Today is the Feast of “the Scapular” which is also the commemoration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This Feast relates to the Carmelites which originated from Mount Carmel in Israel. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron saint of the Carmelite Order. The Order originated from a group of monks who lived in seclusion on Mount Carmel in the 12th century. Traditionally, they lived as hermits, living according to the rules of the Congregation: mediation of and obedience to the Word of God, and zealous service to others. The practice was widely spread in Europe. Their rules were recognized by the church authorities in the early 13th century. The Church celebrates the Feast today i.e. on 16th July, for Our Lady of Carmel, which is the day when all Carmelites reiterate their promise in prayers, mediation of and obedience to the Word of God, and zealous service to others.
“The Scapular” is a pair of small garments to be worn on the neck which signifies the importance of the commemoration. The universal Church honoring Mary under this title dated to her appearance to an English Carmelite, St. Simon Stock, in the 13th Century. She gave him the Brown Scapular, a garment worn by religious over the neck and shoulders as an apron, to be worn by Carmelites as a sign of her protection and blessing. It is a Marian devotional practice which, over the centuries, has spread to Catholics around the world. Through this devotion, people are reminded to follow Our Lady’s chastity, humility and obedience. We have to live up to this firm and enduring resolution, follow Our Lady’s example and commit to a lifetime of faithfulness to God.
Spiritual Director
Fr. Francis Tam
16 July 2023