Our Ladyof Mount Carmel

This memorial was initiated by the Carmelite Order to commemorate the giving of the brown scapular to St. Simon Stock in 1251. The scapular, two pieces of brown wool with a cloth likeness of Mary on one side united by a brown cord, is customarily given to first communicants by a priest authorized to bestow it along with the spiritual benefits promised to St. Simon and all who would wear it. The grace of a happy death is one of the major benefits, but comes with the proviso that the bearer of the scapular attempt to live the Christian Life to the best of his or her ability, thus not relying on the scapular as a good luck charm.
The Carmelite Order originated on the hills behind what is now Haifa in Israel. One gets a spectatuclar view of the Mediterranean and is reminded of the small cloud Elijah saw as he prayed for rain while the priests of Baal in vain danced, prayed, and offered sacrifices so that Baal might win the competition for the mightiest and true God. The early Carmelites were hermits who inhabited the caves on Mount Carmel, but eventually bonded together in community under one roof. Carmelites to this day lead a strongly contemplative life, while at the same time actively give retreats, parish missions and run schools. As Marists this memorial has a special appeal to us, for it is yet another occasion to celebrate with Mary our Good Mother, this time stressing her love of contemplative prayer, the prayer of pondering. Perhaps we might find some exra time to ponder in our imaginations what we might see if we looked out over the Mediterranean Sea from our own Mount Carmels.
Bro. Rene
P.S. I will not be able to provide a slice of bread on Sunday as I will be giving talks on the missions at St. Mary's Parish in Westfield, MA...another one of Mary's special places. Back on Monday.