OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

On July 16, the Church celebrates on the feast of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel which is symbolized by the brown scapular. The scapular, which derives its name from the Latin word scapula, meaning shoulders, is a dress which covers the shoulders. It is mentioned in the rule of Saint Benedict as worn by monks over their other dress when they were at work, and it now forms a regular part of the religious dress in the old Orders. But it is best known among Catholics as the name of two little pieces of cloth worn out of devotion to the Blessed Virgin over the shoulders, under the ordinary garb, and connected by strings. The devotion of the scapular, now almost universal in the Catholic Church, began with the Carmelites.

Our Lady promises to be a spiritual mother to those who wear the scapular. She even promises the gift of final perseverance to all who wear her sign with genuine faith in Jesus and in her powerful protection. At the hour of death, she will grant the wearer the grace to repent completely.

For more information:
• Novena to Mount Carmel
• Procedure for the Blessing and Investiture of the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel