July 25th St. James the Apostle: why celebrate?

Who was James the Apostle

The St. James the Apostle is the eldest son of Zebedee and Mary Salome. Brother of John, the Evangelist. They lived in the city of Bethsaida, by the Sea of Galilee, where they had a small fishing business.

The name Santiago comes from the words Sant Iacob, from the Hebrew Jacob. During battles the Spaniards used to shout out Saint Jacob, help us and by saying it fast and repetitively it sounded like Santiago.

After witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, hearing Jesus say to them, "From now on you will be fishers of men," James left his nets, his father and his fishing company and set out to follow Jesus Christ.

James the Greater was one of the twelve disciples. Together with Peter and John, they accompanied Jesus in very important moments of his life. Such as the Transfiguration of the Lord, which we remember in the fourth of the Luminous MysteriesThe miraculous catch of fish and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, among others.

The Acts of the Apostles relate that James was the first apostle martyred, beheaded by order of Herod Agrippa around the year 43 in Jerusalem.

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Santiago came to Spain to proclaim the Gospel. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is its main sanctuary, where the relics of the apostle are kept. Thousands of people make pilgrimages there every year, eager to walk the Camino de Compostela. Santiago apostle is represented dressed as a pilgrim or as a soldier mounted on a white horse in fighting attitude.

In 1982, when St. John Paul II visited this Spanish Cathedral, he called on Europe to revive "those authentic values" proclaimed by St. James.

The apostle St. James is also known for having paved the way for the Virgin Mary to be recognized as the "Pillar" of the Church.

Pope Francis, in February 2014, reflecting on armed conflicts, noted that James gives us simple advice: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

The importance of St. James the Apostle in Spain

Although since the ninth century the kings of the reconquest recognized St. James the Apostle as their patron saint, it was not until the seventeenth century when the patronage of Spain was granted to the saint.

Pope Urban VIII, in 1630 declared, under the reign of Philip IV, that St. James the Apostle was officially recognized as the sole patron saint of Spain (which since 1627 he shared with St. Teresa of Jesus).

This decision was made in conjunction with the recognition by the Church that his remains were buried in Compostela and also establishing that the feast of St. James the Apostle would be celebrated every July 25.

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Since 1646, by Philip IV, the Vow of St. James was institutionalized, which consisted of an offering by the kings, princes and the archbishop of Compostela to the Virgin of Santiago de Compostela. Santiago Cathedral every July 25th. This offering still takes place today, albeit in a symbolic way, at one of the parts of the Mass of the celebration on the Apostle's Day.

"The Camino de Santiago awakens one of the deepest desires of man's heart, the yearning to purify oneself, to improve; in short, the desire for God." St. Josemaría Escrivá Image by Almudena Cuesta.

When is St. James' Day?

It is the 25th of July when the festivity of the apostle Santiago and the day of Galicia is celebrated. This is a Christian celebration that takes place in many Spanish towns and places around the world.

However, since the end of the Dictatorship in Spain, the Apostle's Day is not a holiday throughout the country, but only in the autonomous communities that so decide each year when setting their holiday calendar, with the exception of Galicia, which celebrates its big day, so it is a holiday every year.

What do we celebrate and why on Santiago Apostle's Day?

On this day we celebrate the death of the saint, his death by martyrdom, an end that together with his character as a disciple very close to Jesus Christ gives him his name of apostle and saint. There are data and references that point to the year 44 as the date of the martyrdom of Santiago, although the choice of July 25 does not seem to be based on any historical data.

In any case, the celebration of St. James' Day is a very ancient celebration, a feast established in Rome around the tenth or eleventh century when we have news of its celebration in the Roman basilica of St. Peter.

In addition, on the day of St. James plenary indulgences can be obtained, that is, the possibility of obtaining forgiveness of sins for the pilgrims or faithful. In order to gain the Jubilee, and obtain the plenary indulgence, three conditions must be fulfilled:

  1. Visit the tomb of St. James the Apostle in the cathedral. 
  2. Saying a prayer.
  3. Receiving the sacrament of Confession fifteen days before or fifteen days after visiting the tomb and receiving communion.
apostol santiago peregrinacion-camino-de-santiago-

Where is Santiago Apostle's Day celebrated?

Today, in the XXI century, the feast of St. James Day is celebrated more than ever in Galicia in the city of Santiago de Compostela. It represents the religious and forgiveness aspects that unite and congregate pilgrims from all corners of the world in the different areas of the city.

During the 25th, the celebration of La Holy Mass solemn ceremony in the cathedral, in which the king or a delegate of the Royal Household makes the traditional offering to the apostle Santiago.

Within the current celebration are the magnificent fireworks that take place in the Plaza del Obradoiro during the night of the 24th, which in recent years has been accompanied by projections and audiovisual shows on the facades of the cathedral and other historic buildings in the square.

