ORIGIN Our Lady of Mount Carmel holds a special
significance for the Carmelite Family as our
patroness. She symbolizes the ideal of contemplative
prayer and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with
God.
The Carmelite order traces its origins to Mount
Carmel in the Holy Land where hermits lived in the
12 th century and they see Mary as a model of prayer
and devotion. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a title
given to the Virgin Mary, in her role as the patroness
of the Carmelite Order. The image of Our Lady often depicts her holding the child
Jesus and wearing a brown robe symbolizing her connection to the Carmelite
Order and its ideals of contemplation and service.
APPROVAL AND RECOGNITION
1603: Pope Clement VIII approved the Carmelite Order’s Rule and the
devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
1880: Pope Leo XIII declared Our Lady of Mount Carmel patroness of the
Carmelite Order.
The feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, celebrated on July 16, is a time for
the Carmelite Community to reflect on her guidance and intercession in their
spiritual journey.
SPIRITUALITY
The Flower of Carmel often referred to in the context of the Carmelite Tradition,
emphasizes a deep connection to nature, reflecting the beauty and spirituality
found in creation. In the Church today, it can be described as a representation of
God’s Grace and creativity, often symbolizing virtues like purity, simplicity, and
contemplation.
Carmelite spirituality encourages a profound appreciation for the natural world as a
pathway to experiencing God’s presence. This connection as often expressed
through imagery in art, prayer and liturgy, where flowers and plants symbolize the
inner growth of the soul and the flourishing of virtues in one’s life.
Additionally, the flora serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental
stewardship, calling the faithful to respect and protect creation as part of their
spiritual duty, overall, the flower of Carmel is a rich symbol of spiritual beauty and
the inter connectedness of faith and nature.
SCAPULAR
The Brown Scapular is a significant symbol of devotion,
representing a commitment to Mary and a reminder of her
protection. The Brown Scapular, a sacramental worn by the
faithful, is linked to this devotion; it symbolizes a
commitment to Mary and a reminder of her intercession.
One of the Central messages of this devotion is the
importance of prayer and contemplation in one’s life.
Followers are encouraged to cultivate a deep relationship
with God through the example of Mary. The spirituality of
Carmelites emphasizes a contemplative lifestyle, fostering a sense of inner peace
and closeness to the Divine.
According to Tradition, Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock in 1251, presenting
him with the Scapular and promising protection to those who wore it faithfully.
This moment solidified her role as a motherly figure and a source of hope for the
faithful. The scapular is often associated with the promise of salvation. The
devotion of Our Lady of Mount Carmel grew significantly in the 13 th century,
particularly with the establishment of the Brown Scapular sacramental worn by the
faithful.
The image of Our Lady often depicts her holding the child Jesus and wearing a
brown robe symbolizing her connection to the Carmelite Order and its ideals of
contemplation and service.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is seen as a symbol of hope and guidance. Her
intercession is believed to provide comfort in times of trouble, and many devotees
seek her protection against spiritual and physical dangers. The iconography
associated with her often includes the child Jesus, emphasizing her role as a mother
and nurturer. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pray for us.
