by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

This past week, very quietly in Pass Christian, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the most beloved titles of our Blessed Mother Mary and it is rooted in the rich traditions of both the Catholic Church and the Carmelite Order.

Celebrated annually on July 16, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel commemorates Mary’s patronage over the Carmelite Order, her  very special promise and her role as a spiritual protector.

Today, I would like to examine the story and significance associated with this very special devotion. 

The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the promises of the Brown Scapular, emphasizes Mary’s role as a spiritual mother, protector, and intercessor, associated with the scenic Mount Carmel in Israel. Mount Carmel, located northwest of Jerusalem, is renowned for its biblical significance.

It was the site where the  prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to demonstrate the power of God. The mountain symbolizes spiritual strength, prophecy, and the intimate connection between God and His people. 

The Carmelite Order dates back to the 12th century and was established by Christian hermits living on Mount  Carmel in the Holy Land. These hermits were inspired by the prophet Elijah, who is considered the spiritual father of the Carmelite tradition, reflecting a life of contemplation, prayer, and dedication to God.

In addition, the Blessed Virgin Mary was the order’s guide and patroness. However, during the 13th Century things started  to change and it became a difficult time for the Carmelites.

The Crusades were still ongoing, and as a result the Brothers suffered persecution and disruption to their way of life. These persecutions were so severe that they were forced to make the difficult decision to leave the Holy Land and travel to the West in an attempt to preserve the order. In 1238, the Carmelite Brothers began their leave for Europe. 

The order initially settled in Cyprus, Sicily, France and England. Still, life was very difficult for the order, as the Western Culture was not as accepting of their ways.

In 1247, it was decided that they would adapt their rules to suit life in the Western Culture. The Carmelites changed from a Hermetic to a Mendicant order. Basically, this meant they will now leave their private enclosures and go out in public to beg for alms, similar to the Franciscans and Dominicans.

They would soon find great resistance from the other religious orders who didn’t appreciate the competition for alms. Many of their own questioned the decision to go in this direction and the internal divide put the order in jeopardy and in danger of failing. It is for this reason that the Father General, Simon Stock, began to pray for the preservation of his order.  

Simon Stock had always had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Carmelite Order was dedicated to Her and knowing that She, the patroness of the Carmelites, could save them he turned to Her in his distress. 

History tells us that while he prayed one night in the year 1251, his room was filled with a heavenly light, and he saw the Blessed Virgin Mary surrounded by a magnificent host of angels. In her hand, she carried a Brown Scapular.

Placing it in his hands She assured St. Simon of Her protection saying, “This shall be a sign for you and for all Carmelites, whosoever dies wearing this shall not suffer eternal fire. It shall be a badge of salvation, a  shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection.”

It was an incredible promise for the  Carmelites, far beyond what St. Simon Stock could have asked for. 

Ultimately, the promise strengthened the Carmelite devotion to Our Lady, as the Brown Scapular became a sign of Marian consecration, and ultimately saved the Order. The order flourished in Europe following the vision.

Initially, the Brown Scapular remained a privilege of the Carmelites, but by 1273 there was a Confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel developing in Europe. Soon, there was a desire for the laity to become associated with the Carmelite Order and share in the promise of the Brown Scapular. 

The devotion to the Scapular spread gradually in the proceeding centuries and has become one of the most popular Marian devotions in the Catholic Church. It has been confirmed and recommended by many popes  and saints.

Throughout history, numerous miracles have been attributed to Our Lady’s intercession — healings,  conversions, and protection during times of peril. These miracles strengthened the faith of the devotees and attested to her loving promises.

Saint Pope John Paul II had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary from his childhood, and, as such, he faithfully wore The Brown Scapular. Most interestingly, he insisted that doctors not remove it during his emergency surgery following the assassination attempt on his life on May 13, 1981, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. 

Another important aspect of wearing the Scapular is the Sabbatine Privilege. This concerns a promise made by  Our Lady to Pope John XXII.

In a papal letter he issued, he recounted a vision that he had had. He stated that the Blessed Mother had said to him in this vision, concerning those who wear the Brown Scapular: “I, the  Mother of Grace, shall descend on the Saturday after their death and whomsoever I shall find in Purgatory, I shall free, so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of life everlasting.”

According to Church tradition, there are three conditions necessary to participate in this Privilege and share in the other spiritual benefits of  the Scapular: wear the Brown Scapular always, observe chastity according to your state in life, and pray the Rosary daily. 

Our Mother Mary embodies the virtues of humility, obedience, and unwavering faith exemplified by the Carmelite spirituality. She is viewed as the perfect model of contemplation and trust in God’s plan. The  devotion encourages believers to emulate Mary’s prayerful attitude, seek spiritual purification, and trust in her intercession. The Scapular symbolizes a commitment to living a life of faith, hope, and charity. 

The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated worldwide and holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for millions of believers. The celebration typically involves Masses, processions, the blessing and  distribution of Scapulars, and Marian prayers.

Devotees often renew their commitment to prayer and service, seeking Mary’s intercession on this feast day. Besides wearing the Scapular, devotees engage in prayer,  novenas, pilgrimages to Mount Carmel, and participate in Marian processions.

The Rosary Prayer is prominent among these practices. In many countries around the world, festivals, and community gatherings celebrate Her feast, emphasizing cultural identity and faith. The devotion remains vibrant, with millions enrolling in and wearing the Carmelite Brown Scapular. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel encapsulates the timeless appeal of devotion to Our Loving Blessed Mother. Her legacy, rooted in biblical history and carried forward by the Carmelite Order, continues to inspire millions worldwide. Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel remains a vital part of our Christian life, embodying Mary’s tender love and unwavering support for her children.

Think about it…what a great gift. She loves us so much that we are given a road to travel to ensure we gain the joy and peace of heaven.

So why such a quiet feast day in our beloved town? Have we lost sight of the ultimate goal?

Are we so busy with life on this earth, that we lose focus on what Our Lady has given us. Iconography often depicts the beautiful picture of Our Blessed Mother holding the Child Jesus, holding the Scapular, or standing atop Mount Carmel.

As I looked at this picture in church, waiting for the service to start, I wondered what she must be thinking about us. Is it a surprise that she sheds tears for us?

How many of us are enrolled in the Carmelite Society and are wearing the blessed Brown Scapular?

How many of us are praying the Holy Rosary daily?  

How many of us are living our lives as we are called to live by God?  

Our Lady of Fatima, in her last apparition to the shepherd children, appeared as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding the Brown Scapular in her hands. She asked that everybody wear this Scapular as a sign of consecration to her Immaculate Heart.

Sister Lucia emphasized later that is it imperative that we understand both the Rosary and the Brown Scapular are inseparable from our Lady of Fatima’s message. 

Who could doubt Our Lady’s promise, or be so foolish as not to wear, with profoundest gratitude and reverence?

I pray for you and your families this week with the hope you will do the same for me. I offer you a chance to come to Holy Family Parish on October 12, 2026, at 6pm for our SILVER ROSE CELEBRATION which will enable you to enroll in the Carmelite Society, receive your blessed Brown Scapular and to pray the Holy Rosary with our entire community.  

Peace my Brothers and Sisters, until next week…