"...from James we can learn many things: the readiness to welcome the Lord's call even when he asks us to leave the boat of our human securities, the enthusiasm in following him along the paths he points out to us beyond our illusory presumption, the readiness to bear witness to him with courage, if necessary even to the supreme sacrifice of life. (...) Following Jesus like James, we know, even in the midst of difficulties, that we are on the right path."
Benedict XVI, General Audience June 2006

How the Camino de Santiago came about

The apostle Santiago is one of the most important saints of Christianity. After the discovery of his tomb around the year 813, where his remains rest, many Christians from the north of the country began to pilgrimage to what is now Santiago de Compostela to show his devotion.

This custom became a tradition, expanding the phenomenon of the Camino de Santiago throughout Europe, so that the city became one of the most important centers of pilgrimage in Christianity, along with Rome and Jerusalem.

In addition, pilgrims to Compostela could obtain general forgiveness for all their sins, a forgiveness that could be extended to the whole year when the feast fell on a Sunday, that is, when it was a Compostelan Holy Year.

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Prayer to ask for the intercession of the apostle on St. James' Day

Almighty and merciful God,
that you chose twelve apostles to evangelize the whole world.
Among them, three were favored in a special way by Your Son Jesus Christ,
who deigned to include the Apostle Santiago in this select number.

 Through her intercession may we be worthy to obtain the glory of Heaven,
where You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

St. James the Apostle and Our Lady of Pilar

This saint is closely related to Zaragoza since it is known that Santiago Apostle "arrived with his new disciples through Galicia and Castile, to Aragon, where the city of Zaragoza is located, on the banks of the Ebro.

On the night of January 2, 40, Santiago was with his disciples by the Ebro River when "he heard the voices of angels singing Ave Maria, Gratia Plena and saw the Virgin Mother of Christ appearing, standing on a marble pillar".

The Blessed Virgin, who was still living in mortal flesh, asked the Apostle that a church be built for her there, with the altar around the pillar where she was standing, and promised that "this place will remain until the end of time so that the virtue of God may work portents and wonders through my intercession with those who in their needs implore my patronage".

The Virgin disappeared and the jade pillar remained there. The apostle Santiago and the eight witnesses of the prodigy immediately began to build a church on that site. The Basilica of the Virgin of Pilar in Zaragoza. 

In honor of the apostle, one of the towers of the Pilar, the high gate of the Plaza, bears the name of Santiago. In addition, Zaragoza is also one of the stops on the Camino de Santiago and has a church named after the apostle: the Church of Santiago el Mayor, where Holy Mass is celebrated on St. James' Day.

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St. Mary Magdalene: Witness of the Resurrection

Every July 22nd, the Catholic Church celebrates with special devotion the feast day of saint Mary Magdaleneone of the closest disciples to Jesus and the first person to witness his Resurrection. Her figure, often shrouded in historical confusion, has been vindicated by the Magisterium as a key woman in the beginnings of Christianity.

Who was this saint? What do we know about her life before she followed Christ? Why has she come to have such a prominent place in the tradition of the Church?

Who was Mary Magdalene?

The Gospel identifies it as Mary, who was from Magdalaa small town located on the shores of Lake Galilee. Hence the name Magdalena.

According to Luke 8:2Jesus had expelled from it seven demonsThis expression can allude to a situation of profound physical, spiritual or moral suffering. Be that as it may, what we know with certainty is that, from that encounter with Jesus, his life changed radically.

Thereafter, it becomes disciple and faithful follower of Jesus, accompanying him and other women during his public ministry. Many of them helped with their goods to support the mission.

Mary Magdalene thus represents the figure of the believing woman who, after experiencing divine mercy, leaves everything to follow the Master.

María Magdalena Resurrección y Jesús
Mary Magdalene, before the Resurrection, prostrate before the cross of Jesus in The Passion of Christ.

A life transformed by the love of Jesus

We hardly have any concrete data on Mary Magdalene's life before she met Jesus, but what the Gospels show us is sufficient to understand the depth of her commitment to the Lord.

Tradition has linked Mary Magdalene with the sinful woman who anoints the feet of Jesus with perfume in the house of Simon the Pharisee (cf. Lk 7:36-50), although modern biblical studies tend to distinguish them as different persons.

Nevertheless, the gesture of love and repentance made by that woman shows similarities with the way in which Mary Magdalene responded to the grace received: with total, unreserved dedication. For this reason, he has become a model of sincere conversion, grateful love and radical discipleship.

