BTN News: Every year on July 16, Catholics around the world celebrate El DÃa de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, or the Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This special day honors the Virgin Mary in her role as a protector and guide. Known as Santa MarÃa del Monte Carmelo, she holds a significant place in religious history and tradition. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is revered not only as the patroness of the National Penitentiary Service and the Argentine Army but also in numerous parishes worldwide.
The Origins of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel began on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. Early Christians built a chapel near the cave of the prophet Elijah to honor Mary. On July 16, 1251, the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, the superior general of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Aylesford, England. During this apparition, she gave him the Carmelite habit and the scapular, which became symbols of Marian devotion. The Church officially recognized this event in 1587, establishing July 16 as a day of celebration.
Patroness of the Andes Army
On January 5, 1817, Argentine General José de San MartÃn named Our Lady of Mount Carmel as the general of the Army of the Andes. He sought her protection and guidance in his efforts to liberate Argentina. In a ceremony in Mendoza, San MartÃn presented her with his staff and had the flag of the Andes blessed in her honor. These historical artifacts are now housed in the Shrine of San Francisco in Mendoza. The soldiers of the Andes began wearing her scapular, and her devotion spread throughout the Cuyo region.
Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel is honored in Formosa as the province’s patroness, with celebrations on July 16. Mendoza recognizes her as the Patroness of Studies, extending her veneration nationwide. Pope Pius X further honored her by decreeing that the sacred image of the Virgin Mary under the title of Carmel, venerated in Mendoza’s Church of San Francisco, be crowned with a gold crown. Her devotion extends beyond Argentina to countries like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Spain, and Italy.
A Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Here is a traditional prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, asking for her intercession and protection:
“Oh, Most Beautiful and Immaculate Virgin of Carmel, with your eyes of mercy, look upon those who wear your blessed Scapular. Kindly cover me with your protective mantle. Strengthen my weakness with your power, enlighten my mind with your wisdom, and increase my faith, hope, and charity. Adorn my soul with the graces and virtues needed to always be loved by your divine Son and by you. Assist me in life, console me in death with your loving presence, and present me to the Holy Trinity as your devoted child and servant, to praise and bless you forever in Heaven. Amen.”
This day is a testament to the deep reverence and cultural importance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a symbol of protection, guidance, and unwavering faith for many around the world.
