KUCHING — In conjunction with the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Christ The King (CTK) OCDS Community organised an online talk by Fr Nicholas Hoh OCD, a Carmelite priest from Seremban.
The talk entitled, “Stella Maris: Our Lady, Our Guide to Full Christian Living” was given on 12 July 2022 via Zoom for St Joseph’s Parish. The host for the event was the Spiritual Advisor of CTK OCDS, Fr Ramon Borja SDB.
Fr Nicholas highlighted Mary’s title, Stella Maris. Mary, the Star of the sea has traditionally drawn strong devotion from sea-faring peoples. She is like the Polaris (the North Star), the light in the dark, pointing the way.
As a protectress, Stella Maris guides the sailor at sea. Many Christians can relate to her protection and guidance in the ups and downs, obstacles and turbulent seas which they encounter in their own spiritual journey.
The feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated on 16 July by the Carmelites. Notably, it is the date in Carmelite tradition which is associated with the gift of the Brown Scapular by the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Simon Stock on 16 July 1251.
The title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel dates back to the hermits known as the “Brothers of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel” who lived on Mount Carmel in Israel, in the early 13th century. They were the first Carmelites who lived there to be close to where Prophet Elijah had lived.
The Scapular is a Carmelite Habit and a sign of living for Jesus, in the example of the Blessed Virgin and under her protection. Wearers of the brown scapular indicate their fraternal association with the Carmelites and with Marian spirituality.
Celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Carmelite nuns organised a Triduum at the Carmelite Chapel from 15 -17 July at 7.30 pm to 9 pm.
It was assisted by members of Christ The King (CTK) OCDS Community, Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang, Fr Ramon Borja, the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC), Ms Florida Law and Mr Aylmer Lim.
A Holy Mass for the Solemnity was celebrated by Archbishop Simon Poh and concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Dato John Ha and Fr Ramon Borja on 16 July 2022 at 7 am at the Carmelite Chapel.
The Triduum program included vocation sharing by the Carmelite nuns – Sr Karen Wee OCD, Sr Dominica Chai OCD and Sr Marie Evelyn OCD, and by an OCDS member, Ms Mae Liaw.
Some youths from the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC) and a choir member gave their personal faith and devotion testimonies of the presence of God and Mary in their lives.
Following a nun’s sharing on the brown scapular, Fr Ramon administered the blessing and investiture of the Scapular. The investiture of the brown scapular automatically enables the recipients to participate in the merited works of the Carmelite Order.
Despite the heavy rain, it did not dampen the spirit of the attendees who turned out nightly to celebrate the occasion with the Carmelites.
By Council of CTK OCDS
 OCDS Community organised an online talk by Fr Nicholas Hoh OCD, a Carmelite priest from Seremban.){kind=link}