Faithful disciple to the Cross

While many disciples were fleeing in fear after Jesus' arrest, Mary Magdalene remains at the foot of the Cross. The Gospels explicitly mention her as a witness to the Crucifixion and death, together with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women. This fidelity at the moment of pain and apparent failure proves her unconditional love and deep faith, even though she did not yet fully understand the paschal mystery.

After the death of Jesus, Mary is also mentioned as one of the women who went to the tomb, at dawn on Sunday, carrying perfumes to anoint the body of the Lord without realizing that his word had already been fulfilled and that the Resurrection was a fact.

First witness of the Resurrection

It is at that moment that one of the most beautiful and significant episodes of the Gospel takes place: Mary Magdalene is the first to see the risen Christ (cf. Jn 20:11-18). Filled with sorrow for the loss of her Master, she weeps outside the empty tomb until Jesus appears to her, although she does not recognize him at first. It is when he calls her by name - Mary - that her eyes are opened and she recognizes the Lord.

This encounter with the Risen One marks a turning point: Jesus entrusts him with to announce the good news to the apostles. Once again it is significant that the Lord wants a woman (at that time they were of little consideration) to be in charge of the proclamation to his disciples.

For this reason, the patristic tradition has given him the title of Apostle to the Apostlesbecause it was sent by Christ Himself to bear witness to His victory over death.

María Magdalena Resurrección y Jesús
Scene of The Passion of ChristMary Magdalene mourns the death of Jesus at the foot of the cross.

A place of honor in the Church

Pope St. John Paul II recalled it in his apostolic letter Mulieris Dignitatem as an example of the essential role of women in the life of the Church. And in 2016, Pope Francis elevated his liturgical memorial to the status of partythe same rank as the celebrations of the apostles.The report also emphasizes its relevance as a model of discipleship.

This official recognition aims to recover and cleanse the image of Mary Magdalene, often distorted by popular or literary interpretations that have unfairly portrayed her as a prostitute or fallen woman, when in reality she was a brave girl.

Devotion and legacy

The figure of St. Mary Magdalene has been the object of devotion since the first centuries of Christianity. In Western tradition, especially in France and Spain, there are numerous churches, monasteries and shrines dedicated to her name. She has also inspired Christian art, which usually depicts her with a bottle of perfume in her hand, symbolizing her love for the Lord and the moment when she anointed him.

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Penitent Magdalene, El Greco 1557.

Its history is a constant invitation to hope, forgiveness and fidelity. In a world that often judges and condemns without mercyMary Magdalene reminds us that the love of God can transforming even the deepest wounds into a source of grace.

St. Mary Magdalene is much more than a secondary character in the Gospels. She is the woman renewed by the love of Christ, model of a faithful disciple and first herald of the Resurrection.

As his life challenges us, let us think: do we have the same passionate love for the Lord? Do we know how to stand firm by the Cross? Are we witnesses of the Risen Lord in the midst of the world?

What is the sacrament of Confirmation?

Confirmation unites the Church more intimately and enriches it with a special strength of the Holy Spirit, and thus those who receive it are obliged to spread and defend the faith through word and deed, as true witnesses of Christ.Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285.

Why do we receive Confirmation?

The Sacrament of Confirmation, together with the sacrament of the Baptism and the sacrament of the Eucharist make up the whole of the the sacraments of Christian initiation. These are sacraments whose reception is necessary for the fullness of the grace we receive and are intended for all Christians, not just a select few.

It is conferred when the candidate has reached the use of reason, there is no obligatory age, but its character of initiation must be taken into account. To receive Confirmation, prior instruction, a true intention and the state of grace are required.

The term indicates that this sacrament ratifies the baptismal graceIt strengthens our relationship with the Church and gives us a special strength from the Holy Spirit to defend the faith and confess the name of Christ.

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The power of the Holy Spirit

Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints on the Christian's soul a spiritual sign or indelible character; this is why this sacrament can only be received once in a lifetime. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1302-1305.

Like every sacrament, Confirmation is the work of God, who is concerned that our life be shaped in the image of his Son, to make us capable of loving like him, infusing us with the Holy Spirit.

This Spirit acts with his power in us, in the whole person throughout life. When we welcome him into our hearts, Christ himself becomes present and takes shape in our lives.

What are the effects?

The effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as it was once granted to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost. Pope Francis tells us that it is the Spirit who moves us to come out of our selfishness and to be a gift to others.

For this reason, Confirmation confers growth and depth to baptismal grace

Who can receive it?

"Confirmation is received only once, but its spiritual strength is sustained over time and encourages spiritual growth with others." Pope Francis.

Every baptized person, not yet confirmed, can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist form a unity, therefore, the faithful have the obligation to receive this sacrament in a timely manner, for Without Confirmation and the Eucharist, the sacrament of Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete.

In other cultures this sacrament is administered immediately after Baptism and is followed by participation in the Eucharist, a tradition that emphasizes the unity of the three sacraments of Christian initiation.

