Discalced Carmelite Nuns of France
Author: Schoonebeek, Adriaan, ca. 1660-1714
Image Title: Discalced Carmelite Nuns of France
Description: This etched print features a discalced Carmelite abbess and one of the sisters presumably under her care. The author notes two figures of great importance for the introduction of this Order to France: Ann Lobera (1545 – 1621 CE) and Marie Acarie (1566 – 1618 CE). Teresa of Avila (1515 – 1582 CE) appointed the former as prioress of a foundation in Madrid. Later Ann proved instrumental in introducing Teresian nuns to France. Assisted by Abbé de Brétigny and Pierre de Bérulle (1575 – 1629 CE), Teresa brought a few nuns, most of whom she trained herself, with Ann Lobera at their heads, from Avila to Paris, where they established the convent of the Incarnation in 1604. Soon the French Carmelites numbers began to grow at such a rate that additional convents were founded to house the new religious. Marie Acarie was a pious noblewoman and widow to whom Teresa appeared in a dream and informed of God’s wish to make use of her for the founding of Carmelite convents in France. Soon thereafter she set about establishing the foundation of the “Reformed Carmel in France.” After papal authorization, the order spread rapidly and profoundly influenced contemporary French society. At Marie’s death, the Order’s houses numbered fourteen.
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