Father's Saturday, 5/16/2020 Message

Though the actual Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel will be celebrated two months from today on July 16th, the beginning of our knowledge of the Brown Scapular has its roots in the Memorial today of St. Simon Stock, the one to whom it was given.  Simon Stock reportedly lived to be 100 years old (1165-1265). 

Born in England, as a young man entered the Carmelite Order in Palestine, where it was an order of hermits.  Returning to Europe, he founded communities in University towns such as, Cambridge and Oxford in England, Paris in France, and Bologna in Italy.  He was said to have lived a simple life.  He was elected to various positions in the Carmelites, and, became General Superior. 

On July 16, 1251, Our Blessed Mother appeared to him, giving to him what we know to be the Brown Scapular, whereby the wearing of it with devotion helps us to entrust ourselves to Our Blessed Mother.  More to come on July 16th. 

God bless you,  
Fr. Robert