In the Latin Church this sacrament is administered when "the age of reason" has been reached. However, in danger of death, children must be confirmed even if they have not yet reached the age of reason.

There is a preparation for the sacrament that helps to feel part of the Church of Jesus Christ. Each parish is responsible for the preparation of the confirmands.

To receive Confirmation it is necessary to be in a state of grace. It is advisable to go to confession and make a good examination of conscience before the sacrament. In this way, to be purified in attention to the gift of the Holy Spirit.

It is necessary to prepare oneself with a more intense prayer to the Holy Spirit in order to receive his strength and graces with docility and availability. For Confirmation, as for Baptism, it is advisable that the candidates seek the spiritual help of a sponsor.

Sacrament Liturgy

"It is necessary to receive the Holy Spirit in recollection and prayer." Pope Francis.

The rite has several liturgical gestures that express the depth of this sacrament of Christian initiation. Before receiving the anointing that confirms and reinforces the grace of baptism, the candidates are called to renew the baptismal promises and make profession of faith.

After a prayerful silence, the Bishop extends his hands over the confirmands and invokes the outpouring of the Spirit upon them. The Spirit enriches the members of the Church with his gifts, thus building unity in diversity.

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Consecration of Holy Chrism

It is an important moment that precedes the celebration, but in a certain way is part of it, is the consecration of the holy chrism.

It is the bishop who, on Ash Wednesday, during the Chrism Mass, consecrates the holy chrism for his entire diocese. The holy chrism is composed of olive oil and balsam and the anointing of the confirmandi with it is a sign of his consecration.

With the renewal of the promises of Baptism and the profession of faith by the confirmands, the liturgy of the sacrament begins. The Bishop extends his hands over all the confirmands, a gesture which, since the time of the Apostles, is the sign of the gift of the Spirit. The bishop thus invokes the outpouring of the Spirit:

"Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who didst regenerate, by water and the Holy Ghost, these thy servants, and didst deliver them from sin: hear our prayer and send upon them the Holy Spirit the Paraclete; fill them with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, with the spirit of counsel and might, with the spirit of knowledge and godliness; and fill them with the spirit of thy holy fear. Through Jesus Christ our Lord."Ritual, 25.

Anointing with oil

Through the anointing with oil on the forehead, the confirmand receives "the mark", the seal of the Holy Spirit.. The anointing of the holy chrism after a sacrament is the sign of a consecration. A visible sign of the invisible gift we are receiving.

Those who are anointed participate more fully in the mission of Jesus Christ and in the fullness of the Holy Spirit that he possesses, so that their whole life may give off Christ. the anointing of the perfumed oil or chrism, which indicates how the Spirit enters into the deepest part of us, beautifying us with so many charisms.

Thus, the sacrament is conferred with the anointing of the holy chrism on the forehead and pronouncing these words: "Receive by this sign the gift of the Holy Spirit". An indelible character that configures us more fully to Jesus and gives us the grace to spread the good odor of Christ throughout the world.

"Receive by this sign the gift of the Holy Spirit."Paul VI, Apostolic Const. Divinae consortium naturae.

Kiss of peace

It concludes the rite of the sacrament. It signifies and manifests ecclesial communion with the bishop and with all the faithful. This incorporation into the ecclesial community is manifested in the sign of peace with which the rite concludes. The Bishop says to each confirmand: "Peace be with you".

These words remind us of Jesus' greeting to his disciples on Easter night and express the union with the Pastor of that particular church and with all the faithful. Moment that we remember during the

"Apostle is the Christian who feels grafted into Christ, identified with Christ, by Baptism; enabled to fight for Christ, by Confirmation; called to serve God by his action in the world, by the common priesthood of the faithful, which confers a certain participation in the priesthood of Christ, which - being essentially distinct from that which constitutes the ministerial priesthood - enables one to take part in the worship of the Church, and to help men on their way to God, by the witness of word and example, by prayer and atonement. St. Josemaría Escrivá, Christ Is Passing By, 120.

Meaning of the sacrament in the Bible

Thus, it possesses an intrinsic unity with Baptism, although it is not necessarily expressed in the same rite.  With it, the candidate's baptismal patrimony is completed with the supernatural gifts characteristic of Christian maturity.

In the Old Testament, the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon the expected Messiah "The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is upon me, because Yahweh has anointed me. To preach good news to the poor he has sent me." Isaiah 61 1-2

Then God says to all the people, "I will infuse my spirit in you and cause you to conduct yourselves according to my precepts." Ezekiel 36:27.

The Baptism of Jesus was the sign that he was the one who was to come, the Messiah, the Son of God. Having been conceived by the work of the Holy Spirit, his whole life and his whole mission are realized in total communion with the Holy Spirit that the Father gives him "without measure".

At several points in the New Testament, Jesus promised this union with the Spirit. He did so first on the day of Easter and then on the day of Pentecost.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, the Apostles begin to proclaim the wonders of God and Peter declares that this outpouring of the Spirit is the sign of the messianic times. The Acts of the Apostles recounts that those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received in turn the gift of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands and prayer.

It is this imposition of hands that has been rightly considered by Catholic tradition as the primitive origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which perpetuates in the Church the grace of Pentecost.

"Don't just speak to the Paraclete, hear Him!"St. Josemaría Escrivá.

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Virgen del Carmen, July 16: traditions in her honor

The Virgin of Mount Carmel is one of the most beloved and venerated invocations in the Catholic Church. Her feast day, celebrated every July 16, stands out for its customs and traditions that vary in each region, but share a deep love and devotion to this Marian invocation. She is venerated as the patron saint of sailors and her influence extends across continents and cultures.

St. Josemaríathe founder of Opus Dei, had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In one of his homilies, he said: "Let us go to Our Lady of Mount Carmel with complete confidence, for under her mantle we find refuge and protection". This testimony resounds in the hearts of many of the faithful who see in Our Lady of Mount Carmel a protective Mother.

History and origin of the devotion

The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has its roots on Mount Carmel in Holy Landwhere the first Christian hermits are said to have lived. These hermits, inspired by the prophet Elijah, worshipped Mary as the Carmel Flower. The Carmelite order, founded in the 12th century, adopted Our Lady of Mount Carmel as its patroness and spread her devotion throughout the world.

peregrinación a tierra santa

Today, Pope Francis has also spoken about the importance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, highlighting her role as guide and protector of sailors and fishermen. In a general audience, he commented, "Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a star that guides those who seek peace and security in their faith."

Protector and patroness of sailors

The Virgen del Carmen is venerated as the patron saint of sailors, a devotion that has deep roots and a rich history. Every July 16, in various coastal towns, maritime processions are held in honor of the Virgin. These festivities are not only a show of faith, but also a tradition that unites entire communities in an act of devotion and hope.

The maritime processions are impressive spectacles where the boats are decorated and carry the image of the Virgin along the coast, symbolizing her constant protection over the sailors.

The maritime procession is accompanied by the blessing of the waters and is a much awaited event in the life of the fishing communities, where, for example, several localities in the province of Cadiz celebrated with great fervor and participation. The same happens in many other places, but as an example we can mention the love of Galicia by the Virgen del Carmen.

Drivers, carriers, armed forces, police, firefighters, prison services, even a multitude of countries - throughout Latin America, Spain and Italy - have entrusted themselves to the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The scapular, faith and protection

The history of the Virgin of Mount Carmel is also linked to the scapulara symbol of protection and Marian devotion. On July 16, 1251, Our Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock, superior general of the Carmelites, and gave him the scapular, promising her protection to those who wore it with faith, and said: "Whoever dies with it will not suffer eternal fire".

Pope Pius XII alludes to this fact when he says: "It is not a matter of little importance, but of the attainment of eternal life in virtue of the promise made, according to tradition, by the Blessed Virgin".

Also recognized by Pius XII, there is a tradition that Our Lady, to those who die with the Holy Scapular and expiate their sins in Purgatory, with her intercession will make them reach the heavenly homeland as soon as possible, or, at the latest, on the Saturday following their death. The scapular of Carmel is a sacramental.

Today, the use of the scapular is a very widespread devotion among the devotees of the Virgin of Mount Carmel. This small garment, reminiscent of the Carmelite habit, is worn around the neck and symbolizes that yoke which Jesus invites us to carry, but which Mary helps us to carry. Those who wear it commit themselves to live a life of prayer, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and commitment to the Church.

Recent Popes have demonstrated a deep devotion to the Scapular, reflecting their love and faith in this powerful intercessor. St. John Paul II lived it throughout his life. "It was no secret that he wore the scapular all his life and spoke of it as an expression of his particular love for the Virgin Mary," (Fr. Miceal O'Neill, Carmelite).

How to prepare for the party?

The novenas in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel are common in many Catholic parishes. Where missions are also organized to visit the sick and needy, bringing the consolation and blessing of the Virgin.

If you are going to pray the novena on your own, start with a novena calendar to Our Lady of Mount Carmel that includes daily readings, prayers and reflections that bring you closer to the spirituality of this Marian devotion. The novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is an opportunity to strengthen your faith, pray for your personal intentions and prepare to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with devotion, and never forget to pray for priests and their holiness.

Participating in this novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel will allow you to arrive on July 16 with a renewed heart full of hope. Take this opportunity to deepen your relationship with Our Lady of Mount Carmel and prepare to live the feast in a meaningful way.

virgen-del-carmen-marineros-historia-escapulario-fiesta

Celebrate with us the feast of Our Lady!

July 16 is much more than a date on the calendar: it is a day of deep devotion and celebration in honor of the Virgin Mary. Virgin of Carmen. On that day, Catholics from all over the world unite in churches, where solemn Masses become a moment of union in prayer to ask for the protection and guidance of the Virgin of Mount Carmel.

Throughout the day, floral offerings are made, processions and liturgical events that fill the streets and churches with an atmosphere of faith and hope. Therefore, July 16 is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and act. We invite you to unite your prayer to a concrete action through your support to the CARF Foundation. Your donation is a tangible way to live your faith, extending the love of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to those who need it most.

In the words of St. Josemaría, "Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a mother full of mercy who calls us to follow her Son with generosity and love. He also affirmed that "few Marian devotions are so deeply rooted among the faithful and have so many blessings from the Popes.

This July 16, celebrate with us leaving your mark helping to sow the world of priests and the smile of God on Earth. Happy feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!

Oración de San Simón Stock a la Virgen del Carmen

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What does pastoral ministry mean to a seminarian?

During the path to the priesthood, seminarians are not only formed in the study of theology or in the spiritual life. They also prepare themselves to exercise a key and profoundly human task: accompanying, serving and caring for people in their life of faith. This is called pastoral ministry: an experience that not only enriches their formation, but also allows them to experience what their future ministry as priests will be like.

At the CARF Foundation, we accompany hundreds of seminarians from all over the world who, thanks to the help of our benefactors, receive an integral formation. An essential part of this formation is precisely to leave the classroom and the oratory or chapel of the seminary to meet people where they are. But what does this task really mean, what is its function in the seminary, is it just another practice or something essential?

Part of the heart of the priest's ministry

The word comes from the Latin term pastorwhich means shepherd of the sheep. In the Church, this evangelical image refers to the care of God's people, just as Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, did. To live pastoral care, therefore, is nothing other than to to go out to meet people, guide them, listen to them, accompany them and offer them the nourishment of faith..

For a seminarian, this aspect of formation is as important as the study of Philosophy, Theology or Liturgy. Through it, the future priest learns to:

Grupo de sacerdotes y seminaristas mostrando alegría en un contexto pastoral dentro de un edificio religioso.
A moment of encounter and joy in the path of formation and service.

It is not an academic exercise: it is a meeting

Serving others in these non-academic periods (Easter or summer) is not part of an academic exercise, nor of a professional rehearsal. It is a real encounter with the other. For this reason, from the first years of the seminary, the formators propose to the seminarians various activities in parishes, schools, hospitals, residences, prisons or in the university environment. There, always accompanied by experienced priests, the young men learn to live what will later become their daily tasks.

Many seminarians residing in international houses such as the Bidasoa International Seminary (Pamplona) or Sedes Sapientiae (Rome) do their internships on weekends and vacations. In spite of the academic requirements of the ecclesiastical faculties of the University of Navarra or of the Pontifical University of the Holy CrossThey dedicate this time to serve wherever they are needed: giving catechesis, visiting the sick, organizing activities for young people or collaborating in the Sunday liturgy.

Jóvenes seminaristas y sacerdotes católicos asisten a clase en un aula universitaria, vestidos con la sotana negra o camisa clerical con alzacuellos. Están atentos, tomando notas o usando portátiles, como parte de su formación intelectual y espiritual para vivir plenamente su vocación y el compromiso del celibato sacerdotal.

Learning to be a shepherd, from the beginning

A seminarian does not wait to be ordained to learn to be a pastor. Training starts now. In these real experiences he discovers the multiple dimensions of the priest: consolation for those who suffer, patience with those who doubt, the joy of hidden service, attentive listening to those who seek meaning in their lives.

It is also a key moment of personal and spiritual maturation. Service "tests" vocational motivations, purifies the seminarian's heart and helps him grow in humility and generosity. As he himself cannot yet administer sacraments, its role is focused on accompanying, listening and servingwithout pretensions, from the simplicity of testimony.

Testimonials that speak of life

Many seminarians who receive training grants thanks to the benefactors of the CARF Foundation share their experiences and knowledge. moving testimonies of his life experience. An African seminarian recently recounted how, during his visits to a hospital, he learned to "see Christ in every bed, in every face, in every wound". Another, from America, explained that in catechesis with children he had discovered "the pure joy of transmitting the faith with simple words, but full of truth."

These experiences leave a deep impression. They not only confirm the vocation, but also open the heart to love. A love that will be the basis of future priestly ministry: close, available, cheerful and dedicated.

