Tradition holds that the Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Simon Stock on July 16, 1251. Saint Simon Stock strived to lead the newly formed Carmelite Order and Mary offered to him a brown scapular that became part of the Carmelite’s habit. The Blessed Mother promised to Saint Simon Stock that anyone who died wearing the scapular would be saved. Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has focused on the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
It should be noted that the first Carmelites were Christians living in hermitages on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the 12th and 13th centuries. They built a chapel there and dedicated it to the Blessed Mother.
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 of
faith, 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.