Every year on July 16, the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of the most beloved Marian celebrations for Catholics around the world.
According to Carmelite tradition, on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Saint Simon Stock, the prior general of the Carmelite Order in Aylesford, England. She was surrounded by angels, radiant with heavenly light, and held the Child Jesus in her arms. Simon Stock was deep in prayer, pleading with God to protect his brothers who were suffering persecution.
In response, the Virgin appeared clothed in the brown Carmelite habit. Extending her hand, she gave him the Brown Scapular, promising that whoever died wearing it with faith and in the state of grace would be spared eternal damnation.
This devotion quickly spread across Europe, and Pope Benedict XIII extended the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to the entire universal Church.
In this article, we’ll explore the spiritual meaning of Mount Carmel, the story of the Prophet Elijah, the origins of the Carmelite Order, and the significance of the Scapular and the promises attached to it. Discover how this simple garment and the loving protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel can lead us closer to Heaven.
1. Our Lady of Mount Carmel
1. 1. Mount Carmel
Did you know that the devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel began on the Mount Carmel itself? This mountain range, located in northern Israel between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jezreel Valley, carries a deep symbolic meaning. Its name comes from the Hebrew Karm-El, meaning “God’s Garden” or “God’s Vineyard.”
In Scripture, Mount Carmel is the site of the great confrontation between the Prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), where the true God revealed His power. For this reason, Carmel is seen as a privileged place of encounter with God.
Over time, this symbolism was applied to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as Carmel is the “Garden of God, Mary is seen as the new Eden, the pure dwelling where Jesus, the Fruit of salvation, blossomed. In Carmelite tradition, Mary is invoked as the Flower of Carmel, a title expressing her immaculate purity and fullness of grace. Through her, we are led into deeper intimacy with Christ.
Tradition even holds that the Holy Family stopped at Mount Carmel on their return from Egypt.
1.2. The Prophet Elijah
The Prophet Elijah lived in a cave on Mount Carmel. It was there that his servant saw a small cloud rising from the sea, which brought abundant rain after a long drought (1 Kings 18:41ff).
In Carmelite spirituality, this tiny cloud is a foreshadowing of the Blessed Virgin. Just as the cloud brought life-giving rain, Mary brings the grace of salvation, for within her womb the Redeemer was conceived.
1.3. The Carmelites
Elijah’s life of deep prayer and passionate zeal for God inspired the founding of the Carmelite Order.
Since the 3rd century, hermits had settled in the caves of Mount Carmel to live a life of solitude and contemplation. In the 9th century, a group of monks following the Rule of Saint Basil established themselves there.
Around 1154, the French nobleman Berthold, who had arrived in Palestine with his cousin Aimerius of Limoges, Patriarch of Antioch, retired to Mount Carmel. There he decided to gather the hermits to lead a cenobitic life. These early hermits, mostly from France and Italy, sought to imitate the Prophet Elijah by dedicating themselves to prayer and meditation.
Between 1206 and 1214, the hermits requested a formal Rule of Life, which was written by Albert, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Because of the Islamic invasion in the 13th century, the Carmelite brothers were forced to leave the Holy Land, spreading their order in the European kingdoms, especially in Spain.
- You may be interested in: Official website of the Carmelites
1.4. Devotion to our Lady of Mount Carmel
The first Carmelites had a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the early 13th century, they built a chapel on Mount Carmel and dedicated it to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Their motto is: “To know, love, imitate, and radiate Mary always and in everything.” By imitating Mary, the Carmelites seek a deep union with God that naturally overflows into apostolic service. Mary, who pondered the Word of God in her heart, is both the model of contemplation and the example of active charity.
Since then, the Carmelites have dedicated most of their churches to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and have written many works to foster love and imitation of her.
2. Scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel
2.1. What is the Scapular?
The Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel is an outward sign of Marian devotion and a “memorial” of Mary’s virtues and maternal protection. It represents one’s consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary and enrollment in the Carmelite family.
