PRAYER FOR PROTECTION WHILE TRAVELING
Why is Our Lady of Mount Carmel the patron saint of drivers?
Every July 16, the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. On that day, it is common to see the blessing of cars, trucks, and motorcycles… as well as many people who carry an image of the Virgin in their vehicles or pray before setting out on a journey.
Where does this tradition come from? Why is Our Lady of Mount Carmel considered the patron saint of travelers?
The Origin of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel originated at Mount Carmel, in the Holy Land, where, around the 12th century, a group of hermits began to live a life devoted to prayer under the protection of the Virgin Mary. From there arose the Carmelite Order, which was charged with spreading this devotion throughout the world.
According to Carmelite tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock in the year 1251 and gave him the scapular as a sign of her maternal protection and of the trust that the faithful can place in her intercession.
María, Stella Maris, the Star of the Sea
Long before the devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel existed, Christians were already invoking Mary under the title “Stella Maris,” which means “Star of the Sea.”
The image is simple yet profound.Just as sailors used the stars to find their way to a safe harbor,Christians see in Mary the mother who guides her children toward Christamid life’s difficulties.
Tradition attributes to Saint Simon Stock one of the most beloved prayers of the Carmelites, the hymn*Flos Carmeli*(Flower of Carmel), which ends with this beautiful invocation:“Flower of Carmel, flowering vine, splendor of heaven, fruitful and unique Virgin. O tender Mother, untouched by man, may your name protect all your children, Star of the Sea!” Forthis reason, the Carmelites have for centuries called the Virgin“Stella Maris,” the Star of the Sea, a title that expresses her mission to accompany and guide all Christians.
And what does that have to do with drivers?
For centuries, sailors have entrusted themselves to Our Lady of Mount Carmel before setting sail, relying on her protection during their voyages.
Over time, that trust in Mary’s protection came to extend to anyone setting out on a journey. Whereas the greatest danger used to lie at sea, today many people spend a large part of their lives on the road. That is why it is so common today to find an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in a vehicle. It is not a talisman. For believers, it is a reminder of something much deeper: to drive prudently, to respect one’s own life and the lives of others, and to entrust every journey to God.
Before setting out on a journey, we can entrust our journey to Our Lady of Mount Carmel with a simple prayer. You'll find the download button below.
-
Offer!
Quick view
Our Lady of Mount Carmel of Garabandal
AureolaPrice range: from €260.00 to €550.00
Price range: from €260.00 to €467.50