The relationship
between Our Lady and Mount Carmel is geographical and biblical.
Mount Carmel is about 20 miles from Nazareth and overlooks
the Mediterranean Sea. The Mount is considered a symbol of
blessing and beauty for its rich vegetation and beauty. Scripture
tells that Elijah, the prophet, prayed to God on this Mount
for rain during a drought and God answered his prayers with
abundant rain and new life. The clouds that rose from the
sea that brought the rain subsequently became a symbol for
Mary and eventually developed into the title Star of the Sea.
Mount Carmel eventually attracted an order of hermits, and
from the 12th century on it served as a residence to a Latin
community of hermits called the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin
Mary of Mount Carmel. A religious order that followed in the
footsteps of Mary, the Order of Carmel considers itself totally
Marian, a privilege that it claims to have received from the
Blessed Virgin Mary, herself, and which is made visible through
the brown scapular.
The Mount Carmel
brown scapular is the oldest among eight scapulars to be
approved by the Church that have a Marian character. The brown
scapular owes its origin and existence to Saint Simon Stock
who received a large brown scapular from Our Lady in a vision
on July 16, 1251. A scapular is actually the sleeveless outer
garment of a monk's habit that falls from the shoulders. Its
significance implies that one is clothed with Mary's attitudes
and devotion to Christ.
Prayer to Our Lady of Mount
Carmel:
O most
beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of
heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God, immaculate virgin,
assist us in our necessity. O star of the sea, help us and
show us the way. Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who
turn to you.
Holy Spirit, you who
solve all problems, light all roads, so that we can attain our
goal. You who gave us the diving gift to forgive and forget
all evil against us, and who are with us in all instances in
our lives, thank you for all things, as you confirm once again
that we are never to be separated from you in eternal glory.
AMEN
