The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Jul. 16, 2026

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
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Every July 16
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The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel lights up the calendar every July 16. This sacred day honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as the patroness of the Carmelite Order, a tradition rooted in the Holy Land. Join in devotions, wear the brown scapular, and reflect on centuries of faith and tradition.

Want to sponsor The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel? Learn how

Expected The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Deals

As a religious observance, The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel focuses on spiritual devotion rather than commercial deals. However, many Catholic supply stores and religious goods retailers may see increased interest in items like brown scapulars, rosaries, and devotional statues. Organizations like the Carmelite Order (carmelites.net) and various Marian shrines often host special Masses, processions, and opportunities for spiritual enrichment, encouraging donations to support their missions. Expect local Catholic parishes to be central hubs for celebration. We will update this page with confirmed live events and spiritual opportunities as July 16 approaches.

Platform Guide for The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #OurLadyOfMountCarmel. Share photos from local processions or reflections on faith.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #OurLadyOfMountCarmel. Post images of Marian art, scapulars, or community gatherings.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #OurLadyOfMountCarmel. Share insights on the Carmelite tradition or news from religious communities.

Social Media Tips for The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Individuals

Wear your brown scapular, attend a special Mass, or participate in a local procession. Offer prayers and reflect on the spiritual significance of the day.

Creators

Create content exploring the history of the Carmelite Order, the symbolism of the brown scapular, or personal testimonies of faith related to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Brands

Religious goods stores can highlight devotional items. Catholic publishers can promote books on Marian spirituality. Local parishes can share event schedules and prayer resources.

Organizations & Brands for The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

  1. Carmelite Order

    Founded in the late 12th century by hermits on Mount Carmel, the Carmelite Order is a Roman Catholic mendicant order dedicated to contemplative life and service. They are central to the devotion of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

  2. Catholic Charities USA

    Established in 1910, Catholic Charities USA is a national network of agencies providing social services, advocating for the poor, and responding to disasters. Their work embodies the compassion central to Marian devotion.

  3. EWTN

    The Eternal Word Television Network, founded by Mother Angelica in 1981, is a global Catholic television network. It provides extensive programming on Marian devotions, including the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

  4. Holyart

    An online retailer specializing in religious articles, Holyart offers a wide range of Catholic goods, including scapulars, statues of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and other devotional items for the feast day.

  5. Ave Maria Press

    Founded in 1865 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, Ave Maria Press is a leading Catholic publisher. They offer numerous books on Marian spirituality, saints, and Catholic traditions relevant to the feast.

  6. Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

    Located in Middletown, New York, this shrine is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It hosts annual celebrations, Masses, and spiritual retreats, drawing visitors from across the region.

  7. The Catholic Company

    A prominent online Catholic store, The Catholic Company provides a vast selection of religious gifts, books, and sacramentals, including items specifically related to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the brown scapular devotion.

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hero

Saint Simon Stock

Saint Simon Stock (c. 1165–1265) was an English Carmelite friar and prior general of the Carmelite Order. He is traditionally credited with receiving the vision of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the brown scapular in 1251, promising special protection to those who wear it faithfully. His leadership helped the Carmelites establish themselves in Europe and adapt their eremitical life to a mendicant model.

History of The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The solemn liturgical feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was held for the first time in England around the 14th century. The Brown Scapular, the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, has been the center of this widespread devotion since the 15th century. According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary gave the scapular to Saint Simon Stock, an early Carmelite. Among historians, it’s been a subject of debate as to whether Saint Stock saw the Blessed Virgin Mary and the scapular in his vision. Even though Saint Simon Stock was never formally canonized, the church observes his feast day. In 1951, the Aylesford Carmelite convent in England underwent restoration and kept a relic of Saint Simon Stock there. His feast is held in places where he’s honored.

A document purported to be a letter from Saint Simon Stock’s secretary, Peter Swanington, from the 13th century was published in 1642 by a Carmelite monk ― Fr. John Cheron. Historians have concluded that this letter was faked in the early 20th century, most likely by Cheron himself. On July 16, people celebrate the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The goal of this feast is to express gratitude to Virgin Mary ― the patroness. The chosen date, July 17, conflicted with the feast of St. Alexis on the European mainland, necessitating a change to July 16, which continues to be the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the Roman Calendar of the Catholic Church.

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel timeline

1287
The Order Adopts Simon's Vision

The vision of Saint Simon Stock is accepted by and supported by the Carmelite Order.

1642
Cheron Displays a Vital Letter

In a letter that he publishes, John Cheron assigns the date of the vision's occurrence as July 16.

1726
The Universal Church Launches a New Holiday

The church observes July 16 as the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

1951
The Carmelite Convent Protects a Valuable Relic

The Carmelite Convent in Aylesford, England, acquires a relic of Saint Simon Stock.

How Businesses Can Celebrate The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Local religious goods stores can create special displays for brown scapulars, rosaries, and Marian statues, offering discounts or bundled items for the feast. Catholic bookstores can feature titles on Carmelite spirituality and the history of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Parishes and religious organizations can host community events, prayer services, or educational talks about the significance of the day, encouraging participation and donations to their missions.

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel FAQs

When is The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel?

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 2026 is observed on Thursday, July 16. This fixed date honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as the patroness of the Carmelite Order, a tradition deeply rooted in Christian history.

What is the significance of the brown scapular?

The brown scapular is a devotion associated with Our Lady of Mount Carmel, traditionally believed to have been given by the Virgin Mary to Saint Simon Stock in 1251. It symbolizes a special consecration to Mary and a commitment to live a Christian life, offering spiritual protection and grace.

How many people celebrate Our Lady of Mount Carmel?

Millions of Catholics worldwide observe the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, particularly those affiliated with the Carmelite Order and its various branches. Devotion is strong in countries like Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it often involves large public processions.

Is Our Lady of Mount Carmel a federal holiday?

No, The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is not a federal holiday in the United States or most other countries. It is a religious observance primarily within the Catholic Church, though it holds special significance in some regions like Chile, where it is a national holiday.

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Activities

  1. Join the procession

    Be a part of the procession with the Virgin Mary and traditional dancers. This procession is a unique event that you will remember for a long time.

  2. Enroll in the Brown Scapular

    Wear the Brown Scapular as a sign of devotion. It can help you feel more connected to the experience.

  3. Attend the Mass

    Participate in the Mass. For many people, it’s a rich experience.

5 Interesting Facts About Chile

  1. ‘Chile’ has a meaning

    It comes from the Aymara language's native word, ‘chili,’ which means “where the land ends.”

  2. They watch the skies

    Chileans can keep an eye on alien and strange aircraft activity with the help of the U.F.O. research bureau.

  3. They eat bread

    Chileans are the second-largest bread consumers worldwide because bread loaves like the well-known Marraquetas are incredibly delicious.

  4. It has the tallest South American building

    The Gran Torre in Santiago, Chile, stands 62 stories tall.

  5. It’s a country of poets

    Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature, are well-known and adored literary figures in Chile.

Why We Love The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

  1. It solidifies Christian dedication

    It serves as a call to action of faith. This feast helps people to strengthen their dedication to their religion.

  2. It’s an opportunity to wear the Brown Scapular

    This feast is a chance to be enrolled by a priest and wear the Brown Scapular. Many people do not get to have this honor.

  3. It is fun

    There are processions in colorful costumes to mark the holiday. They make it a fun experience many people look forward to in the country.

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel dates

Year Date Day
2026 July 16 Thursday
2027 July 16 Friday
2028 July 16 Sunday
2029 July 16 Monday
2030 July 16 Tuesday