Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mdina
This year’s celebrations hold special significance as the Carmelite Order commemorates the 775th anniversary of the Brown Scapular
The Carmelite Community in Mdina is inviting the faithful and the public to participate in the celebrations of the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which will take place on Sunday at the historic church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mdina. This is the only annual feast celebrated within Malta’s ancient capital city.
This year’s celebrations hold special significance as the Carmelite Order commemorates the 775th anniversary of the Brown Scapular, traditionally bestowed by the Blessed Virgin Mary upon St Simon Stock, O. Carm., in Aylesford, England.
Referred to by Pope Pius XII as a sign of consecration to Our Lady through Christ, the Brown Scapular has, throughout the centuries, been embraced and encouraged by successive popes as a cherished expression of Marian devotion.
The Maltese saint St George Preca shared a profound devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. As a member of the Carmelite Third Order, he actively promoted enrolment in the Brown Scapular, particularly among children following their First Holy Communion.
The feast programme will commence on Saturday, at 8.30am, with the traditional blessing of the Mdina horse-drawn carriages and horsemen in Cathedral Square. During the evening, a special ceremony of enrolment in the Brown Scapular will be held for children under the age of two at the Mdina Carmelite church.
The principal celebration will take place on Sunday, beginning with a solemn mass at 6.30pm, followed by the traditional procession through the streets of Mdina.