July, the Month of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: A Call to Faith and Devotion
Each July, the Catholic Church invites us to turn our hearts with special affection toward Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of the most beloved titles of the Virgin Mary. The highlight of this month is July 16, when we celebrate with love and devotion this tender Mother who is patroness of the Carmelite Order, protector of the souls in Purgatory, and guardian of all who wear her scapular in faith.
The Promises of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Virgin of Mount Carmel is not only a maternal refuge in times of trial, but also a channel of powerful graces for those who entrust themselves to her protection. Throughout the centuries, she has made consoling promises to her faithful children — promises that, far from superstition, encourage us to live a life of grace and conversion. Among the most well-known are:
“Whoever dies clothed in this scapular shall not suffer the fires of eternal damnation.”
“I, the Mother of Mercy, will deliver from Purgatory on the first Saturday after death all who wear my scapular.”
These promises are not magical guarantees, but invitations to remain united to Christ through a life of prayer, virtue, and trust in the maternal intercession of Mary.
The Meaning of the Scapular
The scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is much more than a religious object; it is a sign of consecration, a reminder of Mary’s presence and protection. Wearing it with faith signifies a commitment to follow Jesus with the help of His Mother, to strive for holiness, and to persevere in friendship with God.
A Call to Live This Month with Devotion
Let July be a time for renewing our love for Jesus through His Mother. This month invites us to:
-
Wear the scapular as a sign of our consecration to Mary.
-
Entrust ourselves and our families to her maternal care.
-
Live each day striving for holiness, guided by her example.
-
Pray for the souls in Purgatory, confident in her intercession.
“Let us consecrate ourselves to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, wear her scapular with faith, and live in true friendship with God.”
Conclusion
As we honor Our Lady of Mount Carmel, let us remember that her promises are a call to conversion, grace, and hope. May her motherly love lead us ever closer to her Son, Jesus.
