History of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The devotion to our Lady was started by the Carmelite Hermits. They believed that the

Virgin Mother who would bring salvation to mankind is much like Prophet Elijah who

ascended Mount Carmel to pray to God for the salvation of the Israel which was suffering a

terrible drought at that time.

As Elijah saw the cloud that brings rain as a symbol of salvation of Israelites during the

time of drought, Carmelites prayed and wait for the coming of the most awaited Virgin that

would become the mother of the Messiah. This becomes their spiritual mission.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel first appeared to St. Simon Stock or Simon Anglus (the 6th

superior General of the Order of Carmelites) in the July 16, 1251 at the Carmelite

monastery in Mount Carmel when He prayed I during this time, there is a vast persecution

and oppression of the clergy. In Her appearance, the Virgin Mary uttered this words “this

shall be the previlage for you and for all the Carmelites, that anyone dying in this habit shall

be saved”. And by the help of God through the intercession of Mary, on January 13, 1252,

the Order received a letter of protection from Pope Innocent IV defending them from

harassment.

The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel also known as “Brown Scapular”, is a Miniature

derivative of the actual brown scapular used by the Carmelites as a sign of their vocation

and devotion. There are 3 conditions needed to be fulfilled in order to obtain the benefits

and previlage of the scapular. First, you have to wear the brown scapular. Second, you have

to observe Chastity according to one’s state in life and the Third is to pray the holy rosary.

The brown scapular is known as a symbol of living in love and obedience to God. In
devoutly wearing this sacramental, we join our hearts to Mary’s and thus to her divine

Son’s Sacred Heart as well.

The feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was instituted by the Carmelites between 1376

and 1386 to celebrate their victory over their enemies on obtaining the approbation of its

name and constitution.