Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel is the biblical place where the prophet Elias challenged the priests of Baal in a public spiritual contest which led to their defeat and ruin (1 Kings 18:19-40). It was also in this site where Elias sent his servant seven times to the mountaintop to look for rain after years of drought which ended as he proclaimed, “Behold a little cloud arose out of the sea like a man’s foot.” (1 Kings 18:44).

“We can find Mount Carmel on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, overlooking the modern-day city of Haifa. It rises 1742 feet above sea level and towers above the Mediterranean coastline and its limestone rocks form a cliff-like landscape. The name “Carmel” means, in Hebrew (Hakkarmel [with the definite article], “the garden” or “the garden-land” because of its renowned lush and verdant beauty during ancient times. (Isaiah 35:2) It is known for its cover of flower blossoms, flowering shrubs, and fragrant herbs. Such was its charm and appeal that it was compared to the beauty of the bride in Solomon’s song. (Song of Songs 7:5) Nowadays it comes in various names as Antelope-Nose, Har Karmel, Holy Headland, Jebel Kurmul, Mar Elyas, Mount of User, Rosh-Kedesh.” (www.americaneedsfatima.org)

Towards the end of the twelfth century A.D., near a spring called after Elijah, a group of hermits formed themselves on Mount Carmel and built an oratory in honour of Our Lady, whom they chose as their titular and patroness. They became known as the Brothers of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel. They look upon the Blessed Virgin as their Mother, and their model first of all in leading the contemplative life, and later in sharing the fruits of their contemplation with others. The Solemn Commemoration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was first observed in England in the fourteenth century, but was gradually adopted throughout the Order as a way of thanksgiving for the countless blessings which Our Lady had conferred on the Carmelite family.

Our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the wearing of scapular, recitation of Hail Mary, etc. calls us to imitate the example of Mary woman of faith, hope and love. Let our lives mirror the submissive “yes” of Mary to the plan of God in whatever situation we are in.

Viva Maria, Viva Jesus!