Our Lady of Mount Carmel 

Aylesford, England (1251) 

Our Lady has had great influence on the development of Christianity in England. In 1251 Our Lady appeared at Simon Stock (member of the order of the Carmelites) who was on his way to the Sacred Land for a pilgrimage. Our Lady offered Simon de so-called “Brown scapular” (a piece of fabric which consists of two parts with the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel upon it). A cord connected the two parts to each other. The scapular is worn on the shoulders. 

She gave him the following message: 

“ My beloved son, receive this scapular for your order. It is a sign of privilege for you and all children of God, who honour me as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. All, who cherish this scapular full of belief, will be protected against the everlasting fire. This scapular is a sign of rescue in times of danger. It is a pleader of peace and special protection until the end of time.” 

After this appearance Simon Stock began to found communes of Carmelites nearby Universities in England, France en Italy. A couple of years after the appearance he was declared abbot of his order. 

Until recently the brown scapular was one of the mostly used religious symbols for protection and as a sign of devotion to the mission of Mary (reproduced in her last noted words in the bible (joh.2:5).