Gospel in Art: Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel with St Simon Stock, St Teresa of Avila, St Albert of Vercelli, the Prophet Elijah and the Souls in Purgatory, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, 1745 © Pinacoteca of Brera / Photo by Fabian Fröhlich

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 16 July 2024
Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been worked, because they refused to repent.

'Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement day with Tyre and Sidon as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted as high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. For if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have been standing yet. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom on Judgement day as with you.'

Reflection on the painting

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a title given to the Virgin Mary in her role as the patroness of the Carmelite Order, which traces its origins to a group of Christian hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel began in earnest when, according to Carmelite tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to St Simon Stock, the Prior General of the Carmelites, in 1251. During this apparition, she presented him with the brown scapular, a garment that became a symbol of her protection and a sign of consecration to her. Mary promised special graces and her intercession for those who wore the scapular with devotion. In Stock's vision, Mary promised that those who died wearing the scapular would be saved. This event significantly boosted the Carmelite Order's spiritual influence and spread the devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, emphasising themes of Marian protection, intercession, and the importance of living a life devoted to prayer and service.

The full title of our painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is "Our Lady of Mount Carmel with St Simon Stock, St Teresa of Avila, St Albert of Vercelli, the Prophet Elijah, and the Souls in Purgatory". It is a richly detailed depiction on a vast scale (which is why I show you an illustration giving a sense of the size of the canvas). At the centre, the Virgin Mary is portrayed as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding the Christ Child, who is handing over a small scapular. The small scapular, usually consisting of two rectangular pieces of brown cloth connected by cords, is designed to be worn discreetly around the neck, with one piece of cloth resting on the chest and the other on the back. The small scapular is the version most commonly worn by laypeople and serves as a symbol of devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Mary is seen presenting a larger scapular to St. Simon Stock. The larger scapular, also known as the "monastic" scapular, is much bigger and is worn by members of the Carmelite Order as part of their religious habit. This type of scapular is a full-length garment, resembling an apron, that covers the front and back of the body and is usually made of brown wool.

Surrounding Mary and Jesus are other significant Carmelite figures: St Teresa of Avila, depicted in deep contemplation, highlighting her role as a reformer and mystic within the order, and St Albert of Vercelli, who holds a book and staff, symbolising his contributions to the Carmelite Rule. The Prophet Elijah, regarded as the spiritual founder of the Carmelites, is also included, connecting the order's heritage to its ancient prophetic roots.

To the left of the painting, the Souls in Purgatory reach upward towards Our Lady of Mount Carmel, emphasising the belief in Mary's intercessory power to aid and relieve these suffering souls. Tiepolo's use of dynamic composition leads the viewer's eye from the suffering souls on the left to the heavenly figures on the right, creating a narrative of intercession and divine grace. The contrast between the light surrounding Mary and the darker tones of the souls in Purgatory underscores the spiritual journey from suffering to salvation.

The parish church I am working in here in Enfield, England, is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. So a very special prayer goes out to the whole congregation:

Our Lady of Mount Carmel,

Protect us under your mantle,

Guide us with your love,

And lead us closer to your Son, Jesus.

Amen.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-11-20-24-2024/