It consists of two small pieces of brown cloth connected by strings and worn over the shoulders, resting on the chest and back. A medal with the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one side and an image of the Virgin on the other may also be used.
The Scapular is a sacramental, which, according to Vatican II, is
“A sacred sign on the model of the sacraments, by means of which effects, especially spiritual ones, are signified, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church” (S.C.60).
2.2. What is the History of the Scapular?
In the midst of great difficulties faced by the Carmelites in the West, Saint Simon Stock, their Superior General, fervently prayed for help
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On July 16, 1251, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, surrounded by angels, holding the Carmelite Scapular in her hands. She said:
Receive, beloved son, this Scapular of your Order. It shall be a privilege for you and for all Carmelites, that whoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire.
2.3. The Promises of our Lady of Mount Carmel
Mary made great promises to those who wear the Scapular with devotion:
The Great Promise of Salvation
This is the fundamental promise that Our Lady made to Saint Simon Stock when giving him the scapular. Whoever dies wearing the scapular will be saved. The Church extended this promise to all the faithful who piously wear the scapular.
To merit the first Promise of final perseverance, it is required:
- To have received the Scapular from the hands of a priest.
- To always wear it, especially at the hour of death.
- To be enrolled in the confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The Sabbatine Privilege
The Blessed Virgin appeared to Pope John XXII in 1322 while he was in prayer and said to him:
I, Mother of mercy, will free from purgatory and take to heaven, on the Saturday after death, as many as have worn my Scapular.
To merit this privilege, it is required:
- To have received the Scapular from the hands of a priest.
- To always wear it, especially at the hour of death.
- To be enrolled in the confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
- To observe chastity, according to one’s state
- To pray seven Our Fathers, seven Hail Marys, and seven Glory Be’s.
- To abstain (if they can) on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
2.4. How to Gain Indulgences with the Scapular?
Those who have been enrolled in the Scapular can gain plenary indulgences on the day they receive it and on the following Carmelite feasts:
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16 or when it is celebrated);
- Saint Simon Stock (May 16);
- Saint Elijah the Prophet (July 20);
- Saint Therese of Jesus (October 15),
- Saint Therese of the Child Jesus (October 1);
- Saint John of the Cross (December 14);
- All Carmelite Saints (November 14).
They can also gain partial indulgences simply by kissing the Scapular or making any gesture of affection or devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
2.5. Types of Scapular
Brown Scapular
This is the Scapular given by the Blessed Virgin to Saint Simon Stock. Originally, it was a long garment worn over the shoulders by monks while working. Over time, it was shortened to two small pieces of brown cloth connected by strings and worn discreetly under clothing.
There is also the scapular medal, which must have an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one side and an image of the Virgin Mary under any title on the other. It must be blessed by a priest.
Green Scapular
The Blessed Virgin appeared to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu in 1840 and gave her a green scapular. She said to her:
This holy insignia of my Immaculate Heart is to be a great means for the conversion of souls.
This scapular is especially intended for those who are far from God. It can be placed discreetly in the room of the person for whom you are praying. Whoever places it must pray daily:
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Our Lady promised:
The greatest graces are obtained by the use of the scapular, but these graces come in direct proportion to the degree of confidence that the faithful have in me.
- You may be interested in: Blessing and imposition of the scapular
2.6. How to Use the Scapular with Devotion?
Those who are enrolled in the Scapular are called to live in a way that reflects their commitment, similar to the Carmelites themselves:
- Wear it always: If it breaks, it should be kept reverently and replaced with a new one (no need for a new blessing).
- Keep Mary in mind: Remember her constant presence and intercession.
- Imitate her virtues: Live humility, purity (chastity according to one’s state of life), obedience to God’s will, and a spirit of prayer.
- Constantly invoke divine help.
- Pray deeply: Contemplate the mysteries of Christ, converse with God, meditate on eternal truths, and pray the Holy Rosary daily.
