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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A vocation to return to the heart of South Africa

Today we tell you about the vocation as a priest in South Africa of seminarian Sthabiso Zibani, who struggles to renew the faith in his diocese despite the wounds of the past.

He is the fourth of five siblings and the son of two high school economics teachers. His parents formed a family where the Catholic faith first took hold through his mother's side, and was later embraced by his father, years after their marriage.

Seminarian Sthabiso's vocation as a future priest grew in a home with roots well supported by the Gospel and Zulu culture, where life revolved around three pillars: home, school and church.

"Our father was a late convert, but his witness left a deep impression on me. We grew up in a typical Catholic and Zulu family: love and respect for God, for each other and for strangers, whom we considered our neighbors."

Between dreams and renunciations: the awakening of a priestly vocation

His parents encouraged both him and his siblings to explore their talents, and he soon became a restless and curious child: he tried soccer, cricket, debating clubs, choir... And, like any youngster his age, he also experienced a secret love. "A girlfriend my parents never knew about," he confesses with a shy smile. But inside him, from a very young age, there burned a question that he could not silence: the call to become a priest.

"I knew I would not marry the girl I loved deeply. So I released my girlfriend and answered the call. I entrusted myself to Christ to give me the strength to love radically, beyond romantic interests and professional ambitions," he recounts.

vocación sacerdote Sthabiso Sudáfrica seminarista
A memento of Sthabiso's parents on their wedding day.

His decision was not an easy one: to respond to his vocation, he left his engineering studies, his comforts and everything he knew, to embrace a path that no one in his family had traveled before.

Vocation: a path guided by love and faith

When speaking about his priestly vocation, Sthabiso lowers his voice a little. He acknowledges that his discernment has been inspired by many people, but primarily by his family, and especially by his father: "In my family I learned and observed the paternal love we received. Many would be surprised to learn that my own father is an inspiration for priestly life. Although he is not a priest, I see in him the priestly virtue of self-sacrifice, even now, at the dawn of old age".

Svocación sacerdote Sthabiso Sudáfrica seminarista
Sthabiso visiting the house of the little shepherds in Fatima.

After his father, it was his parish priests who helped him discover God's will in his life. But, above all, Christ: "The Good Shepherd sees the lame sheep that I am and comes for me. He picks me up and carries me on his shoulders. It is because of him that I want to be a priest: so that more lame sheep may find refuge on those same shoulders".

The Diocese of Eshowe accepted his application and has accompanied him ever since. He spent a year at St. Ambrose House of Formation for aspirants in the Archdiocese of Durban and another year at St. Francis Xavier Orientation Seminary.

After this period of training in South Africa, Sthabiso was admitted to the Bidasoa international seminar (Pamplona), where today he continues his adventure towards the priesthood, walking with a serene and constant step.

The cultural contrast has been enormous, and the Spanish language is still hard for him: "during classes and homilies, sometimes I get lost. But I owe it to God that I made it this far," he says, without a hint of complaint.

vocación sacerdote Sthabiso Sudáfrica seminarista
In his homeland, Sthabiso is happy.

Open wounds and hope: the reality of the Church in South Africa

The Diocese of Eshowe is home to approximately 2.8 % of the region's population. Founded in 1921, it experienced a steady growth in Catholic faithful until the 1980s, when the numbers began to decline.

"There are many factors that contribute to this. The most important, I suppose, being the political instability of that time, the stench of which still lingers in today's society."

With the serenity with which he observes his country from a distance, Sthabiso does not hide the pain he feels about the current situation of the Church in South Africa. Today, Christianity is going through a profound identity crisis: colonialism left open wounds, and the Catholic Church is perceived by some as part of that past.

vocación sacerdote Sthabiso Sudáfrica seminarista
A selfie with a group of colleagues.

"Most people feel that colonialism robbed them of their identity and, as a result, they blame the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. This has given rise to a strong presence of identity and cultural politics that intentionally exclude God and the Church," he recounts with regret, but without losing hope.

Between mysticism and crisis

Added to this is the influence of Western mysticism, mixed with ancestral African religions, and a deep economic crisis caused, in part, by political corruption. All this pushes many to work even on Sundays, leaving community life behind.

"A good lesson we could learn from Europe is respect for historic religious sites... Our old churches are deteriorating. Alas, if people no longer go to church, the temples will fall into oblivion... little by little," he laments.

vocación sacerdote Sthabiso Sudáfrica seminarista
Sthabiso, in his cassock, poses smiling with his sister.

Faith, modesty and authenticity: the future in the hands of young people

However, there is one spark of hope that burns brightly: the youth. "The most lively part of the Church in South Africa is undoubtedly the youth," he says with conviction.

