What is Mount Carmel magazine all about?

The Carmelite tradition has always been a rich source of guidance and inspiration to all those searching for intimacy with God through a deeper life of prayer. At the core of Carmelite spirituality is this journey of the heart. The great Carmelite saints – such as Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Titus Brandsma, Therese of Lisieux, among others – have each developed their own unique roadmaps for the spiritual journey that continue to provide valuable signposts for travelers to this day.

At Mount Carmel magazine, we aim to make this ancient wisdom both accessible and relevant to modern readers from many walks of life and a wide variety of faith backgrounds. Inspired by the “apostolate of the pen”, the magazine weaves a tapestry of spiritual reflections, personal experiences, and instructive insights. Each article provides substantive material from a range of seasoned contributors, in a form that is both eminently readable and easy to digest. The magazine covers a wide range of spiritual topics, including collections of articles centring on a specific theme that go on to become useful references. Since its inception in 1953, Mount Carmel magazine has been a vital source of encouragement and edification for many who find resonance with Carmelite values in their spiritual journeys and who share the Carmelite focus on being present to God.

Origins of Mount Carmel magazine

How did Mount Carmel magazine begin?

Mount Carmel magazine was first published back in 1953. Through the following interview with Fr Nicholas Madden, who was editor of Mount Carmel between 1959 and 1966, we hope to provide our readers with some insights into the origins of this venture as well as some reflections on its enduring relevance. 

Can you tell us the story of Mount Carmel magazine? 

The first volume of Mount Carmel appeared in the Summer of 1953. It was initiated by Fr Antonine Newman, OCD, then resident at the Kensington Priory, and consisted of twenty-three pages of text, and six of advertisements. The editor had invited several well-known authors to subscribe to his policy of drawing on tradition to illuminate the contemporary scene. There were also short perceptive reviews of books liable to interest the captive reader, as well as a special column for the Carmelite Third Order. Inside the back cover came the inevitable appeal for £1,000 “which will be used in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and towards the conversion of England”, which provided the motivation for publishing a new journal dealing with the spiritual life. 

In his introduction to the first edition, Fr Joseph, the then Provincial, saw the venture as inspired by “the apostolate of the pen”, drawing on the works of St Teresa, St John of the Cross and the whole Carmelite tradition, “to reanimate, to instruct and to console souls in their efforts for perfection”. 

There you have Mount Carmel in embryo. It continued in that vein up to the present time. Apart from one more experimental phase, it has maintained its purpose of diffusing Carmelite spirituality at the level of haute vulgarité. I think that subsequent editors have maintained a commendable role, simply serving the ends prescribed by the original purpose of the magazine – not flying their own kites.

Computers, IT, communication technologies and desktop publishing are evolving all the time. How different an experience was producing Mount Carmel when you were editor? 

I was the editor of Mount Carmel from 1959 to 1966. True, I had read English as part of a degree at University College Dublin. But I had no knowledge of publishing and no periti [theological consultant] lining up to assist me. It was unambiguously an amateur’s undertaking on my part. A primitive typewriter and an ad hoc filing system were the only signs of business. 

The most challenging task was to procure copy, yet I would say that meeting possible authors was one of the bonuses of the job. Although, I could always call on the work of Fr Gabriel of St Mary Magdalen and Fr Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus in translation, brothers nearer home were occasionally glad to avail of the opportunity to write. Dom Ralph Russell agreed to contribute and also offered counsel. Lancelot Sheppard was always a genial host at the junior school in Ware and gave me good advice. I went there once with the hope that Charles Davis might contribute, and although he was courteous nothing happened. I called on Fr Gilbey, OP at Blackfriars, Cambridge, and upon enquiring whether he was “in”, a voice called out, “In the house, in the Church, or in the world?” But at least he sent on an article. I wrote to Fr Martin D’Arcy, SJ, asking for copy and mentioned that I had passed him in a quad the previous day, to which he responded, “It was indeed my miserable self.” That required considerable confidence, but no article came. I remember being brusquely corrected by Christopher Hollis on some point, but he did contribute. And so on. 

As I was recalled to Ireland, I handed over the editorship to Fr John Bernard. He was followed by an adventurous editor whose style offended the elders. I’m not sure who took over then, but eventually Fr Jimmy McCaffrey and Joanne Mosley brought professionalism to the task and must have contributed much to the fact that Mount Carmel is still vibrant and relevant. 

How do you see Mount Carmel as an influence in fostering Carmelite spirituality and doctrine over these years? 

I recall having been with Fr Brocard in Salisbury Cathedral, plying him with questions about the books he read. He replied: “Father, the single sentence does me now.” For those on the way to that plateau, such questions about the contribution of Mount Carmel to fostering Carmelite spirituality are relevant. However, I do not feel competent to answer them but take refuge in the knowledge that excellent articles continue to be written and to be read. 

I will admit to one prejudice of mine: wondering if the author is an outsider or an insider when it comes to mysticism. Is the testimony based on an experience that is the reverse of our usual way of knowing, coming from “within” rather than through the normal channels? The outsider has his role, too, but the “insider” has a distinct authority. I’m not suggesting that contributors should be card-carrying members of some exclusive club, but modesty must have a function here as well. 

After so many years, and at a time when other Catholic periodicals are struggling, Mount Carmel remains much appreciated by its readership. What do you think is the secret of its longevity? 

Milton’s “sheep look up but are not fed”. The sustained demand for Mount Carmel should reassure those responsible for it that there is an appetite for the values identified with this tradition. This does not mean that there are not other equally valid charismata, but it should inspire the confidence required for this specific service. The piccolo must not be silenced by the tuba. Perhaps Mount Carmel has prospered because it kept its relationship with the Carmelite tradition intact and didn’t, as far as I know, succumb to spiritual fashions or what Fr Bernard liked to describe as “gimmicks”. 

How do you see the magazine as having changed and adapted over the years? 

Here I must confess that I have not been an assiduous reader of Mount Carmel for all those years since I passed on the editorial task. I have read occasional pieces because they were obviously promising or recommended by an aficionado. From what I have read, I think that there was continuity from one editor to the next apart from the tenure of one tearaway. Reviewing those who have contributed to the magazine, I find it gratifying to see clergy, nuns, laity, tertiaries, men and women, married and single fascinated by the tradition on which the writers for Mount Carmel draw. The order’s motto “Zelo zelatus sum pro Domino Deo exercituum” [With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord God of Hosts] appeared on the first cover of the magazine, and that ideal has sustained those who explore and hand on a durable tradition. Scanning the titles of articles down through the years, you get the impression that there is a general consistency of editorial policy which ensures fidelity to the original intention. Mount Carmel does not do loyal dissent.