There are many beloved titles of Mary: Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Sorrows, and even Our Lady of Champion—the only approved Marian apparition in the United States.
On July 16, we turn our attention to one of the most powerful Marian titles and feast days: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
3 Ways To Renew Your Devotion To Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel
Here are 3 ways to cultivate a greater love for Mary under this title:
- Wear the Scapular
On July 16, 1251, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock in Aylesford, England. During this apparition, she gave him the Brown Scapular, saying:
“Receive, My beloved son, this habit of thy order: this shall be to thee and to all Carmelites a privilege, that whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire …. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace.”
Wearing the Scapular is like being clothed with Mary’s mantle! Our Lady offers special protection to those who wear the Scapular, including keeping us from the fires of Hell, provided we seek a life of grace and pray the Rosary.
- Pray a Novena
Steve Kerekes, founder of Scapulars.com is leading a worldwide novena to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel beginning July 7. The first Carmelites lived on Mount Carmel (a mountain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea) in the Holy Land during the late 12th and early to mid-13th century. There they dedicated a chapel to Our Lady.
Mount Carmel is also where the prophet Elijah confronted the priests of Baal and helped turn hearts back to the true God. In this time of unrest in the Middle East and people turning away from God, this novena can be a powerful means of conversion and peace. Whatever you’re facing — anxiety, loss of a loved one, weakening faith or a wayward child — she’s there to intercede for you. Trust in her motherly care.
- Pray the Rosary
In many of her apparitions, Our Lady asks us to pray the Rosary. While she didn’t specifically mention the Rosary to St. Simon Stock, she had given it to St. Dominic just 43 years earlier. Together, the Scapular and Rosary are spiritual weapons against the devil and signs of our belonging to Jesus and Mary. St. Dominic is credited with this powerful prophecy: “One day, through the Rosary and the Scapular, Our Lady will save the world.” Yes, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel wants to save all of us from the fires of Hell. But even now, she wants to save our children, our marriages, our vocations, and our countries from every diabolical threat.
To join in the spiritual battle for souls and obtain peace in our homes and world, join Steve Kerekes and Catholics from across the world beginning July 7 in renewing your devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel through this powerful novena.
Show Our Lady of Mt. Carmel that you are her child. Wear a Scapular and pray the Rosary daily.
