Blessed Bertold Of Mount Carmel

Biography

Blessed Bertold of Mount Carmel, also known as Bartold of Calabria, Bartoldus, Berthold, Bertoldo, or Bartholomew Avogadro, was born in Limoges, France as Bartholomew Avogadro around the 12th century. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he served as a soldier and fought in the Crusades.

During the time of the Crusades, Bertold found himself in Antioch during its siege by Saracens. It was during this difficult period that he experienced a profound vision of Christ, which led him to make a life-altering decision. Touched by divine grace, Bertold decided to renounce his military life and dedicate himself entirely to the service of God.

Inspired by the life of Elijah the Prophet, Bertold sought a hermitic lifestyle and retreated to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. His desire was to imitate the great prophet's austerity and closeness to God. Over time, his reputation for holiness began to spread, and other hermits were attracted to the area, including a man named Saint Brocard. This small community of hermits on Mount Carmel would eventually provide inspiration for the founding of the religious order known as the Carmelites.

Bertold's life as a hermit was marked by intense prayer, solitude, and penance. He sought to cultivate a deep spiritual union with God, embracing the silence and contemplation often associated with the eremitical life. His humility and simplicity of heart endeared him to those who encountered him, and the faithful sought his counsel and guidance.

Although details of his life are scarce, it is believed that Bertold lived a long and holy life, dying around the year 1195. Due to his virtues and the profound impact he had on the early Carmelite community, his memory and example have been venerated within the Carmelite tradition for centuries.

While Bertold has not been officially recognized by the Catholic Church with a formal canonization, he is honored as "Blessed" amongst the Carmelite faithful. His feast day is celebrated by the Carmelites on 29th March each year.

Blessed Bertold of Mount Carmel stands as an exemplar of dedication, humility, and a life of prayer. His courageous decision to forsake a life of worldly pursuits for the pursuit of holiness provides inspiration for those who seek a deeper connection with God. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the Carmelite order, which has grown and flourished around the world for over eight centuries.