In the fourteenth century the Carmelite order instituted this feast to celebrate the official recognition of their order in 1226 by Pope Honorius III. This date was chosen because it was the day when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in a vision to St. Simon Stock in 1251 and gave to him the brown scapular. She told him to share the scapular with all people, promising that whoever wore it would enjoy her special protection. Pope Benedict XIII extended this feast to the entire Church in 1726.

As he hung on the cross, Jesus gave his mother to John, telling him, “Behold, your mother.” The Church has seen in this gesture a gift that is meant for the entire Church. Mary is our mother and as she nurtured and cared for Jesus, so does she care for us, members of the Body of Christ, brothers and sisters of Jesus through our Baptism. With this in mind, let us turn to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and pray for the Holy Father and the entire Church.

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, who brought forth the Son of God, still remaining a Virgin: assist us in this our necessity. O Star of the Sea, help us, and show us that you are our Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of heaven and earth, we humbly ask you from the bottom of our hearts to help us in this necessity. There are none who can withstand your power. O show us that you are our Mother. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. Sweet Mother, we place this cause in your hands.