March 29: Blessed Berthold

At the Origins of the Carmelite Order

Not much is known about the origins of Blessed Berthold of Mount Carmel. He may have been born in Solignac in the 12th century, while other sources indicate that he was born in Lombardy. According to tradition, Berthold was related to Aymeric de Malifaye, Patriarch of Antioch (1141–1193).

He set out for Palestine with the Second Crusade and took part in the defense of Antioch. He promised God that he would become a religious if the Christians were victorious. This happened, and Berthold fulfilled his vow, becoming a hermit on Mount Carmel around 1153–1154. He led the first community of hermits inspired by the prophet Elijah and entrusted it to the protection of the Virgin Mary. This was the first nucleus of the Carmelite Order. Berthold was said to have been appointed or confirmed as prior general of the community by the Patriarch of Antioch and remained in office for 45 years.

In the Roman Martyrology he is remembered as follows:
“On Mount Carmel in Palestine, Blessed Berthold, who, a soldier, was admitted among the brothers who on this mountain had embraced the monastic life and, later elected prior, entrusted the devout community to the Mother of God.”

He died on March 29, 1195.