Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 2024

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Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

On Tuesday, 16 July 2024, the Universal Church celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and with all due solemnity and joy the Carmelite Friars marked the feast at The National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York. Leading up to the event on Monday, 15 July, was an international rosary, Vespers with a Holy Hour, and a Spanish Mass. On the following day, the National Shrine celebrated the feast day with Mass.

The Mass was celebrated by The Most Rev. Edward Scharfenberger, Bishop of Albany, assisted by deacon Rev. Bro. Gregg Durham, O.Carm. The Mass was concelebrated by Very Rev. Mario Esposito, O.Carm., Prior Provincial and Rev. Gerard Tang Choon, O.Carm., Rector of the National Shrine. Carmelite friars also concelebrated the Mass.

In his homily to the over 300 faithful who gathered, Bishop Scharfenberger talked about the ways that God makes himself known in our daily lives, often in unexpected ways, but always as a manifestation of His love. He reminded the congregation of the powerful love of Mary as well, a true Mother to all who believe in Christ. After the homily, there was a blessing and enrollment in the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for all who were present.

Following the Mass, there was a procession to the outdoor statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the Shrine grounds. During the procession, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary was chanted. At the conclusion of the procession, the outdoor statue was crowned, and the bishop blessed all those who were present. Let us continue to pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel that many people may continue to entrust their lives to her and that she may lead them all to her son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

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