Mother of Mount Carmel

#Mother #Mount #Carmel #Community #Inspiration #Integration #Innovation #Grace #Blessing #Mary #Miracle #Mystery #Prophet #Elijah The Story of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah in northern Israel in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honour of Mary. In 1726, it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their great saints and theologians have promoted devotion to her and often championed the mystery of her Immaculate Conception. Saint Teresa of Avila called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” Saint John of the Cross credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel, and helping him escape from prison. Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion day, Thérèse dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary. There is a tradition—which may not be historical—that Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary’s own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way. Reflection The Carmelites were known from early on as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” The title suggests that they saw Mary not only as “mother,” but also as “sister.” The word sister is a reminder that Mary is very close to us. She is the daughter of God and therefore can help us be authentic daughters and sons of God. She also can help us grow in appreciation of being sisters and brothers to one another. She leads us to a new realization that all human beings belong to the family of God. When such a conviction grows, there is hope that the human race can find its way to peace. A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Our Lady of Mount Carmel O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power. O, show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times) Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times) Introduction of Mount Carmel 1. Mount Carmel is a coastal mountain range of modest height in northern Israel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. 2. Its name is derived from the Hebrew word "Karem El" which means "vineyards of God." In ancient times it was covered by vineyards and rich grazing land. 3. Prophet Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal.(1 Kings 18) on this mountain. 4. The miracle of fire on Mount Carmel destroyed an altar made of stones, a sacrificial bull, and twelve containers of water poured onto the sacrifice. 5. The Carmelites, a Roman Catholic monastic order, which was founded in 1150 had their monastery rebuilt in 1828 near the traditional site of Elijah’s miracle. 6. Simon Stock, O.Carm was an English Catholic priest who lived in the 13th century and was an early prior of the Carmelite order. 7. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Simon Stock and gave him the Carmelite habit, the Brown Scapular. 8. The brown scapular is a sign of grace for the Carmelite order. 9. “WHOSOEVER DIES IN THIS GARMENT SHALL NOT SUFFER ETERNAL FIRE.” Was a promise made by Our Lady to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251. 10. Mary promised that whoever died wearing the brown scapular would not suffer everlasting punishment and would quickly be released from purgatory. 11. The Brown Scapular is a Roman Catholic Marian devotion under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patroness of the Carmelite Order. 12. People, far and wide follow this devotion and wear the brown scapular, praying to Our Lady Of Mount Carmel. A Word of Gratitude… Accept, O Mother, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendour of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. Thank You Holy Mother for prayers answered. Thank you for being with us.