# The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
*2015-07-16*

> Bill Young discusses the significance of the Brown Scapular, its connection to the Carmelite order, and the spiritual benefits of consecrating oneself to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

## St. Pope John Paul II and the Scapular

Today is Thursday, July 16th, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Reflecting on this devotion, we recall that on February 17, 1980, St. Pope John Paul II visited the Roman parish of St. Martin of the Mountains, which has belonged to the Carmelites since 1299. During a meeting with the Pastoral Council, the Pope took the scapular of the Third Order of Carmelites in his hand and, with great delight, placed it on his chest, emphasizing that he too had worn it for a long time.

## What is the Brown Scapular?

The scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is essentially the habit of the Carmelites. Often called the 'little habit' because it reproduces the order's habit in small dimensions, wearing it allows the faithful to belong to the Carmelite family. It consists of two pieces of brown fabric linked by a cord or ribbon, worn around the neck. Many scapulars also feature images of Mary or the Sacred Heart.

To wear the little habit means to consecrate oneself to Mary and to be acknowledged as one of her beloved children. By responding to her love, we seek her protection against the dangers of life and trust in her maternal care even after death. St. Pope John Paul II taught us that Our Lady of Mount Carmel can guide souls who find themselves in Purgatory, helping her children reach their blessed homeland.

## The Spiritual Commitment

Wearing the scapular is a sign of friendship and intimacy with God. It is a commitment to live as brothers and sisters of Mary, seeking to deepen one's spiritual life and faithfulness to Christ. This involves emulating the prayerful Virgin who kept the word of God in her heart (Luke 2:19, 51) by dedicating time to meeting God in prayer and practicing chastity of body and soul according to one's vocation, whether married or celibate.

A decree issued by Pope Paul V in 1613 highlights the importance of this devotion, stating that the Blessed Virgin Mary provides continual assistance through her merits, particularly on Saturdays, to those who have worn the scapular, observed chastity, and recited the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

## Practical Guidelines for Devotion

The imposition and blessing of the scapular may be performed by priests and deacons. Once imposed, the scapular can be worn with a medal featuring the Sacred Heart and the Virgin Mary. Those who wear it are called to bear witness to a good Christian life, pray daily, and receive Holy Communion frequently.

Regarding the daily requirements, the recitation of the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be substituted by the Divine Office, the third part of the Rosary, a brief period of Lectio Divina, or the recitation of seven Hail Marys and Glories. It is especially suggested to pray to Mary on Saturdays and to celebrate her solemn feast on July 16th.

*The Brown Scapular is a visible sign of a deeper interior commitment to live in intimacy with God through the maternal protection and example of Mary.*