July 16 honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patroness of the Carmelite Order. The Carmelites began as hermits living in prayer on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, taking Mary as their mother and protector. According to Carmelite tradition, Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock in 1251 and gave him the brown scapular as a sign of her care.
Mary's whole life was a quiet, complete yes to God, from the Annunciation to standing faithfully at the foot of the cross. Under this title she reminds us that she stays close to her children, wrapping them in her prayer and leading them always toward her Son. Her example invites us to trust God in silence and to persevere in prayer even when the way is hidden.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, cover us with the mantle of your protection, and lead us and those we love ever closer to Jesus. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →