Our School Name
The history of Our Lady of Mount Carmel can be traced back to the prophet Elijah and the hermits on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. The sacred mountain, Mount Carmel, dates back to 10th century BCE, where Elijah after a great victory over the prophets of Baal, saw a cloud rising from the sea and interpreted it as the coming of the Messiah and Mary. The hermits, who were inspired by Elijah, became known as the "Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel" and together they founded the Carmelite order and devoted themselves to a life of prayer, solitude and contemplation in special devotion to the Virgin Mary.
A crisis developed in the Order, for it looked like they would cease to exist. Tradition says that the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Simon Stock, the Superior, around 1247, and gave him a pledge of heavenly protection against extinction. As a sign of this special bond, each Carmelite was to wear a "brown scapular," and it is still part of their religious dress today.
Over the last 700 years, Catholics have honoured Our Lady of Mount Carmel by wearing miniature brown scapulars. It is a visible sign that the wearer wants to live his/her life in a connectedness with the Lord, acknowledging Mary, His Mother, as a special guide, pointing us in the direction of her Son. Today, the modern day Carmelites direct St. John of the Cross Church in Mississauga.
Our School Mascot
The mascot for Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the majestic Lion. Historically, the Lion was a revered symbol in the geographical area where Mount Carmel is located.
During the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, the Lion exemplified strength, power, courage, cleverness, majesty, loyalty, and pride. Here at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we wish to embody these qualities in helping our students to become responsible Christian citizens in our communities and throughout our world.
Spiritual Dimensions
"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength... You must love your neighbours as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31
The Spiritual dimension of our school is evident in all of our programs and activities. It is expressed in our retreats, liturgies, and celebrations. It is also evident in our attitudes and behaviour. There are liturgical celebrations, prayer experiences, and class reflections to supplement this teaching. The celebration of the Eucharist as a school community occurs several times a year as culmination points in the church and school calendar.
The school chapel is also designated as a place for prayer and solitude throughout the school day. In addition to the course and the chapel OLMC's spiritual dimension is illustrated by the fact that the school day begins with a reflection or a prayer. This provides a unique opportunity for students and staff to gather their thoughts in a common purpose for that particular day.
Students have the opportunity to avail themselves of the sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent when the church calls us to be aware of our need for God's forgiving love.
Furthermore, we as a community consciously endeavour to permeate all that we do with the values of the Gospel. Gently, but continually, we remind one another of the Christian dimension of our lives. This is evidenced in our attitudes towards one another and in the responsibilities in which we have to reach out to the community beyond our school.