History
The Leaven was founded at Aylesford in 1949 (the year the Carmelites returned to the priory after the suppression of 1538) by Fr. Malachy Lynch, first prior of Aylesford and the Institute's Spiritual Director. There were 3 members.

When Allington Castle was purchased in 1951 by the British Province, members of the Institute, already increased in number, moved there to take over the running of the Castle.

By 1958, after much prayer and heart-searching, the members felt that to be authentically secular they must leave the Castle and live fully in the world. A house was secured and members lived a lay life but still in community.

In 1968 the final break with 'religious life' came when the house was sold and members lived individually in their own homes. The Institute has spent the best part of 20 years searching for the right direction and after this time of painful development the Institute began to grow and become better known.

Aims
Members try to live according to the spirit of the Gospel. Being involved in secular affairs they strive to make the love of God a reality to the people around them.

Way of Life
For members of The Leaven their consecration means that by vows of poverty, chastity and obedience they bind themselves to an absolute personal love of Christ and commit themselves to an all-embracing love of their fellow human beings. Membership is open to single women and widows.

They live in their own homes, have their own work and interests, take part in parish activities according to their individual circumstances and strive to bring Christ into every circumstance, every occupation and every place. They wear no external sign of their consecration.

The Leaven shares in the rich heritage of the Carmelite Order and follows its tradition of contemplative-apostolic life. The individual apostolate of members of The Leaven is rooted in a life of prayer. The life of Mary is the model for the members of the Institute and the zeal of Elijah is an inspiration to those who seek close union with God in a world often hostile or indifferent to Him.

Formation
Formation takes place over a period of years by personal contact and correspondence. Preliminary formation lasts 3-4 years, each candidate having the help and guidance of a personal sponsor. After this time, temporary vows may be taken. These are renewed periodically and after 5-6 years final vows may be made.

All members of the Institute meet for a week's retreat each summer and attend renewal weekends and study days at various venues as circumstances permit.

Present Membership
There are now 30 members in the Institute, ranging from new candidates to fully consecrated members who have celebrated silver jubilees and beyond, living in many different parts of England, Scotland and Wales.

Read more: The Leaven 2000