Christ, the New Mount Carmel

DAVAO CITY- “May the Lady of Mount Carmel protect us and bring us closer to the Holy Mountain.” This was the opening prayer of the mass celebrating the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The Archbishop of Davao, Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D. presided the holy mass together with some priests in the Archdiocese. The mass started at exactly 7:00 in the morning and joined by many Dabawenyos at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel chapel in Lanang, Davao City.

Archbishop Valles elaborated that our Lady of Mount Carmel is considered by the church as our protector and that the true Carmel is Jesus Christ himself. In his homily, he mentioned that Elijah was the boldest of the prophets.

According to the 1st book of kings, Elijah was the defender of the worship of Yahweh over that of the Phoenician god Baal or the idol worship. Also according to the book, he was able to raise the dead and was taken by a whirlwind to the heavens. In Quran, Elijah was described as the great and righteous prophet of God.

Archbishop Valles added that people should be able to know the style of of God and that people should be reminded of the cross. As God’s heirs, we just need to trust that He will hear our prayers.

Further, the Valles hopes that we allow and ask Mary to stay with us, she being our Mother as disciples of the Lord.

The holy mass has ended with the Archbishop’s words: “TRUST AND BELIEVE IN THE TRUE HOLY MOUNTAIN”.

After the Mass, the blessing of scapular followed.

By: Chilly L. Enetorio