A Deo et Rege

I mentioned earlier, buried in a previous post, that I got a teaching job in Cleveland. I will be teaching religion starting this fall. It is a personal policy not to mention work on my blog, except on the rare occasion where I may say in general terms "I had a good day at work" or "I taught x class today and enjoyed it."  I just feel that blogging on work would be unfair to my generous employers.

Still, I do want to announce that I did get this teaching job and thank those who’ve been praying for my future. This is a real blessing and I’m grateful to God, the prayers of Mary, the school and all the great people there. I want to ask your continued prayers to find a nice house in a good, safe, and quiet neighborhood. I want a good place too for when my fiancee and I get married. I have found a place, but I need prayer to make sure I can get it. If you read this post, please offer up a quick prayer for me. Thanks!

The Carmelites began when Christian monks, following the crusaders, went to the Mt. Carmel of Old Testament fame to become hermits and live a rule of life. However, in 1245 the Muslims recaptured much of the holy land and murdered most of the Carmelites. Those who survived returned to Europe and spread their rule throughout the world. This is where the story of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel begins.

According to tradition, in 1251, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite in England and gave him the brown scapular. It was a symbol of the bond between the Carmelite order and herself. However, the scapular is for all people and represents the protection and security we find in Mary’s heavenly love and intercession.

The scapular is often misunderstood. Many, especially those uneducated about its origins and purpose, regard it as magic or superstitious. However, this is not the case. The scapular is a sacramental and above all a sign. Mary promised at Mt. Carmel that all who die with the scapular will not suffer eternal fire. However, this is understood in light of Catholic teaching that says that one must persevere in faith, hope, and love in order to be saved. The scapular then is a sign of a life in total obedience to Christ through Mary who gave the perfect example.

Sources/More info:
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine (see historical parts of this site)
EWTN
Carmelites

Image from:
St. Charles Borromeo Church Image Gallery (note the scapular in it)