Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Report: Fr Stephen Pereira
Mangalore, July 14: The feast of our Lady of Mt Carmel is an important yearly happening at Carmel Hill, Mangalore.
It recalls the rich faith the Carmelite Bishops and missionaries in the diocese of Mangalore 150 years ago left behind. It is still vibrant and prophetic. The sober Marian piety they handed over through various hymns and devotions to the scapular and rosary are still nurturing the faith of the people.
The church celebrates Mary's feast on July 16 as the day of our lady of Mt Carmel; but by popular demand it is being celebrated at Carmel Hill on a Sunday previous to the feast, which this year falls on July 13, when everyone who comes is taking away a scapular for personal use.
The celebrations began with the Eucharist presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore. Fr Gregory D’Souza in his homily highlighted the significance of the feast and the devotion of the Scapular and said, "Carmel, which is the most beautiful mountain in Israel is the origin of the Carmelite Order and Mary whose feast we celebrate today, is the patroness of this Order dedicated to prayer, contemplation and apostolic activity."
He invited the devotees to adorn themselves with Mary’s virtues to be beautiful. Bishop in his address appreciated the presence of the Carmelites and their pastoral activity in the diocese. Giving his own testimony he said, "I began using the Scapular from the day of my First Holy Communion and I do not miss wearing it. It is dear to me and I wish all the Christian faithful to seek the protection of Mary our Mother by wearing the scapular."
There were four masses in the morning. Devotees flocked in great number in spite of the heavy rain to celebrate the feast of Scapular, as it is popularly known.