Structures of authority

Like all organisations spread over a vast geographical area, the Carmelites quickly found it necessary to subdivide for administrative purposes. This process was encouraged by In singulis regnis, the constitution issued by the Fourth Lateran Council requiring that exempt abbeys hold chapters in each kingdom or province (ecclesiastical or political). The model for the Carmelites was once again that of the Franciscans and Dominicans. A provincial prior headed each province and the body binding these provinces together was the general chapter, attended by these priors. The general chapter enjoyed both legislative and administrative authority and as far as we can tell, was to meet every three years, though by the fifteenth century it was often held at four- or five-year intervals and sometimes longer. The general chapter elected the prior general and his companions or socii.

As well as approving the Carmelite rule, papal pronouncements provided backing for these emerging authorities within the order: in 1256 Alexander IV ordained that the prior general and provincial priors should exercise the office of visitation, might move the brothers and receive novices. Following standard monastic procedures, they were entirely responsible for the spiritual lives of their brethren. The general chapter also appointed the general proctor and allotted taxes for the administration of the order and for the house of studies set up in Paris, choosing the students who were to attend.