The Brown Scapular is a devotion to Our Lady that arose from a message recieved by St. Simon Stock by Our Lady in the mid 11th century. However, devotion to Our Lady on Mount Carmel dates back to the 8th century B.C. The Prophet Elijah ascended the holy mountain of Carmel in Palestine and there began a long tradition of reverring the girl who would become the Mother of Our Lord. Elijah and his followers had dedicated themselves to God's Mother who would later become Mary, Queen of Mount Carmel. The Holy Prophet Elijah began a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary that has been handed down as a treasured and spiritual legacy for all time!
Here is the final day of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena prayer, I love it for it's imagery and symbolism:
O Most Holy Mother of Mount Carmel, when asked by a saint to grant privileges to the family of Carmel, you gave assurance of your Motherly love and help to those faithful to you and to your Son.
Behold us, your children.
We glory in wearing your holy habit, which makes us members of your family of Carmel, through which we shall have your powerful protection in life, at death and even after death.
Look down with love, O Gate of Heaven, on all those now in their last agony!
Look down graciously, O Virgin, Flower of Carmel, on all those in need of help!
Look down mercifully, O Mother of our Savior, on all those who do not know that they are numbered among your children.
Look down tenderly, O Queen of All Saints, on the poor souls!
(pause and mention petitions)
Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.
Here is a little more information on the Brown Scapular and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Many graces have been bestowed on people who think of and pray to Our Lady in this beautiful title!
I hope you are enjoying these devotions as we come to the middle of the Merry Month of May!