- Trust in her protection in all circumstances of life.
- Live in the state of grace, frequently receiving Confession and Holy Communion.
- Fulfill the duty in daily life faithfully.
- Serve others with charity.
- Be aware of your spiritual connection to the Carmelite family, sharing in their prayers and sacrifices.
3. Prayers to our Lady of Mount Carmel
Daily Consecration to our Lady of Mount Carmel
O Mary, Queen of all Saints, who art the beauty of Carmel, how sweet it is for me to venerate thee under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Even from the days of the Apostles, thou hast been honored under this mystic title; I am filled with joy as I consecrate myself to thee, O holy Mary, most unworthy though I am to be thy servant, yet touched by thy motherly care for me and longing to serve thee, in the presence of my Guardian Angel and the court of Heaven, I choose thee this day to be my Queen, my Advocate, and my Mother, and I firmly purpose to serve thee ever more and to do what I can that all may render faithful service to thee.
Therefore, most devoted Mother, through the Precious Blood thy Son poured out for me, and through the promises of thee as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I beg thee, deign to take me among thy clients and receive me as thy servant forever.
O beauty of Carmel, glory of Libanus, thou purest of lilies, mystic rose in the garden of the Church, I salute thee! O Virgin of virgins, be mindful of me in my misery, and show thyself my Mother.
Shed upon me ever more and more the living light of that faith which made thee blessed; inflame with that Heavenly love wherewith thou didst love thy dear Son, Jesus Christ.
Do thou, Mother of God, who hast such power and might, obtain for me from blessed Jesus, the Heavenly gifts of humility, chastity, and meekness, which were the fairest ornaments of thine Immaculate soul.
Do thou grant me to be strong in the midst of the temptations and bitterness which so often overwhelm my spirit. Aid me in every action, and beg for me the grace, never, by word or deed or thought, to be displeasing in thy sight and that of thy most holy Son. Think of me my dearest Mother, and desert me not at the hour of death. Amen.
(Here, you kiss your Scapular)
Holy Virgin of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of the Scapular,
pray for us!
Holy Virgin of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of the Scapular,
protect us!
Holy Virgin of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of the Scapular,
save us! Amen
Supplication for Difficult Times
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)
Thanksgiving and Offering
O Holy Virgin of Carmel! We can never adequately repay the favors and graces you have bestowed upon us by giving us your holy Scapular. Accept our simple, but deeply felt, gratitude, and since we can give you nothing worthy of You and Your mercies, we offer our heart, with all its love, and all our life, which we want to spend in the love and service of your Son our Lord, and in spreading your sweet devotion, trying to ensure that all our brothers and sisters in faith, with whom divine Providence makes us live and relate, appreciate and give thanks for your great gift, wearing the holy Scapular, and that we may all live and die in your love and devotion. Amen.
Let us ask the Virgin of Carmel to wear her holy scapular with devotion and to attain eternal life.
Who are the Carmelites and What is Their Relationship with the Virgin of Carmel?
The Carmelites are a Catholic religious order that emerged in the 12th century on Mount Carmel, Holy Land, inspired by the contemplative life of the prophet Elijah. They are characterized by their deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, whom they consider their patroness, protector, and “Lady of the place”. They dedicated their first chapel on Mount Carmel to her and adopted the name “Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel”.
What is the Scapular of Carmel and What Does it Mean for the Faithful?
The Scapular of Carmel is a Catholic sacramental, which traditionally consists of two small pieces of brown cloth joined by cords, which is worn over the shoulders. It is an external sign of Marian devotion and a “memorial” of the virtues of the Virgin Mary and her maternal protection. It symbolizes consecration to the Blessed Virgin, belonging to the Carmelite family, and trust in Mary’s special protection.
When is the Day of the Virgin of Carmel?
The Day of the Virgin of Carmel is celebrated annually every July 16. It commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint Simon Stock in 1251 and is globally recognized as one of the most important Marian festivities.
