The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is held on July 16th. According to Carmelite traditions, on this day, Mary, the Mother of Christ, gave the brown scapular to monastic St. Simon Stock to protect his order from oppression. This day is a special devotion to Mary, who teaches us to be open to God, and to His will.

July 30 is International Friendship Day. It is a day to recognize Jesus as being the ultimate example of a friend. Today we pray for guidance on how to be a true friend for others not just when it is convenient, but to show the world His love, forgiveness, and kindness.

The liturgical calendar includes The Most Holy Name of Mary, originating in Spain in 1513, whose observance was extended by Pope Innocent XI to the universal church in 1683 in thanksgiving to Our Lady for the victory on September 12, 1683, by King Sobieski of Poland over the Turks who were besieging Vienna. “We venerate the name of Mary because it belongs to her who is the Mother of God, the holiest of creatures, the Queen of heaven and earth, the Mother of Mercy” (Catholic Encyclopedia). Members are invited to pray for Mary’s intercession on this special day.