The National Marian Mantle Group


"Do whatever He tells you."   Jn 2:5


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Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Feast Day  July 16

In the MMG we ask that we, and those we love, be placed  under the Mantle of the Blessed Mother of God, and experience her protection and love.  We know that devotion to Mary never fails, whether in the Carmelite tradition, or any other image of Mary one might choose. Those who come to her are always led to the feet of her Son.

Who is Our Lady of Mount Carmel?

     Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patroness of the Carmelite order. The Carmelites began as hermits on Mount Carmel, near Nazareth in the Holy Land.  Eventually, they expanded to Europe where they combined their contemplative life with an apostolic life. 
     Carmelite tradition tells that on July 16, 1251, Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, holding the Scapular of Carmel and assured him of her protection for those who would wear it piously. Mary stated the following promise to him concerning the Scapular: "Whosoever dies wearing this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire...it shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace."
    
The Brown Scapular is worn as a sign of love and devotion to Mary, the Mother of God,  under her title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  The Scapular is itself a reflection in miniature of the Carmelite habit which the monks wear as a sign of their vocation and devotion. Over the years the scapular, for lay people, became much reduced in size to small pieces of wool cloth suspended front and back.

     One of the noted characteristics of Carmel's spirituality is the presence of the Virgin Mary, communion with her, imitation of her virtues and cultivating special devotion to her. Carmel professes a total consecration to the Virgin Mary along with its total dedication to the service of Jesus Christ.
     Today, the Carmelites reach out in a unique fashion as contemplatives in action, caring for and serving their fellow Christians and non-Christians alike. They engage in preaching, teaching, and spiritual direction. Others serve as missionaries, as university teachers, or in pastoral care.

 Prayer to
Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power of intercession.
Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands.  Amen

Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
pray for us.