Like Mary,

to whom this Order

is dedicated,

we strive to listen

to the word of God

and ponder it

within our hearts,

making it concrete 

to our world.

Mary is the patroness of the Carmelite Order and the Brown Scapular we wear has traditionally been seen as a sign her protection. Mary was the mother of Jesus and his first disciple. Mary accepted her role as mother of God even when it meant a radical departure from the life she had envisioned. Her response, Be it done to me according to you word, shows us a woman who both listened and was receptive to God's action in her life. Mary gives the same advice to us when she says, Do whatever he tells you. One woman saying yes to God can change the world.

The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is July 16th.