Far from being swept along by the ideologies of the world, many young people are looking for deep reasons to believe, to live and to hope.

"It is precisely because of the identity crisis that young people are investigating thoroughly. And even though many are barely making ends meet, they still have hope that God will give them a solution."

Most of the Catholic faithful in his country, especially the young, live modestly, both in the way they present themselves to the world and in their liturgies. For this young South African seminarian, the future of the Church is based on authenticity: simplicity, truth and fidelity.

Today, in a language he is still learning and in a culture very different from his own, Sthabiso is taking silent but firm steps towards ordination. He has been in Spain for barely a year and will soon begin his second year of the Bachelor of Theology.

Svocación sacerdote Sthabiso Sudáfrica seminarista
Sthabiso participates in the pastoral work of the Church.

The dream of returning to heal with the love of Christ

His longing is to return one day, as a priest, to the wounded heart of his native land. That is why every class, every prayer, every effort has a clear addressee: the men and women of his beloved Eshowe, thirsty for an authentic faith. "I thank God for my vocation and I desire with all my heart to respond with all my love to this call."

For, in the end, the shepherd's heart is measured by the wounded sheep he hopes to meet and embrace with the very love of Christ.

Marta Santín, journalist specializing in religion.

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."

Bibliography:

Samuel Pitcaithly, 9th seminarian from New Zealand

Samuel Pitcaithly joins the list of New Zealand student seminarians who have been trained in the 40 years of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (PUSC), in Rome. With this seminarian, there are now nine boys who have passed through the classrooms, libraries and programs of integral formation and personalized assistance of the university.

Samuel, joven neozelandés, posa en la cima de una montaña rodeado de naturaleza, con sudadera y gafas de sol.
Before responding to the vocation, Samuel lived in his homeland, New Zealand.

Known for being Tolkien's Middle Earth and a highly secularized country

New Zealand is a country best known for the filming of the book written by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, and made into a film by director Peter Jackson, and by his hakathe traditional ceremonial dance of the Maori people, the indigenous people of the country, which is nowadays very famous all over the world thanks to the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks. However, no one knows Tolkien's religious New Zealand Middle Earth for its religiosity.

In fact, New Zealand society is highly secularized: a significant part of the population declares itself to have no religious affiliation. Samuel Pitcaithly is the only student from his country in the PUSC.

The story of Samuel, who was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on November 22, 1995, and who is currently studying philosophy at the University of New Zealand. Pontifical University of the Holy Crossthanks to a study grant from the CARF Foundation, is precisely the story of many young people in his country, who sometimes grew up far from the faith.

But even in that more distant life a spark can be lit that little by little becomes a fire. In fact, today this young student is a religious seminarian belonging to the Spanish community Siervos del Hogar de la Madre and he tells us his story illuminated by the vocational call to become a priest.

An inherited but dormant faith

"My name is Samuel Pitcaithly, and I come from New Zealand, the country of The Lord of the Rings. I grew up in a Catholic family, but as with many young people today, faith was just another aspect of my life, without much importance.

By the grace of God, there was a youth group in our parish that I attended mainly to have fun with my friends. We received good training, and I found valuable companions who helped me a lot," Samuel tells us.

Samuel, seminarista neozelandés, sonríe junto a su padre y sus dos hermanos, todos vestidos de manera formal.
Samuel with his father and brothers in New Zealand, the place where he began his journey as a religious priest.

A life-changing confession

At the age of 17, during a camp for young Catholic leaders, Samuel had a very strong experience with God. On the last night there was a liturgy of reconciliation. They were given a pen and paper and asked to write down all their sins before going to confession.

"At first I wrote the usual: arguments, complaints... but soon the Lord began to remind me of things I had forgotten, hidden or minimized. I filled the whole paper and was surprised by the quantity. When I went to confession, when I received absolution, I felt an enormous weight fall from my shoulders and I experienced the love of Jesus with force. I truly understood that he had died for me. And I felt that I had to do something for Him in response."

The search for meaning

Since then, he started praying and going to Mass on his own initiative. He helped with the youth group and continued his formation while studying engineering at the university. However, that initial fire was extinguished over time.

In his senior year, he decided to participate in a retreat. There, in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, he asked Jesus what he should do with his life. While all his friends were looking for work, Samuel felt an emptiness.

"I asked Jesus to help me find a job. And then, in my heart, I felt his clear voice: 'I want you to give me two years.

I was surprised. I didn't expect that. But I felt the same deep peace I had felt years before. In that confession; I knew that Jesus was guiding me," he recounts with emotion.

