The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is on July 16. The name given to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the patroness of the Carmelite Order, particularly within the Catholic Church, is Our Lady of Mount Carmel, or Virgin of Carmel. In the late 12th and early to mid-13th centuries, Christian hermits first settled on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land and became known as Carmelites. They constructed a chapel in the middle of their hermitages and dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin, whom they envisioned as the ‘Lady of the place’ in chivalric terms. The 19th century saw Chile choose Our Lady of Mount Carmel as its patron saint.
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
The vision of Saint Simon Stock is accepted by and supported by the Carmelite Order.
In a letter that he publishes, John Cheron assigns the date of the vision's occurrence as July 16.
The church observes July 16 as the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The Carmelite Convent in Aylesford, England, acquires a relic of Saint Simon Stock.
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel FAQs
What is the significance of Mount Carmel in the “Bible?”
Egyptian writings from the 16th century B.C. refer to it as a “holy mountain.” The “Bible” notes it as the location of Elijah’s battle with the false prophets of Baal.
What does the name ‘Carmel’ mean in Hebrew?
In Hebrew, ‘Carmel’ means ‘garden’ or ‘vineyard.’
Who built the first altar on Mount Carmel?
Elijah constructed a new altar on the mountain where, according to the ‘Books of Kings,’ once stood a defunct one.
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Activities
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.
Enroll in the Brown Scapular
Wear the Brown Scapular as a sign of devotion. It can help you feel more connected to the experience.
Attend the Mass
Participate in the Mass. For many people, it’s a rich experience.
5 Interesting Facts About Chile
‘Chile’ has a meaning
It comes from the Aymara language's native word, ‘chili,’ which means “where the land ends.”
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.
They eat bread
Chileans are the second-largest bread consumers worldwide because bread loaves like the well-known Marraquetas are incredibly delicious.
It has the tallest South American building
The Gran Torre in Santiago, Chile, stands 62 stories tall.
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
It solidifies Christian dedication
It serves as a call to action of faith. This feast helps people to strengthen their dedication to their religion.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 16 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | July 16 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | July 16 | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 16 | Friday |
| 2028 | July 16 | Sunday |
Log In With Google 