Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Carmel du Pater Noster
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
On this beautiful Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our community wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to all those who, from near or far, were united with us in prayer, affection, and fraternal communion. Whether your presence was visible or discreet, your spiritual support has been a precious gift and a true sign of the Church's love.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop William Shomali, Auxiliary Bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, together with Bishop Boulos Marcuzzo and Fr. Dave Sullivan, Superior of the White Fathers in Jerusalem. We warmly thank them for their fraternal presence and their prayer.
We are pleased to share with you the homily of Bishop William Shomali, whose words invited us to contemplate more deeply the vocation of Carmel in the light of the Virgin Mary and the Gospel.
You find here his homely in French and the ;
We invite you to read the following summary of the homily.
On the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Bishop William Shomali invited us to contemplate two great figures of the Carmelite tradition: the Prophet Elijah and the Virgin Mary. Both teach us the power of prayer and the courage to persevere through trials, loneliness and moments of discouragement.
Elijah's prayer on Mount Carmel reminds us that God often answers in unexpected ways. After years of drought, the first sign of rain was only a tiny cloud on the horizon. Yet Elijah recognized in this small sign the beginning of God's promise. In the same way, our prayers may seem hidden and fruitless, but God is always at work. The contemplative vocation bears this quiet hope, trusting that faithful prayer brings abundant blessings to the Church and to the world.
Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is the perfect model of intercession. At Cana, she simply placed the needs of others before her Son, and Christ transformed water into wine. Today, she continues to accompany her children with the same maternal care, especially in times of spiritual struggle and uncertainty.
Bishop Shomali also reflected on Elijah's discouragement in the desert. Even this great prophet experienced fear, loneliness and exhaustion. His story reminds us that every believer may face moments of weakness. Yet God never abandons those who trust in Him. He strengthens Elijah with rest, nourishment, a renewed mission and the companionship of Elisha.
The Bishop concluded by encouraging us to entrust ourselves to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Like Elijah, may we learn to recognize God's presence even in the smallest signs, and like Mary, may we remain steadfast in faith, confident that the Lord is always leading us towards renewed hope.
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