Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16), was instituted in the late 14th century, in commemoration of the approval of the rule of the Carmelite Order.

In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah (spiritual father of the Carmelites) engaged in a dramatic confrontation, on Mount Carmel, with those worshipping the false God of Baal. Calling down fire from heaven, Elijah proved God’s power. Emulating Elijah, and living in caves on Mount Carmel, the first Carmelites dedicated their first chapel to the Virgin Mary, soon turning their spirituality to Her. The Blessed Virgin is a perfect model of the interior life of prayer and contemplation to which Carmelites aspire.

On July 16, 1251, Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelite order, had a vision of the Virgin Mary holding the Scapular, promising that those who wear it will not suffer in Purgatory.

"Receive, My beloved son, this habit of thy order. This shall be to thee, and to all Carmelites, a privilege that whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire.... It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace."

Mini Mount Carmel Note Card Pope Benedict XVI said about the scapular:“For those who wear it, it is a sign of filial abandonment to the protection of the Immaculate Virgin. In our battle against evil, may Mary our Mother wrap us in her mantle.”	Brown Scapular Consecrate yourself to Our Lady with this traditional, hand sewn, brown scapular. It brings with it a crucifix, a St. Benedict medal, and is inscribed with the Consecration Prayer to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.	Discalced Carmelite Cards This simple and tasteful greeting card bears the crest of the Discalced Carmelites. This order sought to return to its roots with a more rigorous observance of the Carmelite Rule, with strong emphasis on contemplative prayer.