The Scapular: a sign of commitment and a reminder of God’s promise, prelate says

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat

Speaking to hundreds of devotees yesterday on the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, July 16, Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon underlined the meaning and symbol of the scapular, a popular sign of devotion to Mary; and called on everyone to emulate the Mother of God, a pillar of hope at the foot of the Cross.

Alarcon began his homily at the Naga Carmelite Monastery by depicting an image of hard work. “One of the symbols or images of labor is our shoulders,” he said. “When we carry heavy loads, we put them on our shoulders.”

“Determined to finish the mission given to Him, Jesus bore the weight of the Cross on His shoulders [while] Mary also carried the weight of the mission on hers.”

Throughout her life, Mary has been the epitome of hope as “a virtue of movement and engine of change”. The moment she said yes to the will of God, Mary has been holding and supporting her Son, Jesus.

Further reflecting on hope vis-a-vis the Gospel, the scene at Calvary, Alarcon said, “In difficult situations, hope shines the brightest.” In that defining moment, Jesus handed over His Spirit to the Father and Mary “stood in solidarity with her Son” at the foot of the Cross.

“When it is difficult to see and feel the presence of God, [when we are in despair], a deeper faith [is called for -one] that allows us to surrender to God.” the Caceres prelate exhorted.

“This is the highest level of hope.”

Ultimately, Alarcon defined hope as thus: “the theological virtue by which we desire the Kingdom of God and heaven, the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life, as our happiness”.

Thus, to hope and to wear the scapular is to “trust in Christ’s promises, not relying on our own strength but on the grace of the Holy Spirit”.

In closing, the Caceres prelate prayed for strong shoulders and “bottomless hope” for everyone. “May the scapular strengthen our shoulders and like Mary, may we become pillars of hope beneath the Cross.”

“Lord, make us instruments of hope,” he added.

Naga Carmel celebrates feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with theme of Hope

Devotees of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel came to the Naga Carmelite Monastery to participate in the novena masses prior to the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, July 16, Wednesday. Daily catechesis on vocation precede the masses held in the afternoon. Bicol Bishops also came to celebrate the novena masses and concelebrate the mass on the feast day. Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon was the main celebrant and preacher last July 16. (Photos by Natalie Hazel Quimlat)