Funds were collected by the Carmelites, an order worldwide by this time, and they restored the monastery.Ĭontinuing the story, we come to the scapular of Mt. Carmel and is a garden of life.) Throughout the monastery’s long history, there were periods of sadness, especially when it fell under Islamic control, becoming a mosque known as El-Maharrakah (the place of burning, referring to Elijah’s challenge to the pagan prophets.) In the 18th century, Napoleon established the location as a hospital, but this was destroyed in 1821. They built a monastery and it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as she was “Star of the Sea” – a medieval title describing the mother of Christ as the cloud of life that dwells over the sea promising rain and fertility (Remember that the Mediterranean is seen from Mt. Carmel had been a place devoted to monastic-style prayer since the time of Elijah. Brocard became leader of the hermits eventually leading to the establishment of the Order of Carmelites in the 12th century. Carmel and built a small chapel there, soon joined by hermits who all lived there in community in imitation of Elijah. Tradition says that he came from southern France but when venturing in the Holy Land came to encounter fierce soldiers. The founder, Berthold, may have been a pilgrim to the area (perhaps to cave of Elijah), or a crusader. The feast day we now celebrate on July16 recalls the foundation of the Carmelite religious order in the 12th century. Its Hebrew name “karmel” means “garden land” and “a fruitful place.” Carmel suggests God’s care and copious giving of life and care. On the mountain’s slopes there are plentiful pastures Caves on the mountains often provided shelter for monks through the ages, in which Elijah and Elisha took refuge (1 Kings 18:19, 2 Kings 2:25.) An abiding sense of the reference to Mt. The beauty of the bride in Solomon’s song is compared to the beauty of this mountain. The area is known for its cover of flower blossoms, flowering shrubs, and fragrant herbs.
The mount is known as the place of a contest between Elijah and 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah (both false gods.) There are indications that stone-age man once lived in caves on the side of Mt. At the top of the mount, there is a view of the Mediterranean’s shore, making it a strategic site for defense of the rich land below it. The mountain is located in a richly forested area at the southern end of a long fertile valley known from ancient times for its wine and oil production. Carmel’s importance extends far back into history. Let’s start at the very beginning of the story. The connection of Mary, the mother of Christ, and the renowned mountain of biblical times is a long story and filled with insights into the motherhood of Mary as she prays and cares for her Son’s faithful in the world. Under the patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our teachers and students are greatly helped to stay on the right path.