The history of the Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church, founded in the 13th century, and now located on five continents. The author, a long time history teacher, uses the storytelling style of writing to bring the reader from the Order's humble beginnings on Mount Carmel in Palestine during the Crusades to today. Originally hermits, the members became part of the mendicant movement, spreading rapidly throughout Europe, preaching the Word of God, teaching in the major European universities, and, most of all, working with the ordinary people of the day. The centuries brought many challenges and new opportunities to the members of the Order in their search to serve God, the Church, and others seeking a deeper relationship with God. Today there are approximately 40,000 men and women around the world affiliated to the Order.