A providential path: NET and Nightfever

Some friends had told him about NET (National Evangelisation TeamsSamuel was a member of the National Evangelization Teams, a group of missionaries who work with young people in various countries. It seemed perfect to Samuel: he could serve the Lord, work with young people and see the world. He signed up and was sent to a parish in Dublin, Ireland.

"There we organized youth groups, catechesis, Confirmation preparation and collaborated in events such as. NightfeverThe event took place in the center of Dublin: an exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, praise music, candles, and volunteers inviting passersby to come in and spend a moment with Jesus.

Many, even those far from the faith, had very strong experiences there," he tells us.

Samuel de adolescente, sonrie junto a tres amigos un coche durante el NET en Irlanda.
Samuel, with three friends during his time in Ireland as NET.

Meeting with the Servants of the Mother's Home

"During one of those nights of NightfeverI saw a young priest in a cassock, juggling with fire surrounded by joyful young people. They were the Servants of the Home of the Mother. I was impressed by their joy, their youth, their passion for the faith." He got to know them and fell in love with their three missions:

  1. Defense of the Eucharist;
  2. Defense of the honor of Our Mother, especially her Virginity;
  3. Conquest of young people for Jesus Christ.

At the end of that night he told a companion, "If God calls me to the priesthood, it will be with them."

The call to the priesthood is confirmed

That same year she went on a pilgrimage with them to Spain. When she was in the chapel of the Motherhouse, she felt she was at home. A year later, in 2020, he joined the community.

"Today, as I look back, I see clearly how God has guided me step by step. Today I have just finished my first year of studies for the priesthood at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. It is a blessing to be able to form myself in the heart of the Church, surrounded by seminarians and professors from all over the world, all seeking holiness," he says.

Thank you to the benefactors of the CARF Foundation.

Samuel would like to thank the benefactors of the CARF Foundation for their prayers and support: "I am deeply grateful for all that you do to make this journey, mine and that of so many fellow seminarians and priests from all over the world, possible. I keep you very much in my prayers and, God willing, one day I will be able to offer Holy Mass for you and your intentions.

May God and Our Blessed Mother bless you abundantly!".

Gerardo FerraraDegree in History and Political Science, specializing in the Middle East. Head of the student body at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

St. Thomas the Apostle: the disciple who doubted

The Church joyfully celebrates the feast of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. His martyrdom is celebrated on July 3. His figure, often associated with doubt, contains an admirable spiritual depth and a courageous witness of faith that took him to the ends of the known world. His life reminds us that sincere doubt, when it seeks the truth, can be a path to the strongest faith.

Who was St. Thomas?

St. Thomas, also called Didymus - which means twin in Greek - was a Jew and probably a native of Galilee, like most of the apostles. Although the Gospels do not give much information about his life before meeting Jesus, his name appears in all the lists of the twelve apostles.

He was chosen by Jesus to be part of the intimate group of disciples who would accompany him during his public life. He is mentioned in key moments of the Gospel, especially in the Gospel of St. John, where he reveals his passionate, honest and deeply human personality.

Retrato de un actor interpretando a Tomás apóstol, con una expresión de profunda reflexión o tristeza, y un collar de cuentas de madera.
An expression of faith and emotion: the apostle Thomas, as depicted in the series The Chosen.

The disciple who sought to understand

St. Thomas is remembered above all for his reaction to the announcement of the Resurrection of Christ. When the other apostles told him that they had seen the risen Lord, he responded with the famous phrase: "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and put my finger into the hole of the nails and my hand into his side, I will not believe" (Jn 20:25).

However, this doubt is not born of hostile rebellion or mistrust, but of a sincere desire to understand and confirm the truth. Eight days later, when Jesus appears again, this time with Thomas present, he invites him to touch his wounds. The apostle's reaction is one of the most beautiful professions of faith in the Gospel: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28).

With this exclamation, St. Thomas not only acknowledges the resurrection of Christ, but also his divinity. It is a key moment, for Jesus responds with a phrase addressed to all those who would come after him: "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who, without seeing, believe" (Jn 20:29).

Missionary to the ends of the earth

After Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Thomas, like the other apostles, went out to proclaim the Gospel. According to the strongest Christian tradition - both in patristic sources and in the living tradition of the Church in the East - St. Thomas brought the faith as far as India.

Various ancient testimonies, such as those of St. Ephrem, St. Jerome and the historian Eusebius of Caesarea, affirm that Thomas preached in the region of Parthia (present-day Iran) and then traveled to the southwest coast of the Indian subcontinent, to the region of Kerala. There, he founded Christian communities that have survived to this day and are known as the Christians of St. Thomas.

