Elijah went up to the top of Carmel, crouched down to the earth, and put his head between his knees. He said to his servant, “Go up and look out to sea.” He went up and looked, but reported, “There is nothing.” Seven times he said, “Go look again!” And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Elijah said, “Go and say to Ahab, ‘Harness up and go down the mountain before the rain stops you.’” All at once the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain fell. (1 Kings 18:42–45)
At the base of Mount Carmel, on the northwest coast of Israel, lies the Carmelite monastery, Stella Maris, Latin for “Star of the Sea.” The monastery is built over a cave believed to have been where the prophet Elijah, inspired by God, successfully challenged 450 prophets of Baal in a contest to the death.
Shortly after, Elijah prophesied the end of a three-year drought when his servant reported to him that he saw a “cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” That small cloud quickly transformed into a heavy rainfall over the parched earth. Later, Carmelites interpreted Elijah’s vision as a prefiguration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They saw her as the small cloud rising from the sea, a true “Star of the Sea.” The rain that would emerge from her to end the three-year drought was perceived as the grace and mercy poured out by her Son, Jesus.
Devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel remains vibrant even today. Many Catholics wear the brown scapular, participate in Carmelite retreats and celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel annually on July 16th. Our Lady embodies humility, faithfulness, and compassion. She is a model for Christians, inviting them to embrace these values. By understanding her, we can draw lessons applicable to our everyday experiences.
In a fast-paced world, the message of Our Lady of Mount Carmel remains relevant. She inspires believers to strive for deeper spirituality, promoting compassion, humility, and devotion to God—values that can guide us in our contemporary challenges.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, an enduring symbol of faith and devotion, inspires millions worldwide. As we engage with her story, we are invited to deepen our faith, strive for greater spiritual depth, and reflect on the values she embodies. In understanding her, we come closer to understanding our path in faith.
PRAYER
Almighty Lord and God, let the gracious intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel help us. Under her protection may we come to the mountain of God, Christ the Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit God forever and ever. Amen.
-Ashodi Ferro