Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Reflection -Rev.Dr.John F.Sequeira, Now Rector of Seminary-Mysuru

Summary

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a celebration of devotion to the Virgin Mary, particularly through the brown scapular. This feast has deep historical roots, originating from Mount Carmel in Israel where lay hermits dedicated themselves to a contemplative life, inspired by the prophet Elijah. The Carmelite order, known for its spirituality and prayerful lifestyle, played a key role in spreading this devotion. The brown scapular symbolizes Mary's protection and love. The reflection emphasizes spiritual growth, using Mount Carmel as a metaphor for a journey toward perfection, with Mary as a guide on this pilgrimage of faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated worldwide, emphasizing devotion to the Holy Scapular as a sign of love and protection from Mother Mary.
• 😀 The origins of the feast date back to Mount Carmel in Israel, where a group of lay hermits dedicated a chapel to Mary in the 12th century.
• 😀 Mount Carmel has rich biblical significance, known for its beauty, lush vegetation, and symbolism as the 'garden of God'.
• 😀 The mountain is closely linked to the prophet Elijah, who had a dramatic encounter with the 450 priests of Baal there, proving the supremacy of Yahweh.
• 😀 Mount Carmel's name 'Karem El' means 'the garden of God,' symbolizing divine beauty and flourishing, often compared to the bride in the Song of Songs.
• 😀 The early hermits on Mount Carmel followed Elijah's contemplative lifestyle, with an emphasis on solitude, prayer, and meditation.
• 😀 Simon Stock, a key figure in Carmel's history, received the apparition of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1251, giving the Brown Scapular its spiritual significance.
• 😀 The Brown Scapular became a powerful symbol of protection, promising salvation for those who died wearing it, as communicated by Mary during the apparition.
• 😀 The Carmelites moved to England in the 13th century due to external threats, where Simon Stock helped establish reforms and strengthen the order.
• 😀 The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel calls for a life of contemplation and prayer, inviting the faithful to strive for spiritual perfection and a closer relationship with God, as modeled by Mary.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel?

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a celebration of the Virgin Mary, specifically honoring her maternal love and protection. It is significant because it commemorates the devotion of the Carmelites and the gift of the Brown Scapular, symbolizing Mary's protection for those who wear it.

What historical origin does the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel have?

The feast originates from Mount Carmel in Israel, where a group of lay hermits gathered in the 12th century, dedicated to Mary. They called themselves the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, drawing inspiration from her contemplative lifestyle and devotion.

How did Mount Carmel get its name and what does it symbolize?

Mount Carmel's name comes from the Hebrew word 'Carmel,' meaning 'garden' or 'vineyard of God.' It symbolizes the lush beauty and fertile nature of the mountain, often associated with God's creation, as seen in the references in the book of Isaiah.

What is the biblical significance of Mount Carmel?

Mount Carmel holds great biblical significance as the site of the prophet Elijah's encounter with the 450 priests of Baal. It is also seen as a place of divine revelation, with God speaking to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12-13).

Who were the first hermits on Mount Carmel, and what was their way of life?

The first hermits on Mount Carmel were a group of lay people who sought solitude and contemplation. They were inspired by the prophet Elijah and followed a life of prayer and meditation, living in caves on the slopes of the mountain.

What role did Simon Stock play in the Carmelites' history?

Simon Stock was a key figure in the development of the Carmelite order. He is particularly known for receiving the Brown Scapular from Our Lady of Mount Carmel during an apparition in 1251, which promised protection to those who wore it. He also helped reform the Carmelite order, adapting it to Western conditions.

What is the significance of the Brown Scapular in the Carmelite tradition?

The Brown Scapular is a sign of devotion to the Virgin Mary and a symbol of her protection. According to tradition, those who die wearing the scapular are promised salvation. It also represents the Carmelite way of life and dedication to prayer and contemplation.

How did the Carmelite order spread outside of the Holy Land?

The Carmelite order, originally established on Mount Carmel, spread to Western Europe, especially after the Saracen threats made life on the mountain difficult. In the 13th century, the Carmelites established themselves in England and other parts of Europe, adapting their lifestyle to local conditions.

What biblical imagery is associated with Mount Carmel and how does it relate to Mary?

Mount Carmel is often depicted as a place of beauty and divine revelation. The imagery of a beautiful garden or vineyard is associated with it, and this symbolism is extended to the Virgin Mary, who is seen as the 'garden of God' where Christ, the Word Incarnate, blooms.

What does the term 'Karem El' mean and how does it relate to the Carmelites?

'Karem El' is a term meaning 'garden of God' and is used to describe Mount Carmel's lush beauty. It also symbolizes the Virgin Mary, who, through her virtuous life, becomes the most beautiful garden of God, a model of Christian discipleship for the Carmelites.