The parish is associated with Discalced Carmelites and our origins and history are associated with Mount Carmel in Palestine and the honouring of our Lady at that place by the Carmelites. The parish is therefore called:
"Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish."
Mount Carmel: is a mountain in Palestine shaped very much like a triangle.
Its highest point is 1800 feet and it spreads out for miles in different directions. From the base of one side to the base of another side would require one to travel about 46 kilometres (marathon). There are caves on the mountain and individuals lived in those caves. It is a beautiful place.
In fact 'Carmel' means 'beautiful garden'. The soil is rich with beautiful aromatic plants and wild flowers, which flourish in the area.
The Carmelites and Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Towards the end of the 12th century AD near a spring called after Elijah, a group of hermits established themselves on Mount Carmel. They built an oratory in honour of Our Lady.
She was their patroness and they took the name from her: "The brothers of St Mary of Mount Carmel". They understood her as their mother and sister.
They also saw her as a model firstly of leading a deeply prayerful life and later as a model in sharing the fruits of their contemplation with others.
Fr Greg Chee
|