Feast of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated on July 16th each year. It is a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, specifically honoring her as the patroness of the Carmelite Order. The feast has its origins in the Carmelite tradition, which holds that the Prophet Elijah had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary and that the Carmelite Order has a special connection to her. The feast commemorates the brown scapular, worn by Carmelites as a sign of their devotion and dedication to Mary. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock (1165–1265) and gave him the first brown scapular. The Feast is a day of special prayer, reflection, and renewal of commitment to living a life of holiness and following the example of Mary. The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is widely celebrated by Carmelites and the faithful around the world, who seek Mary’s intercession and ask for her protection and guidance on their spiritual journey.