MEMORIAL: JULY 16
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a feast that entered the Church’s calendar in the 18th century. However, Mt. Carmel has ties to the Old Testament as the place where Elijah defeats the prophets of Baal in front of all of Israel. In 1263, a community of monks living on the mountain built a monastery and dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin. These men were the origins of the Carmelite Order.
St. Simon Stock was a Carmelite who is known for the spreading of the order and the devotion to the brown scapular throughout Europe. Mary appeared to St. Simon and told him that anyone who wore the scapular at their death would escape Hell. This is not to be seen as a get out of jail free token. Anyone who wears the scapular must first be officially invested by a priest or authorized person. Then they must live a Christian lifestyle with the emphasis on observing chastity according to your state in life and praying the Rosary. Those who wear the scapular are reminded to live as Mary did: as the truest form of disciple of Christ.
