The Diocese of Gaylord celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a nearly three-centuries old tradition, on Saturday.

“Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patron saint of the Diocese of Gaylord Cathedral,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “This feast day was put on the universal calendar by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726.” 

Mount Carmel is in northern Israel, near the Fountain of Elijah. It is noted for the fact that a group of hermits that lived there since the 12th century, Franciscan Media says. In the 13th century the hermits became known as the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. 

Mary is said to have appeared to St. Simon Stock, then the leader of the Carmelites, Franciscan Media continues. When she did, she gave him a scapular, which symbolizes Mary's protection and encourages the wearer to devote himself to her. Scapulars also serve as a reminder of our call to prayer and penance, which Mary demonstrated in her life. 

Mary is honored multiple times throughout the year. The Marians cite the following celebrations as examples: the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, which is Jan. 1; the Annunciation, which is March 25; the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, which is May 13; the Visitation, which is May 31; Mary’s Assumption into Heaven, which is Aug. 15; and the Immaculate Conception, which is Dec. 8. 

Mary holds a unique position among Catholics. As a human, she, like everyone else, is among those in need of being saved by God, but as the Mother of God, she received God's grace to an extent that surpasses that of all others, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The USCCB adds that Mary's willingness to cooperate with God's plan earned her a crucial role in the notion of salvation. Catholics cite Mary as a role model of discipleship and many ask for her intercession in their prayers.