Today our parish celebrated the solemnity of its patron, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This is not only the feast of our parish patron, but also the principal feast of the Carmelite Friars who live in community here and minister to the parish.
The actual date for Our Lady of Mount Carmel is 16 July. This date is associated with the story of Mary appearing to Carmelite Friar St. Simon Stock (also here), and entrusting him with the brown scapular. An optional memorial in the general calendar, it ranks as a solemnity in Wentworthville (as does the feast of the Patron in any parish) and in the Carmelite Order.
Those who participate in a Mass for the solemnity in a Carmelite parish may find that the texts vary even from those provided in the Sacramentary and Lectionary for the optional memorial. This is because the Order has prepared its own missal for the feasts particular to its own liturgical calendar. It contains readings and prayers for the Carmelite saints, including the prophet Elijah, who is a central figure in Carmelite spirituality and an inspiration to the Order. The readings in the Carmelite Lectionary for the solemnity are:
Gospel: John 19:25-27
First Reading: 1 Kings 18:42-45
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
The principal Mass was celebrated today at 10:30 a.m. The principal celebrant was our own Fr. Paul Sireh OCarm, and concelebrated by Fr John Powell OCarm, and Fr Peter, a diocesan priest from Papua New Guinea who is currently visiting Wenty. Many people gave positive comments after the Mass and appreciated the reverent and solemn manner in which all participated.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to today’s celebrations.
Liturgy 