Greetings in Christ,
Greetings to all and hope you are all having a pleasant summer.
This month I thought I would talk about a certain feast of Our Lady coming up on July 16th: the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This title refers to her role as patroness of the Carmelite order, where the first members lived as hermits on the mount of Carmel in the Holy Land near the fountain of Elijah in Northern Israel during the 12th and 13th centuries. These first members later became known as the brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A chapel had been built in dedication to her on that mount. The feast initially was celebrated in the 15th century in England on July 17th, and was later changed to July 16th to accommodate the feast of St. Alexis in the European calendar.
In the late 1300′s, the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Simon Stock, a general of the Carmelite order at the time, and gave him the Brown Scapular, a devotional sacramental which forms part of the brown Carmelite habit. The scapular is also a version of Mary’s own garments, and those who wear it are reminded to pray and do penance. Anyone who wears this sacramental conveys their devotion and consecration to Mary as well as their association with the Carmelite order. Our Lady promises that anyone who dies wearing this scapular would never suffer the eternal fire of hell as well as special protection during life as a Tertiary and full member (Carmelite).
To obtain the indulgences and other benefits promised to those who wear the Carmelite scapular, a person must be invested by a priest and must lead a consistent Christian life. Practices include wearing the Brown scapular consistently after enrollment. One must observe chastity according to his or her particular state in life. The daily Rosary is also a requirement. Some people can also say the office to the Blessed Virgin as an option. Partial indulgence are granted by Pope Benedict XV to those who devoutly kiss the scapular. The Sabbatine Privilege is also included, in which one can be released from purgatory on the first Saturday after death (revealed by the Blessed Mother to Pope John XXII in 1332). A novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel can also be said around this time.
Lastly, remember how greatly we can benefit by wearing Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s special protection. Let’s ensure we are always wearing it!
God bless,
Melissa
