John Soreth (born Jean Soreth in Caen, Normandy, 1395; died Angers, July 24, 1471) was a French Carmelite friar, priest, and reformer who served as the Prior General of the Carmelite Order from 1451 until his death. He is primarily known for his extensive reforms within the Order, most notably for formally establishing and promoting the Carmelite Nuns (the female branch of the Order) and for his efforts to restore the primitive observance of the Carmelite Rule. He was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1678.
Early Life and Career
Born in Caen, Normandy, John Soreth entered the Carmelite Order at an early age. He distinguished himself through his piety, intellectual abilities, and commitment to the Carmelite charism. He pursued advanced studies and became a Doctor of Theology, likely at the University of Paris, a major center for scholastic learning at the time. Prior to his election as Prior General, he held various offices within the Order, including provincial of the French province, demonstrating his leadership capabilities and deep understanding of Carmelite life.
Prior Generalship and Reforms
In 1451, John Soreth was elected Prior General of the Carmelite Order. His tenure, lasting for twenty years, was marked by an intense focus on reform and renewal. The Carmelite Order, like many religious orders of the late Middle Ages, had experienced a relaxation of discipline and observance, particularly after the Black Death and the Western Schism. Soreth dedicated himself to restoring the primitive fervor and ascetic life prescribed by the Carmelite Rule.
His reform efforts included:
- Promoting Strict Observance: He traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting Carmelite communities in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the Low Countries, encouraging friars to return to stricter observance of poverty, prayer, and communal life. He personally led by example, living an austere life.
- Revising Constitutions: He undertook a revision of the Carmelite Constitutions to reinforce stricter discipline and promote a return to the foundational ideals of the Order.
- Educational Reform: Soreth emphasized education and intellectual formation, recognizing its importance for a vibrant religious life and effective ministry.
Founding of the Carmelite Nuns
John Soreth's most enduring legacy is his instrumental role in the formal establishment of the Carmelite Nuns. Although informal groups of women had lived according to the Carmelite charism for centuries, a formal structure for female contemplative Carmelites was lacking. Through his persistent efforts, Pope Nicholas V issued the papal bull Cum Nulla on October 8, 1452, which officially recognized and established cloistered Carmelite convents for women under the jurisdiction of the Prior General.
Soreth himself helped found several of the first Carmelite convents for women, including those in Florence, Siena, and Liège. He provided them with guidance, drafted their constitutions, and ensured their spiritual and material support. This act was crucial for the later development of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns by Saint Teresa of Ávila, as it laid the groundwork for a formal female branch within the Carmelite tradition.
Third Order and Legacy
Soreth also actively promoted the Third Order of Carmelites, an association for lay people who wished to live a Carmelite spirituality while remaining in the world. He recognized the importance of extending the Carmelite charism beyond the confines of monastic life.
John Soreth died in Angers on July 24, 1471, while on one of his numerous visitations. His commitment to reform, his tireless travels, and his profound spiritual leadership left a lasting impact on the Carmelite Order, revitalizing its spirit and significantly expanding its reach through the foundation of the Nuns.
Canonization
John Soreth was beatified shortly after his death and formally canonized as a saint by Pope Clement X on May 24, 1678. His feast day is observed on July 24.
See Also
- Carmelite Order
- Carmelite Nuns
- Teresa of Ávila
- Nicholas V