Stages in the seminar

Training is developed progressively. In the first years, the activities are simpler and are always carried out with accompaniment. As the seminarian advances in his formation, he is entrusted with more responsibilities and is invited to become more directly involved in the life of the community.

In the last years of formation, many seminaries live this custom for a year or for a more intense stage of parish insertion. When the seminarian is ordained deacon, he can now preach, baptize, celebrate weddings and accompany the faithful with greater freedom. This stage is crucial to prepare him for the total dedication that priestly ordination entails.

Diacono vestido con el alba blanca con las manos en posición de rezar

Thank you for making this possible

This service role is part of the deep and realistic apprenticeship that prepares seminarians to become priests after the heart of Christ. Thanks to the generosity of the benefactors of the CARF Foundation, hundreds of young men from all over the world not only receive a first-rate academic formation, but are also able to live these experiences that transform their vocation into a concrete and joyful dedication.

Accompanying them on this path is an investment of hope and future for the universal Church. Because where there is a seminarian who learns and gives himself without measure, there will be a faithful community that one day will have a well-formed, close and generous priest.

What is the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel?

The danger with any external sign is that it remains precisely only external, however, it is crucial for us to live interiorly what the scapular represents. The Blessed Virgin Mary in her invocation of Mount Carmel (Mount Carmel) is the perfect example of what it means to follow Christ.

What is it and what is it for?

The word scapular derives from the Latin "scapularium".  "scapula"which can be translated as "back" or "shoulder" and "shoulder". "-ario"which is used to indicate relationship or belonging.

This term is used to refer to a garment used by religious orders as a monastic vestment or a piece of devotion.

Origin and existing types

Originally the scapular was an apron worn by the monks during work, so as not to soil the tunic.

Escapulario virgen del carmen
Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Carmelite habit fabric.

Monastic Scapular

It consists of a strip with an opening through which the head is inserted and which hangs over the chest and back. This scapular is a piece of the habit still used today by the Carmelites as a symbol of the yoke of Christ.

Over time, religious orders such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians and Carmelites, gave the laity who sought to participate in their spirituality, a sign of union and belonging. Certain elements of the habits of each order became a symbol of identity. Among the Carmelites, the scapular, reduced in size, was established as the sign of belonging to the order and an expression of its spirituality.

Devotional Scapular

Therefore, the devotional scapular is derived from the monastic one, but it is much smaller. It is composed of two pieces of cloth that are joined by ribbons so that it can be hung around the neck and fulfill its devotional purpose.

The best known devotional scapulars are the scapulars of the Virgin of Carmen (brown), of the Virgin of Mercy (white), of the Passion (red), of the Immaculate Conception (blue), of the Trinity (white), of the Our Lady of Sorrows (black) and St. Joseph (purple).

Many of these have been approved and indulged by the Church. They are intended to remind those who wear them of the duties and ideals of the corresponding order.

How should the scapular be worn?

Scapulars consist of a cord worn around the neck with two small pieces of cloth. One is placed on the chest and the other on the back and is usually worn under clothing.

In the case of the Discalced Carmelite nuns, the scapular continues to be part of their clothing, which, as determined by their founder Saint Teresa of Jesus, is poor and austere, made of brown cloth, composed of the habit itself, strap, headdress, veil and white cloak worn on certain occasions. (Rule, 1991: 89).

For them, to wear the Carmelite scapular means to manifest their belonging to their order and their commitment to reverence the virtues of the Virgin Mary. (Ibid., 1991: 65).

cuadro escapulario virgen del carmen san simon stock
The first time the Presentation of the Holy Scapular to St. Simon Stock is depicted is in the painting of Thomas of Vigil preserved in the convent of Corleone (Sicily) in 1492. 

Spiritual meaning of the scapular

The scapular is a sign of Mary's maternal love and protection and of her call to a life of holiness and sinlessness. For this reason, wearing the scapular is a response of love to the Blessed Virgin Mary. who came to give us the gift of his mercy. We should use it as a reminder that we wish to imitate her and live in grace under her protective mantle.

The maternal love and protection of the Virgin Mary

Maternal protection is represented in the Bible by a mantle or cloth. We see how the Blessed Virgin Mary, when Jesus is born, wraps him in a mantle.. Mother always tries to shelter her children.

Wrapping in her mantle is a maternal sign of protection and care. The Blessed Virgin Mary covers us of our spiritual nakedness representing this embrace by means of the scapular.

We belong to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The scapular becomes the symbol of our consecration and belonging to the Virgin Mary. To recognize her mission of Mother over us and to surrender ourselves to her in order to let ourselves be guided, taught and molded by her and in her heart. In this way we can be his instruments for the extension of the Kingdom of God.

"May the scapular be your sign of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which we are particularly in need of in these dangerous times" (Pope Pius XII , 1950).

