Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

On 16 July, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of the oldest Marian devotions in the Catholic tradition.

The title “Our Lady of Mount Carmel” traces its origins to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where Christian hermits dedicated their lives to prayer under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, this devotion has become closely associated with the Carmelite Order and the Brown Scapular, a sign of Mary’s loving protection and our commitment to follow Christ faithfully.

The feast reminds us that Mary is our spiritual mother, always leading us to her Son and encouraging us to live lives of faith, prayer and charity. Through her maternal intercession, we are invited to place our trust in God and to persevere in hope, especially during life’s trials.

As a parish dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, we joyfully join the universal Church in honouring Our Lady under this cherished title, asking her to accompany us on our journey of faith.

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.