(1251) Mount Carmel was the location of the showdown between the prophet Elijah and 450 prophets of the Canaanite deity, Baal (1 Kings 18). The Carmelite order, known for its contemplative and Marian spirituality, takes Elijah as their predecessor and spiritual father. On July 16, 1251, the Blessed Virgin Mary gave Saint Simon Stock, sixth prior general of the Carmelites, the scapular. Saint Simon Stock spread the Carmelite order throughout Europe. It has graced the Church with a wealth of spiritual masters.

Charisms are given for the sake of building the Church. Different expressions of spirituality grace the Church in different ways. Different expressions of 12-step fellowships benefit their membership in different ways. Catholics in recovery come together to build up one another and go from fellowship to build the Church. How can your recovery experience serve your local parish?

“O Most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, beautiful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity…O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my mother” (Saint Simon Stock, Flower of Mount Carmel Prayer).

Reflection by Brad Farmer