The scapular also symbolizes that yoke that Jesus invites us to bear, but which the Blessed Virgin Mary helps us to carry..

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am patient and humble of heart, and so you will find relief. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mt 11:29 30).

The scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Carmelite scapular is a devotion born in the XII century. Nowadays, it is made of two little squares of brown fabric joined by cords, which have on one side the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and on the other the Heart of Jesus, or the coat of arms of the Order of Carmel.

This small garment is reminiscent of the Carmelite habit, which is why it is made of cloth. The people who wear it commit themselves to live a life of prayerdevotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and commitment to the Church.

After the Second Vatican Council, a new impetus was given to the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel because it was recognized as "a sacred sign, after the model of the sacraments, by means of which effects are obtained, especially spiritual ones, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church." (Second Vatican Council -SC 60). Since then, the Carmelite scapular is a sacramentalIt is a sign that helps us to live a holy life and to increase our devotion. It does not communicate graces as do the Christian sacraments, but disposes us to the love of the Lord and to repentance if received with devotion.

The use of the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a widespread devotion among popes. John Paul II lived it throughout his life. "It was no secret that he had worn the scapular all his life and spoke of it as an expression of his particular love for the Virgin Mary." (Fr. Miceal O'Neill, Carmelite).

The Blessed Virgin Mary wants to reveal the scapular to us in a special way. In the apparitions of Fatima, Lucia, today Sister Mary of the Immaculate Heart, reports that, in the last one, Our Lady appeared dressed in the Carmelite habit and with the scapular in her hand. And she recalled that her true children would wear it and that they would wear it with reverence. Also that those who consecrate themselves to her should wear it as a sign of their consecration.

escapulario-la-virgen-del-carmen

The Promise of the Scapular of Mount Carmel

The Carmelite scapular is a manifestation of the protection of the Mother of God to her devotees. Since July 16, 1251, Our Lady of Mount Carmel appeared to St. Simon Stock, and said to him: "He who dies with the scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.". It is no small matter, said Pius XII, to attain eternal life by virtue of the promise made by the Blessed Virgin.

Many Popes, saints and theologians have explained that this promise means that whoever has devotion to the scapular and wears it, will receive from the Blessed Virgin Mary at the hour of death, the grace of perseverance in the state of grace or the grace of contrition. It means that Our Lady, as dispenser of graces, will help us to die in a state of grace, without grave sin or to die having had an authentic repentance.

Sabbath Privilege

This privilege is based on a bull that was proclaimed by Pope John XXII, also recognized by Pius XII, after the promise of the Blessed Virgin Mary made during an apparition.

In his bull called Sabatina, Pope John XXII affirms that those who wear the scapular will be quickly freed from the pains of purgatory on Saturday. (the day the Church has dedicated to Our Lady) following her death, through the special intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Conditions for the Sabbath privilege can be realized:

Pope Paul V confirmed in an official proclamation that the Sabbath privilege could be taught to all believers.

The advantages of the Sabbath privilege were confirmed by the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences on July 14, 1908.

Imposition of the scapular

Any priest can impose the scapular on a devotee who requests it. There are many Christians who ask the priests for the scapular. carmelites to be imposed with a short prayer.

It must be blessed by a priest and imposed by him while he prays: "receive this blessed scapular and ask the Blessed Virgin that, by her merits, you wear it without any stain of sin and that she protect you from all evil and lead you to eternal life".

Pope St. John Paul II wrote regarding the scapular: "It is a sign of the Blessed Virgin's continuous protection, not only throughout life, but also at the moment of transition to the fullness of eternal glory."

virgen-del-carmen-marineros-historia-escapulario-fiesta

The scapular unites us to Mary

As a sign of consecration to Mary, the Mother of God, it was and continues to be very important. The use of the scapular is a commitment to live the virtues of Mary.

Through the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Carmelite family wishes to share God's gifts and, in a particular way, Mary's maternal love, with all those who wish to be included.

Mary takes charge of the body of Christ: the Church, just as she wrapped her son in swaddling clothes at his birth.. The scapular is a symbol that expresses Mary's protection for the person who wears it. A mother helps a child to grow: Mary helps us to be what God knows we can be, and a mother teaches her child by example. In Canaan, she tells us, "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2:5). By looking at it we learn what it means to be a follower of Christ.

It is a reminder of Mary's commitment to us and our commitment to Mary. It is a reminder of her constant presence in our lives and her interest in us. She is truly a mother and a sister who leads and guides us to Christ in whom we find salvation. He is with us in life and in death: "Pray for us now and at the hour of our death".

 "Lord, grant that all those who wear the scapular with devotion, may also be clothed with the virtues of Mary to enjoy her untiring protection."

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