Every year, thousands of Catholics prepare to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16 by reciting a novena. This prayer practice invites the faithful to deepen their faith and entrust their needs to the intercession of Mary under one of the Church’s most beloved Marian titles.
From July 7 to 16, parish communities, families, and the faithful pray together, meditate on the Virgin Mary’s virtues, and renew their commitment to following Christ.
Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel originated with the Carmelite Order, which was founded on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. In the 13th century, the Virgin Mary gave the scapular to Saint Simon Stock as a sign of spiritual protection and consecration to her. Since then, the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has become one of the most widespread sacramentals in the Church, symbolizing believers’ trust in the Virgin’s maternal protection.
For many Catholics, the novena is a time for conversion, reconciliation, and perseverance in prayer. Each day is dedicated to considering different aspects of the Christian life, such as humility, obedience, hope, charity, and fidelity to the Gospel, following Mary’s example.
Celebration in the Hispanic Community
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel holds deep cultural and religious significance for millions of Hispanics. She is the patron saint of towns and cities in many Latin American countries and Spain, as well as of fishermen, sailors, and various communities. These communities organize processions, Masses, and popular celebrations in her honor.
In the United States, devotion continues to grow within the Hispanic community, which has brought its religious traditions as it has settled in various regions across the country. Parishes with significant immigrant populations celebrate novenas, processions, and the conferral of scapulars as expressions of faith that strengthen Catholic identity and maintain ties to their countries of origin.
For many Hispanic families, Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a mother who accompanies them through the challenges of daily life, especially those involving migration, family separation, economic hardship, and the search for new opportunities. She offers comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging that unites generations through prayer and tradition.
The celebration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel reminds believers that Mary leads them to her Son. The novena invites the faithful to renew their trust in her and to live the Gospel with greater dedication, bringing their faith into their homes, workplaces, and communities.
Events in the Archdiocese of New York
In honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, parishes and shrines throughout the Archdiocese of New York are hosting liturgical celebrations and devotional activities.
On Sunday, July 12, at 1 p.m., there will be a procession featuring the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This public prayer procession in honor of the Virgin Mary will begin in front of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, located at 92 S. Lexington Ave. in White Plains. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. following the procession.
On July 16, at 6 p.m., a Mass will be celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The shrine is located at 70 Carmelite Drive in Middletown. From July 7 through 16, a novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel will be held Monday through Friday at 11:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m.
From July 7 to 15, a Spanish novena will be held at 6:45 p.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, located at 627 East 187th St. in the Bronx. On July 16, a Spanish-language Mass will be celebrated in honor of the Virgin at 6 p.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration at 6:45 p.m. On July 19, a trilingual Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m., followed by a procession at 1:30 p.m.
Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel:
Loving Mother and protector of those who turn to you with trust, accompany us on our journey of faith. Teach us to always follow your Son, Jesus Christ.
Envelop us in your maternal mantle. Strengthen our hope in times of difficulty. Grant us hearts willing to serve God and our neighbors generously.
Intercede for our families, the sick, those who suffer, migrants, and all who seek comfort and peace. May we always remain united to Christ by faithfully wearing the holy scapular and living the Gospel each day.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us and be with us today and always.
Amen.