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Virgen del Carmen, Stella Maris
The Virgen del Carmen is one of the most beloved devotions in Spain and around the world. Protector of sailors and fishermen, every July 16th ports are filled with decorated boats to take her out in a procession by sea.
Virgen del Carmen, Isabel de Santiago (Wikimedia Commons, public domain)
History of the devotion
Its name comes from Mount Carmel, in the Holy Land, where in the 12th century a group of hermits retired to pray dedicated to the Virgin. From there the Order of the Carmelites was born, which spread this devotion throughout Europe.
According to tradition, on July 16, 1251 the Virgin appeared in England to Saint Simon Stock, superior of the order, and gave him the scapular as a sign of her protection. That is why that day is her feast.
The scapular and the medal
The original scapular is made of fabric, two small pieces joined by cords that are worn over the chest and back. In 1910 Pope Saint Pius X authorized replacing it with a scapular medal, with the image of the Virgen del Carmen on one side and the Sacred Heart on the other. Thus the metal scapular was born that is worn on a chain today.
More medals of the Virgen del Carmen
Natural pearl and blue enamel
Turquoise enamel and turquoise stones
Multicolor
Lapis lazuli and blue enamel
Lilac enamel and pearl
Mother-of-pearl scapular
Fun facts
- She is called Stella Maris, "Star of the Sea", and is the patron saint of the Spanish Navy and the people of the sea.
- She is also the patron saint of Chile, where she is known as the Queen and Patroness of Chile.
- Carmen is one of the most common women's names in Spain, so July 16th is a day of celebration in many families.
Facts you can check
- Her patronage over the Navy was made official by a Royal Order on April 19, 1901, signed by Queen Regent María Cristina. The devotion predates this: in the 18th century it was already the most popular on the Island of León, in San Fernando (Cádiz). Source
- In 1818, before the Battle of Maipú, Bernardo O'Higgins promised to build a temple to the Virgen del Carmen, «Patroness and General of the Armies of Chile», in the place of victory. From that promise the Votive Temple of Maipú was born. Source
- In 2001, on the occasion of the 750th anniversary of the delivery of the scapular, Saint John Paul II wrote to the Order of Carmel: «I too have worn the scapular of Carmel over my heart for a long time». Source
- Around 1238, the Carmelites had to leave Mount Carmel due to Saracen incursions and returned to Europe, where the order took root. A 1231 account already describes, among its cells on Mount Carmel, an oratory dedicated to Mary: «Our Lady of the Place». Source
Why give a medal of the Virgen del Carmen
It is a gift to entrust the one you love, with a centuries-old tradition: perfect for a Carmen or a Maricarmen, for someone who lives near the sea, for a first communion or for someone starting a new stage. Many families give it in summer, coinciding with her feast.
Discover our medals of the Virgen del Carmen and our scapulars, handmade in Spain with pearls and natural stones.