Our Lady of Carmel Santa Tecla July 16, 1977
Zachariah 2:14-17 Luke 2:15b-19
We will be celebrating the Feast Day of Our Lady Mt. Carmel, next Monday! A beautiful feast day for our family. We have a special devotion to St. Therese of the Little Flower as well, as St. Theresa of Avila, who are of the Carmelites order. My 3 youngest girls have an even special devotion since we celebrate two First Holy Communion and one baptismal!
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)n- America Needs Fatima
There is a tradition—which may not be historical—that Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary’s own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way.
The Brown Scapular
is not:
a magical charm to protect you
an automatic guarantee of salvation
an excuse for not living up to the demands of the Christian life
is a sign which:
has been approved by the Church for over seven centuries;
stands for the decision to follow Jesus like Mary:
o open to God and to His will;
o guided by faith, hope and love;
o close to the needs of people;
o praying at all times;
o discovering God present in all that happens around us;
o introduces people into the Family of Carmel;
points to a renewed hope of encountering God in eternal life with the help of Mary’s
protection and intercession.
The Carmelites were known from early on as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” The title suggests that they saw Mary not only as “mother,” but also as “sister.” The word sister is a reminder that Mary is very close to us. She is the daughter of God and therefore can help us be authentic daughters and sons of God. She also can help us grow in appreciation of being sisters and brothers to one another. She leads us to a new realization that all human beings belong to the family of God. When such a conviction grows, there is hope that the human race can find its way to peace. – Franciscan Media
Let’s Celebrate: Here you will find some sweet ideas from coloring pages, crafts, snacks, and gifts to buy for this beautiful Feast Day of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Coloring:
Snack:
Book:
(This post has a few Amazon Affiliate, therefore if you click on Amazon link and order anything, we get a small advertising fee at no cost to you.)
Garment of Grace (Children’s Edition)
A Story of Saint Simon Stock (Dujarie Saint Books)
I love this series of books, we have the St. Cecilia.
Crafts:
Click on image to take you to the craft.
Gifts:
Here you find links to small Catholic business, just click on the image and it will take you to their store! Let’s support Small Catholic Business!
Flos Carmeli Prayer
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 Beauty 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 our salvation!
Amen.
