Today is the feat of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah in northern Israel in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. In 1726, it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The Carmelites were known from early on as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” The title suggests that they saw Mary not only as “mother,” but also as “sister.” The word sister is a reminder that Mary is very close to us. She is the daughter of God and therefore can help us be authentic daughters and sons of God. She also can help us grow in appreciation of being sisters and brothers to one another. She leads us to a new realization that all human beings belong to the family of God. When such a conviction grows, there is hope that the human race can find its way to peace.

Text source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/our-lady-of-mount-carmel/ Obtained from https://www.ccvichapel.org/post/our-lady-of-mount-carmel-nuestra-se%C3%B1ora-del-monte-carmelo

On the header, “The Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel” painted by unknown artist.