Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Today we celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Many Hermits had lived on Mount Carmel which was located near the Fountain of Elijah which was northern Israel during the 12th century. They had a very beautiful chapel which was dedicated to Our Lady. By the time the 13th century had come around, they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They would celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. During the year 1726, it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their many great saints and theologians have promoted a special devotion to Her and they had often championed the mystery of Her Immaculate Conception.
Our Lady had worked many miracles out of the unconditional love that She has for every single one of us. It is important that we turn to Our Lady during happy, sad, difficult and uncertain moments so that we may feel her motherly comfort with us. Our Lady loves each of us and She is waiting for us to allow Her fully into our lives so that we may be comforted by Her.
Many saints have been blessed to have been cured or guided by Our Lady. Our Lady can guide and cure all of us, we just have to pray. For example Our Lady appeared to Saint Simon Stock, who was the leader of the Carmelites, and she decided to give him a scapular. Our Lady told him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Our Lady’s own garment. It symbolizes Her special protection and it calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to Her in a very special and unique way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance. This is a call that Our Lady models in a truly beautiful way.
Our Lady of Carmel is the patron saint of Chile and many other things. Our Lady's feast day is celebrated on July 16.
Prayer to Our Lady of Carmel
Our Lady intercede that we may be able to devote our lives to you and help us to help others find the importance of devoting themselves to you. Our Lady you have guided and helped so many saints and people over history, we ask that You may be fully present in our lives and help us to strengthen and deepen our relationship with your son, Jesus.
Amen
Our Lady of Mount Carmel pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited:
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Our Lady of Mount Carmel. ”Our Lady of Mount Carmel | Franciscan Media. Accessed July 15, 2021.
Images:
Our Lady of Mount Carmel. July 15, 2021.Our Lady of Mount Carmel - Google Search.