According to my
resources, the name Carmen is a derivation of Carmel which is one of
the titles given to Our Blessed Mother, namely, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This
is the paternal feast of the Carmelites. The Order of Carmelites takes its name
from Mount Carmel, which were the first place dedicated to the Blessed Virgin
and where a chapel was erected in her honor before her Assumption
into Heaven. July 16 is also the feast of the "Scapular of Mount Carmel".
On that day in 1251, pious tradition says, the Blessed Virgin appeared
to St. Simon Stock, General of the Carmelites at Cambridge, England,
showed him the scapular and promised supernatural favors
and her special protection to his Order and to all persons who would wear the
scapular. To obtain the indulgences and other benefits promised to
those who wear the Carmelite scapular, a person must be invested by
a priest who has the requisite faculties and must lead a
consistent Christian life. Her feast day is July 16th.
The Carmelites were
known from early on as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” The title
suggests that they saw Mary not only as “mother,” but also as “sister.” The
word “sister” is a reminder that Mary is very close to us. She is the daughter
of God and therefore can help us be authentic daughters and sons of God. She
also can help us grow in appreciation of being sisters and brothers to one
another. She leads us to a new realization that all human beings belong to the
family of God. When such a conviction grows, there is hope that the human race
can find its way to peace.
