Rooted in a 800-Year Tradition
The Carmelite tradition has centered on prayer, contemplation, and simplicity of life since the 13th century. The Canadian Carmelite Charitable Society (CCCS) carries that tradition forward today — through charitable work across Canada, and through supported initiatives in India and Africa.
CCCS is aligned with the International Carmelite Order, which focuses on charitable works such as orphanages, social services, medical supplies, and education. The International Carmelite Order’s efforts are concentrated in Kenya, Tanzania, and the west coast region of India, including Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
Carmelite saints include: St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Avila. We've posted some quotes from each of them for your contemplation and meditation: click on the image below.
In western Canada CCCS has spiritual facilities in British Columbia, and Alberta; actively engage in charitable programs and activities including: feeding the outcast and hungry, youth and senior support programs, and provision of retreats and providing opportunities for spiritual guidance and learning at two monasteries that offer tranquil natural surroundings, comfortable accommodation and meeting facilities to suit both small and larger groups.
The Discalced Carmelites began as hermits on Mount Carmel in the 12th century. St. Albert provided them with a Rule of Life around 1210. In 1562, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross reformed the Carmelite Order, emphasizing simplicity, community, and contemplation.
Devoted to the Virgin Mary, Discalced Carmelites lead a contemplative life of prayer and sacrifice. Nuns live in cloistered monasteries, while friars engage with communities through churches and retreat centers. Lay members (OCDS) integrate this spirituality into their daily lives.
Run by the Discalced Carmelites, who follow structured procedures to fulfill the purposes as outlined in our governing documents. The Discalced Carmelites are a Roman Catholic religious community of friars, nuns, priests, and lay people serving the church by living a life of prayer and ministry. They are also known as barefoot Carmelites because of the sandals they wear.
Why Mount Carmel
In 2017, CCCS acquired a rural property near Stony Plain, Alberta with a vision: a modern monastic facility where anyone — clergy, religious, and laypeople alike — could step away from daily life and into a space built for prayer, meditation, contemplation, and learning.
This slideshow captures the period of transition...
Thus the vision became Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre, which opened its doors in July 2024. Made possible through the generosity of a founding donor, the Centre now needs the ongoing support of a wider community to sustain it for the decades ahead.
What You'll Find Here
- Over 23,000 sq. ft. for the worship area, side chapel, admin and meeting rooms
- Chapel seating for 220, with overflow area for 185+
- Over 25,000 sq. ft. of comfortable, modern guest rooms (2 beds each) with ensuite bathroom/shower
- Underground parking for 56 vehicles (some with EV chargers). Surface parking for 3 buses and 100 cars
- Dedicated meeting and gathering spaces: 4 retreat "break-out" meeting rooms
- Kitchen with dining room for 200 (max) per sitting
- 30 acres of hills, forest, and open fields
- A natural habitat for local flora and fauna
Our Commitment
Mount Carmel is one part of CCCS's wider charitable mission, which also supports initiatives in India and Africa. Every retreat hosted here, and every gift given, helps sustain both the Centre and that broader mission.