Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Overlooking the city  of Haifa in Israel and the blue Mediterranean Sea is Mount Carmel, where Elijah defended the faith against the prophets of Baal and where a group of monks set up a chapel dedicated to "Our Lady of the Place." On this day in 1251, Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock and gave him "the scapular, a narrow apron that covered the back and front of it's bearer, and has become a symbol of "the filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Mount Carmel and the faithful who entrust themselves totally to her protection, who have recourse to her maternal intercession , who are mindful of the primacy of the spiritual life and the need for prayer." (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy) Smaller versions of the scapular exit as well, consisting of two squares of brown or green material connected by two thin laces...Mary continually reminds us that she lovingly watches over us and lights our pilgrim path to a stronger union with her Son. May we receive her motherly care as we would from our own mothers.
Bro. Rene