Quote/s of the Day – 16 July
In Hebrew Carmel means “garden” and expresses
not only the richness of the natural verdure which covers the mountain like a multicolored tapestry but also the grace and excellence of the many saints who flourished and flowered on its mystical summit…
Tall, majestic, strong and spacious, this Palestinian promontory,
rising out of the edge of the blue Mediterranean, was the site of many Biblical events.
It was the place of seclusion for early Christian monks who lived and prayed in its caves.
It was also the scene of battle and bloodshed for marauding armies:
-Saracens, Turks, and even Napoleon’s French troops-
who climbed its heights and left their destructive mark.
Both mountain and symbol, it stands as an enduring and tangible
testimony that the spirit of the great realities enacted there
will never be lost.
It was to St. Simon Stock, in a moment of ardent petition
for the preservation of the Order, that “the most glorious Mother of God appeared…
holding in her blessed hand the Scapular of Carmel and assured him of her predilection for those who would wear it piously.
In her appearance to Friar Stock, Mary entrusted him
with the Brown Scapular.
“Those who die devotedly clothed with this scapular
shall be preserved from eternal fire.”
“The brown scapular is a badge of salvation.
The brown scapular is a shield in time of danger.
The brown scapular is a pledge of peace
and special protection, until the end of time.”
“Wear the Scapular devoutly and perseveringly.
It is my garment.
To be clothed in it means you are continually
thinking of me, and I in turn,
am always thinking of you
and helping you to secure eternal life.”
Our Lady to St Simon Stock
