or Bethlemites, in church history, a sort of monks introduced into England in the year 1257, habited like the Dominicans, except that, on their breast, they wore a star with five rays, in memory of the star or comet which appeared over Bethlehem at the nativity of our Saviour. They were celled at Cambridge, and had only one house in England.

There is also an order of Bethlehemites still subsisting in Peru, who have convents at Lima; one called of the Incurables, the other of our Lady of Mount Carmel. These Bethlehemites came originally from the city of Guatemala in Mexico, where they were instituted by the venerable Peter Joseph of Betaneur, for the service of the poor. Innocent XI. in 1687, approved the institute. They have already nine convents in Peru.

The Bethlehemites, though outwardly of great simplicity, pass for the most refined politicians; insomuch as to be called the quintessence of the Carmelites and Jesuits. They are all friars. For their almoner they choose a secular priest, whom they hire, and who has no vote in the chapter.