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Friends of the Rosary:
Today, July 16th, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The origin of the devotion can be traced back to the 12th century when a group of hermits settled on Mount Carmel in present-day Israel. These hermits eventually formed the Carmelite order, dedicating themselves to a life of prayer and contemplation.
The scapular, known as the “Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, became closely associated with this devotion.
The faithful often wear the brown scapular as a visible sign of their devotion and an expression of trust in Mary’s intercession.
According to the Carmelite tradition, the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was presented by Our Lady to St. Simon Stock, the then-Father General on July 16, 1251. Our Lady gave St. Simon a scapular for the Carmelites with the following promise, 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.”
Many popes and saints have strongly recommended wearing the Brown Scapular to the Catholic Faithful. Pope Pius XII said: “The Scapular is a practice of piety which by its very simplicity is suited to everyone, and has spread widely among the faithful of Christ to their spiritual profit.”
According to Church tradition, there are three conditions necessary to participate in this Privilege and share in the other spiritual benefits of the Scapular: wear the Brown Scapular, observe chastity according to your state in life, and pray the Rosary.
The scapular is a sign which has been approved by the Church for over seven centuries and which stands for the decision to:
– Follow Jesus like Mary:
– Be open to God and to his will.
– Be guided by faith, hope, and love.
– To pray at all times.
– To discover God present in all that happens around us.
Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pray for Us!
To Jesus through Mary!
+ Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York
