The Carmelite religious order had been founded during the twelfth century by a group of hermits on Mount Carmel (in present Israel).

They were apparently inspired by the prophets Elijah and Elisha, who had lived there, but much of their early history is unknown.

Early in the thirteenth century, the Carmelites had migrated to Europe, where they have become friars.

Because their habit is a brown tunic and scapular with an ample white cape and hood, they become known as "white friars."

Pope Honorius III approves the Carmelites as a new religious order in 1226.