 Cohen then explored the more austere branch of the Carmelite Order, the Discalced, (or Barefoot) Carmelites, who follow the reforms of the Spanish mystics, John of the Cross and Teresa of Ávila, who was also of Jewish ancestry.He felt called to this Order, with its claim to having originated on Mount Carmel in Palestine, under the Prophet Elijah.Being a recent convert was a barrier to his admission, however, due to Church law, which required a personal visit to Rome to obtain a dispensation.