As in every normal and perfect birth, the holy order of Carmel was born of a father and mother. The mother, origin and principal in this spiritual generation, was the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Centuries before her own birth, foreseen in a mysterious cloud, the holy prophet Elias worshiped her, and in her honor, by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, he established the ancient and venerable Order of Carmel. Thus the Most Holy Virgin is the principal cause and original patroness of the order, its special protection, its faithful and most affec tionate mother, manifesting God's design by her activity throughout the ages.