During his mission, he courageously evangelized, performed miracles and baptized numerous converts. It is said that he even reached the court of the king. Gondofares and converted many in the region of present-day Pakistan and India. His preaching was fruitful, but also provoked the rejection of those who opposed Christianity.

Exterior de la Basílica de Santo Tomás en Mylapore, Chennai, India, mostrando su distintiva arquitectura neogótica.
Basilica of St. Thomas, built over the tomb of the apostle, in Chennai, India.

His martyrdom and legacy

St. Thomas died a martyr's death, probably around 72 A.D., in Mylapore, near Chennai (formerly Madras), in India. According to tradition, he was pierced by a spear while praying in a cave, symbol of the same instrument with which a soldier had pierced Christ's side.

His tomb in India became a place of pilgrimage from the first centuries. Today, in Mylapore, stands the Basilica of St. Thomas, one of the few Catholic temples built on the tomb of an apostle (the others are in Rome and Santiago de Compostela).

His figure is especially venerated in the Eastern Churches and in the Catholic communities of South Asia, which proudly preserve a living faith rooted in the witness of this apostle.

Why do we celebrate St. Thomas on July 3?

For many centuries, the Latin Church celebrated the feast of St. Thomas on December 21. However, after the reform of the liturgical calendar in 1969, his memory was moved to July 3. This date coincides with the transfer of his relics to Edessa (present-day Urfa, Turkey) in the 4th century, an important event for the Syriac Church and for the expansion of Eastern Christianity.

Celebrating St. Thomas on July 3 allows us to rediscover his role as a witness to the resurrection, as a missionary apostle and as a model of a faith that is strengthened by humbly seeking the truth.

Pintura de Caravaggio que representa a Santo Tomás metiendo su dedo en la herida de Cristo, rodeado por otros apóstoles.
The Unbelief of St. Thomas (1601-1602) by Caravaggio, a masterpiece that captures the moment of doubt.

An apostle for those who doubt

The figure of St. Thomas is especially close to those who live moments of uncertainty, questions or doubts in faith. His story shows us that doubt is not a sin, but a stage that, if well lived, can lead to a more mature faith.

Jesus does not reject St. Thomas because of his unbelief, but goes out to meet him. And Thomas, in recognizing Christ, makes a confession of faith that no other apostle had ever made with such clarity.

Like Thomas, we too are called to move from the desire for proof to the joy of faith. In the Christian life, we do not always see in order to believe, but we do believe in order to see with the eyes of our heart and soul.

At the CARF Foundation We promote the integral formation of seminarians and diocesan priests who, like St. Thomas, want to take the faith to the ends of the earth. Many of them, like him, come from distant countries and will return to evangelize, strengthen Christian communities and be living witnesses of Christ's love. Celebrating St. Thomas is also an occasion to redouble our prayer for vocations and to support this mission with generosity.

Gospel of the day

Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples said to him:

-We have seen the Lord!

But he answered them:

-If I do not see on his hands the mark of the nails, and I do not put my finger in that mark of the nails and put my hand in the side, I will not believe.

And after eight days his disciples were inside again, and Thomas with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said:

-Peace be with you.

He then said to Tomas:

-Bring your finger here and look at my hands, and bring your hand and put it in my side, and do not be unbelieving but believing.

Tomas answered and said to him:

-My Lord and my God!

Jesus replied:

-Because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen but have believed.

Bibliography:

Gospel according to John: Jn 11:16; Jn 14:5; Jn 20:24-29.

Synoptic Gospels (lists of the Twelve Apostles): Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16.

Catechism of the Catholic ChurchCCC 642-644: Testimonies of the Apostles on the Resurrection.

Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical HistoryBook III and IV (4th century): References to the mission of St. Thomas in Parthia and India.

St. Jerome, De viris illustribusChapter 3: Information on the evangelization of Thomas.

San Gregorio de Nazianzo, Orationes33, 18: Mention of the sending of Thomas to India.

St. Ephrem of Syria, Hymns about the ApostlesHymn 42: Exalts the preaching of Thomas in Eastern lands.

Roman Liturgical Calendar (updated after Vatican Council II)Fixing of the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle on July 3.

Roman Martyrology (typical ed. 2001), p. 336: Memoria litúrgica y breve nota hagiográfica sobre el apóstol.

St. Thomas Basilica (Santhome), Mylapore, IndiaTradition and veneration of the place of his martyrdom and burial.

Catholic Encyclopedia (ed. 1912), article "St. Thomas": Historical and patristic synthesis of the life and mission of the apostle.