Emmaus

Mt. Carmel and Mary

And why she is the Patroness of this publication

There’s no denying of Mt. Carmel’s role as an important location in the history of Christendom. Here is where a classic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal occurred. Imagine this: 450 “prophets” from Ahab plus400 “prophets” from Asherah, versus the lone Elijah, to prove which God is the real one. In dramatic fashion, the prophets of Baal were all ironically defeated through a sacrifice of fire, when, despite their calling out to Baal, no fire came down to burn their sacrifice of young bull. God, on the other hand, made sure that “fire came down and devoured the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dust, and lapped up the water in the trench.” (1 Kings 18:38)

God wasn’t done with them. It was also at this time when He finally brought drain to quench the drought and end the famine plaguing Israel. The first sign of which was “a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” (1 Kings 18:44) Mystics and exegetes have long associated this small cloud to the Blessed Virgin, who brought Christ into the world and quenched the drought and famine which befell the hearts of mankind.

Fast forward to the 12th century, a group of laymen who most probably joined the third Crusade decided to live a hermit life on the same mountain and became known as “Brothers of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel”. It underwent a long and arduous process of gaining juridical authority and recognition, undergoing suffering and persecution from secular clergy and other orders, prompting the brothers under St. Simon Stock to seek recourse to the Blessed Virgin. That assistance finally came in July 16, 1251, as Our Lady, carrying the Christ child in one arm and holding the Brown Scapular on the other, appeared to him and said,

“Hoc erit tibi et cunctis Carmelitis privilegium, in hoc habitu moriens salvabitur” (This shall be the privilege for you and for all the Carmelites, that anyone dying in this habit shall be saved)

The Order finally received its letter of protection from Pope Innocent IV in January 13, 1252.

The Brown Scapular has become one of the most popular and devotion among Roman Catholics the world over. The sacramental which we are familiar with today is now a miniature derivative of the one used by the Carmelites.

Our Lady gave St. Simon a scapular for the Carmelites with the following promise, saying, “Receive, My beloved son, this habit of thy order: this shall be to thee and to all Carmelites a privilege, that whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire…It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace.” This also includes the Sabbatine privilege, in which Our Lady revealed to Pope John XXII in a vision, saying:

“I, the Mother of Grace, shall descend on the Saturday (Sabbath) after their death and whomsoever I shall find in Purgatory, I shall free, so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of life everlasting.”

Receiving the spiritual blessings of the Brown Scapular requires one to be formally enrolled either by a priest or a lay person granted the faculty. Once enrolled, no other Scapular need be blessed before wearing. The blessing and imposition are attached to the wearer for life.

Why is Our Lady the Patroness for Ave Maria?

Looking at the story of Elijah and St. Simon Stock, we see it as a reflection of what is going on today. So many people are dwelling on the false prophets of relativism, consumerism, and a false sense of freedom. Catholics the world over are also facing persecution through various means, attacks on social media, vandalizing of religious images and figures, hurling of hate and vitriol against members of the Church, and so many more, that we can only look to Our Lady for recourse and intercession.

Ave Maria as a publication is all about bringing the faith to Catholics the world over through our publications. Amidst the seeming doom and gloom in the world, Catholics are asked to look to Mary, a true model and sure path to Our Lord who is our salvation. Her docility and obedience are fruits of her intense faith and ardent love for God. She pursued this way of life, all the way to following Christ on the cross in Calvary. But she didn’t end there, and continued to follow, as proof of her being assumed into heaven. This is what Ave Maria hopes to follow, being a beacon of hope in these tumultuous times. Ave Maria as a publication that hopes to be an avenue to bring Christ and the reality of the faith to this fragile world. The Blessed Virgin of Mt. Carmel has never abandoned on her promise, and we hold on to that promise with faith, that in all our endeavors, we will be able to pursue it with much ardor and devotion to Christ, the same way as her.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us!

Ave Maria!