Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel, a ridge overlooking the Mediterranean in the Holy Land, is associated in Scripture with the prophet Elijah and his confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. In the late 12th and early 13th centuries, hermits living on Mount Carmel formed a community dedicated to prayer, silence, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This community became the Carmelite Order.

The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel became strongly associated with the brown scapular tradition and the Carmelite call to contemplation. As the Carmelites moved from the Holy Land into Europe during the crusading era, Mary was honored as their patroness, mother, and sister in faith. The memorial invites the Church to enter deeper prayer and to let Mary lead believers into intimacy with Christ.

Prayer: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, cover us with your motherly care and lead us deeper into the life of Christ. Amen.