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History of Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel is a mountain spur projecting into the sea south of Haifa, Israel. Its

bold outline can be seen for many miles. The name means "garden" or "orchard."

Always a sacred place and a refuge, the mount had several pagan deities called Baal.

It was the scene of the struggle and overthrow of the priests of Baal, publicly

challenged by the prophet Elijah as recounted in the Bible (I Kings XVIII, 19ff).

Tradition has maintained the existence of prayerful hermits, followers of the

prophet, resident thereafter, worshiping and honoring the one true God.

Mount Carmel naturally became a refuge for early Christian hermits and monks. In

570 A.D., a monastery dedicated to Elijah was known to exist. About 1156, the Order

of Carmelites was founded, and a new monastery was built to the honor of St. Mary

of Mount Carmel.

Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel spread throughout Europe by the returning

Crusaders and by members of the Carmelite Order. Notable shrines and churches

were founded in honor of Mary under the title of Carmel or Carmen. In England in

1251, the Virgin appeared to St. Simon Stock, Prior General of the Order of Mount

Carmel. According to tradition, Our Lady on this occasion promised special blessings

to all who wore the Carmelite scapular which signified total dedication to her Son,

Jesus. Honor to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is worldwide.

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