Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—Tuesday, July 16: “The Carmelites have celebrated their patronal feast on [July 16] since the 14thcentury, for according to tradition St. Simon Stock was given the brown scapular by the Blessed Virgin on this day (1251). The Order of Carmel dates back to a group of Western hermits who in the 12thcentury settled on Mount Carmel, overlooking the plain of Galilee, in imitation of the prophet Elijah (see 1 Kings 18:19-46 and 2 Kings 2:25). They grouped themselves around a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady. In the 13thcentury, the Order of Carmel as we know it was formed, retaining the twin devotions of the early hermits: to Elijah and his solitary prayer, and to Our Lady under the title of Mount Carmel.” Source: Living With Christ (July 2018)
Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
O Most Holy Mary of Mount Carmel,pray for me.You watch over those who follow the Gospel of your Son with a mother’s loving care.Look now upon me and cover me with the embrace of your special protection.Strengthen me when I am weak.Enlighten the darkness of my mind with your wisdom.Increase in me the virtues offaith,hope and charity.As you fulfilled all of our hopes and dreams as members of the Church,help me now to show forth the love of Jesus in my life.O Mother of Carmel,Comfort and protect me all the days of my life. Amen.