MOUNT CARMEL BROWN SCAPULAR
History
- In 860 B.C., Mount Carmel, Palestine, where Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, who worshipped Baal as her god, was challenged by Prophet Elijah versus the Baal priests on whose god can light fire on an altar with a sacrificial bull. (1 Kings 18:19-40).
- Jezebel's Baal priests failed despite desperate pleadings to their pagan gods.
- For more difficulty on his turn, Elijah poured water on the altar. Then calling upon his God, lightning and fire burned the altar instantly and totally.
- Victorious, Elijah then slayed all the Baal priests with his sword. Jezebel in anger chased Elijah who hid in a cave at Mount Carmel. Other prophets followed him to set up the Carmelite Order.
- July 16, 1251, Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Simon Stock, then Prior General of the Carmelite Order.
- As a special privilege for the Monks of Mount Carmel, the Blessed Virgin Mary gave St Simon Stock the Brown Scapular with a promise of eternal salvation to those who wear with devotion.
Our Sign, Her Pledge
- Our Sign of Filial Devotion and belonging to Mary
- Her Pledge of Maternal Protection in this life and after death
