine presence. The cave is a site of pilgrimage for believers and offers a serene space for prayer and reflection.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel: Visit the chapel, adorned with stunning religious artwork and a beautiful altar. The chapel offers a tranquil space for prayer and contemplation, inviting visitors to find solace and connect with their spiritual beliefs.
Panoramic Views: One of the highlights of the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery is the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. From the monastery grounds, you can gaze upon the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Haifa, and the surrounding lush landscape of Mount Carmel. It’s a truly awe-inspiring vista that invites moments of awe and appreciation.
Practical Tips for Visiting Stella Maris
Dress Code: As a place of worship, it is respectful to dress modestly when visiting the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. Both men and women should have their shoulders covered, and shorts or skirts should be below the knee.
Silence and Reverence: The monastery is a space for prayer and contemplation, so maintaining a peaceful and respectful demeanor is important. Keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of others who may be engaged in prayer or meditation.
Opening Hours: The Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery is generally open to visitors throughout the day. However, it’s recommended to check the specific opening hours, as they may vary. Guided tours may also be available to enhance your understanding of the site’s historical and religious significance.
Donation: Consider making a donation to support the upkeep and maintenance of the monastery. These contributions contribute to the preservation of this sacred space and enable future visitors to continue experiencing its beauty and tranquility.
Conclusion: A Spiritual Retreat on Mount Carmel
A visit to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery offers a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection, tranquility, and a deeper connection with one’s faith. The monastery’s historical significance, architectural beauty, and stunning surroundings create an atmosphere of serenity and peace.
Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking solace, a spiritual seeker on a quest for inner harmony, or simply a visitor drawn to the monastery’s spiritual allure, the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery invites you to step into a realm of quiet contemplation, where the beauty of faith and the splendor of nature converge.
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