The ascent to Mount Carmel, where the prophet Elijah was, leads to an encounter with God and contemplation of his creation. In the upper part of the mountain, there is the monastery and the annexed basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Carmel. And in this place there is a large statue of the Virgin Mary, holding a scapular in her hands. The General Delegate of the Order of Discalced Carmelites in Israel, Fr. Ghisleri, spoke to us about the history of Carmelite devotion to the Virgin Mary. Fr ATTILIO GHISLERI, ocd General Delegate of the Discalced Carmelite Order - Israel "The first religious who settled here at Wasi Essia are called the brothers of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel and were driven away. Some of them went to France, others to England. In England, the well-established legend tells how Saint Simon Stock had a vision. These were difficult times for the order, because according to the Council no other orders could be founded; there were already Franciscans and the Dominicans. Therefore, the gift of the scapular put these monks, who came from a contemplative life, in relation to the life of the people. And in a few years they too have become other mendicant orders, that is, at the service of the people. And the scapular was, like the Rosary, a way of honouring the Virgin Mary and a way for the people." Our Lady of Carmel is also known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The devotion propagated by the Carmelite Order is celebrated on July 16, the day on which Saint Simon Stock had the vision of the Virgin Mary. Fr ATTILIO GHISLERI, ocd General Delegate of the Discalced Carmelite Order - Israel "This gift of the Holy Scapular from Our Lady is placed in 1251. This is a sign of devotion from the faithful, and a sign of protection from Our Lady. By honouring the Virgin of Carmel and carrying the scapular, we also show that we are Our Lady's children and that we are protected by her." Some pilgrims come only to contemplate the beauty of the place. JULIENNE KNOLLE Pilgrim "We are here in this beautiful Monastery of Stella Maris, which is a lovely place in the mountains of Haifa, the place is very quiet. Inside there are some wonderful pictures, important biblical scenes." Others come to thank or ask for a particular blessing. ROSALINDA LEVY Pilgrim "I came here to Stella Maris in Haifa, Israel because I'm sick, I have breast cancer. My desire is to ask for healing, a blessing and strength to continue." Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us! Read More