Chapter 7
Mary and the Saints of Carmel

1. The Blessed Virgin Mary in her earthly existence showed herself to be the perfect image of the disciple of Christ, being the mirror of all the virtues, and putting into practice in her life the beatitudes pro-claimed by Jesus Christ. [5] Her life as a model for Lay Carmelites is always to be kept in view.
   
   
2. To be a living witness of Our Lady, the following practices are recommended:
   
   a) imitating her role as a woman of faith attentive to the Word of God and to the service of the Kingdom. [6]
   
   b) fostering as an apostolic concern devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the wearing of the brown Scapular. As the habit of the Order and a sacramental of the Church, it is a fitting symbol for expressing our devotion and consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and the affiliation of the faithful to the Carmelite family. It is also an efficacious means for making Mary known to God's people.
   
   c) praying the Rosary, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other Marian devotions.
   
   d) celebrating her feast days with honor when possible, especially the solemn commemoration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and also that of St. Joseph, her spouse and protector of the Order.
   
   e) having a blest image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the homes of members.
   
   
3. Elijah is the prophet of Carmel. His prophetic spirit in combating the evils of his day is an integral part of any Carmelite life. Members should incorporate this Elijahn spirit in their ministry. Blessed Titus Brandsma is a modern day example of such a spirit.
   
   
4. Saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila have shown us through their lives and their writings the way to contemplative union with God. Members should familiarize themselves with these mystical traditions of Carmel.
   
   
5. St. Therese of the Child Jesus is a wonderful modern day example of the spirit of Saints Teresa and John of the Cross. Her "Little Way" is highly recommended as a way of love and oblation to the Father. Carmelite spirituality is also well exemplified in the lives and writings of Elizabeth of the Trinity, Mary Magdalene De Pazzi, Edith Stein and many others. They provide us with a rich heritage that can foster our spiritual growth.
   

Footnotes

[5] Marialis Cultus, Pope Paul VI, Feb 2, 1974, 37.

[6] Draft of the New Constitutions of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, General Curia of the Carmelites, Rome, 1989, pg. 32.