Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Israel)

The history of Our Lady of Mount Carmel dates back to the 12th century and is associated with the Carmelite Order, which was founded on Mount Carmel in Israel. According to tradition, the Prophet Elijah established a community of hermits on Mount Carmel, and the Carmelite Order traces its roots back to this community.

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The Order spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, and in the 13th century, the Carmelites began to venerate the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel centers around the brown scapular, a small piece of cloth that is worn around the neck and symbolizes the wearer's devotion to Mary and their affiliation with the Carmelite Order.

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The brown scapular is believed to have been given to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite monk, by the Virgin Mary in a vision in 1251. According to the tradition, Mary appeared to St. Simon and promised him that whoever wears the scapular with devotion will be granted the grace of final perseverance and will not suffer eternal damnation.

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The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel continued to grow throughout the centuries, and in 1726, Pope Benedict XIII established the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th. The feast day is celebrated by the Carmelite Order and by Catholics around the world, who honor Mary under this title as the patroness of the Carmelite Order and as a powerful intercessor for those who wear the scapular with devotion.

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Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel remains a beloved Marian devotion and is celebrated in many parts of the world with processions, feasts, and devotional practices that honor Mary under this title.

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