Our Lady of Mount Carmel July 16

‘With that the sky grew dark with cloud and storm, and rain fell in torrents’(1Kings 18:45). So ends the first reading for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and it is an accurate description of the current weather in Perth where we have been experiencing a succession of storms with strong winds and heavy rain.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel shrine in our chapel received water damage during the storm on Friday July 9th

You may be asking ‘Why this reading for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel?’. Firstly, the early hermits who settled on Mount Carmel in the tweflth century took the prophet Elijah as their inspiration and patron and this reading opens with Elijah climbing to the top of Mount Carmel to pray for an end to the long drought which Israel had been experiencing (1Kings 18:42). As he prays he asks his servant to look out to sea. At first the servant sees nothing and Elijah instructs him to look seven times. On the seventh time the servant sees a small cloud rising from the see. On hearing this Elijah sends the servant to warn the king that a storm is coming and to return home before the rain comes. Then the skies darken and the rain falls.

This reading demonstrates the importance of persevering prayer and confident faith in God, both characteristics of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Carmelite tradition the small cloud which arises from the sea is a foreshadowing of Mary and the rain of grace which was to issue from her in the birth of her son, Jesus Christ.

Here in Perth we have had many years now with low winter rains and have become accustomed to living with water restrictions during the summer months. The low winter rains have also affected the water table leading to trees and areas of bush land being adversely affected and trees and plants dying. The advent of a wet winter is very welcome despite the difficulties in getting the washing dry or outdoor jobs done.

Last Friday however the huge downpour of rain which fell upon Perth together with very strong winds caused extensive damage and areas of flooding. None of the Sisters, including those who have been here for over 60 years, have ever seen such a downpour hit the monastery. Parts of the grounds flooded as the storm drains could not cope with the sudden influx of water, gutters overflowed and rain was driven under the eaves and tiles on the roof. Some of the corridors were awash with water and in some areas water flooded in through the ceilings. We were very fortunate that none of our ceilings collapsed, but some of the local shops were not so lucky.

Water in the roof led to loss of power in some parts of the monastery, including the chapel, which also had quite a lot of water damage. For some days we have had only candles and some lamps to light the chapel during morning Mass. As the ceiling is drying out our electrician has come to see if power can safely be restored.

Water came through the ceiling and down the walls.

While it is usual to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with large public Mass and morning tea it was cancelled last year due to the COVID restrictions. We thought about holding our usual celebration this year but decided against it as we never know when a lockdown and/or restrictions may be imposed. Once again we will celebrate with our regular 7am Mass and within the Community. Hopefully by next year we will see a return to normal life.

To all we wish the intercession of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel and the grace and peace of Jesus Christ.

Hail Flower of Carmel

Blossoming vine,

Splendour of Heaven,

Mother Divine -

none like to thee!

Mother of Meekness

peerless Thou art!

To thy children of Carmel

favours impart -

Star of the Sea. (Ancient hymn).