# Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
*2008-07-16*

> In honor of the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th, Bill Young leads a series of prayers and reflections focusing on the Blessed Mother's protection and the significance of the Brown Scapular.

## The Significance of Mount Carmel

Today is July 16th, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This title recalls the place chosen by God where He wished to reconcile Himself with His people. It was at Mount Carmel that the prophet Elijah prayed for the shower of rain to restore the earth after a long drought, a sign of God's forgiveness. In the little cloud that rose from the sea, we see the Immaculate Virgin Mary, who rose in her purity from the sea of sinful humanity to pour out blessings upon the earth through Christ.

## Devotion to the Brown Scapular

We thank Mary for the Scapular, a symbol of vital devotion and a sign of consecration to her according to the spirituality of Carmel. The Scapular serves as a defense against the enemy of our souls; in moments of temptation and danger, the thought of her love calls us back to the right path. We pray that this day marks a fresh desire for holiness in all of us and in the Church, renewing the commitment to serve Jesus Christ faithfully with a pure heart and a good conscience.

## Intercession for the Souls in Purgatory

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is not only a help to us while we are on earth, but she also ensures that our sufferings are mitigated in Purgatory to hasten our entry into paradise. As the Queen of Purgatory, we beseech her to take care of the souls of our dear ones, especially those who wore the Scapular with devotion. We pray that all souls, purified by the redeeming blood of Christ, may be welcomed into everlasting happiness.

## Petitions for the Church and the World

We ask the Mother of the Church for the grace to remain far from sin and to be freed from the evils of body and soul. We pray for the Pope, who guides the Church in the name of Jesus, as well as for bishops, priests, and all those in religious life. We ask for blessings upon those suffering in spirit or facing the difficulties of life, and for all who wear the Scapular to be inspired to imitate her virtues.

*Through the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the devotion of the Scapular, we find a guarantee of grace and a path toward eternal salvation.*