Solemn Mass & Reception: July 16, Time TBA

July 16 honors the Virgin Mary as the Patroness of the Carmelite Family. We of Carmel are happy to be known in the Western Church as the first Order to be named after the Virgin Mary. In Palestine we were known to Catholic pilgrims as the Brothers of St. Mary on’ Mt. Carmel. Our original foundation near Haifa, Israel, had first a cave chapel, honoring the birth of Jesus in poverty, and later they constructed a stone chapel with a bell tower, named St. Mary’s.

The Church and the Order itself came to be known to Holy Land pilgrims as the Brothers of St. Mary of Mt Carmel. This medieval property is owned by the Discalced Carmelites, by disposition of the Holy See. Archeological excavations are still visible at this original site of the Order. Today, about three miles east of the excavations, the Discalced Carmelites have a community of friars. Right at the start of the sudden projection of the Mt. Carmel Mountain Range, tall above the Bay of Haifa, there sits the well-known Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) Monastery equipped with a hostel for pilgrims from around the world.

In preparation for the solemnity, we offer a novena of Masses from July 7 to 15. Find out more and submit your intentions here.

*Red-Letter Days are celebrated at major and minor Basilicas, one of which is our very own Little Flower Basilica. The faithful who devoutly attend Mass at Little Flower Basilica may obtain a plenary indulgence under the conditions that they also make sacramental confession, receive Eucharistic Communion during the Mass, and pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff (Pope Francis).
For July, Pope Francis’ intention is for the pastoral care of the sick: that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.