PRAYERS TO OUR LADY

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND THE MIRACLE OF THE SUN

The Mother of God appeared as Our Lady of Mount Carmel during the great Miracle of the Sun because She wants everyone to wear the Brown Scapular of Carmel.

On October 13, 1917 God performed a Miracle at Fatima. Recent studies show that over 100,000 people watched the sun “dance” and spin, and the three little seers were privileged with other visions.

The last vision was seen by Lucia alone. Our Lady appeared, dressed as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth, Her little Son upon Her knee. When she was asked the significance of this appearance, Lucia answered that the Mother of God wanted everyone to wear the Scapular. Father Howard Rafferty, Third Order Provincial of the Carmelites in the United States, was able to question Lucia about Fatima and the Scapular. The following is part of that interview:

Father Rafferty: “In some books on Fatima some authors do not make a mention of the Scapular as a part of the message.”

Sister Lucia: “Oh, they are wrong!”

Father: “What indicated that the Virgin appeared as Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the last vision of Fatima?”

Sister Lucia: “Because She held the Scapular in Her hands. The Holy Father has said to all the world that the Scapular is the exterior sign of our consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

Father: “Is the Scapular therefore necessary in order to fulfill the Message of Fatima?”

Sister Lucia: “Yes.”

Father: “Would you say that it is as necessary as the Rosary?”

Sister Lucia: “The Rosary and the Scapular are inseparable.”

At Fatima, Our Lady emphasized the importance of the Brown Scapular; Her appearance as Our Lady of Mount Carmel reminded people about the promise She had made to St. Simon Stock almost 670 years previously.