July 16 Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

The Altar of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel surrounded by six Carmelite saints Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Today is the beautiful feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

CARMEL in Hebrew signified garden. Mary's soul is a real 'garden' a garden of virtues and oasis of peace.' Only the soul that is wholly detached and in complete control of its passions can, like Mary, be a solitary, silent 'garden' where God will find His delights

"Judgement shall dwell in the wilderness and justice shall sit in Carmel. And the work of justice shall be peace, and the service of justice quietness and security forever. And my people shall sit in the beauty of peace, and in the tabernacle of confidence." Isaias (32, 16-18)

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St. Simon Stock, an Englishman was the head of the Carmelite order in England during the 1200's. Devotion to the Virgin Mary was waning and his order was in danger of perishing so spent the night of July 15, 1251 in prayer to the Virgin Mary asking her intercession.

In the early morning of July 16, Our Lady, wearing the habit of Carmel with a multitude of angels and surrounded by light appeared to St. Simon holding the Infant Jesus.

She handed him the scapular of the Order, telling him:

"My beloved Son, receive this scapular for your Order. It shall be a special sign of salvation. This is a privilege for you and all Carmelites. Those who die wearing this scapular shall be preserved from eternal fire."

There were many miracles soon after. All are encourage to be enrolled in the Brown Scapular and you will receive many graces and blessings!

FLOWER OF CARMEL

Flower of Carmel

Tall vine blossom laden;

Splendor of heaven,

Childbearing yet maiden.

None equals thee.

*

Mother so tender,

Who no man didst know,

On Carmel's children

Thy favors bestow.

Star of the Sea.

*

Strong stem of Jesse,

Who bore one bright flower,

Be ever near us

And guard us each hour,

who serve thee here.

*

Strongest of armor,

We trust in thy might:

Under thy mantle,

Hard press'd in the fight,

we call to thee.

*

Our way uncertain,

Surrounded by foes,

Unfailing counsel

You give to those

who turn to thee.

*

O gentle Mother

Who in Carmel reigns,

Share with your servants

That gladness you gained

and now enjoy.

*

Hail, Gate of Heaven,

With glory now crowned,

Bring us to safety

Where thy Son is found,

true joy to see.

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Flos Carmeli

O beautiful Flower of Carmel, most fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, holy and singular, who brought forth the Son of God, still ever remaining a Pure Virgin, assist me in this necessity.

O Star of the Sea, help and protect me! Show me that thou art my Mother. O Mary, Conceived without sin, Pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Mother and Ornament of Carmel, Pray for us! Virgin, Flower of Carmel, Pray for us! Patroness of all who wear the Scapular, Pray for us!

Hope of all who die wearing the Scapular, Pray for us! St. Joseph, Friend of the Sacred Heart, Pray for us! St. Joseph, Chaste Spouse of Mary, Pray for us! St. Joseph, Our Patron, Pray for us! O sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!

This is the prayer of St. Simon Stock, to whom the Scapular devotion with its promise was given. It has for seven centuries been called a prayer to the Blessed Mother which has never been known to fail in obtaining her powerful help.

Flower of the Day

White Lily

Representing Our Lady's purity

For more information about enrolling in the brown scapular: http://www.freebrownscapular.com/brown_scapular_enrollment.html

See this beautiful video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGoOna9VNjE

Ave Maria!

www.ChildrenOfMary.com