Cardinal Stephen Brislin celebrates Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Benoni

by Kati Dijane · July 16, 2025

Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Benoni

By Kati Dijane – The Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Benoni, Archdiocese of Johannesburg, celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 12, a sacred day especially significant to the Carmelite Order.

This year’s celebration was graced by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, as the main celebrant. He was joined at the altar by Father Ryan Pais OCD, rector of the shrine, as well as Father Boniface D’Souza OCD, Father John D’Souza OCD, Father Kaushik Parmar OCD, and guest priests Father Lawrence Ndlovu and Father Václav Klement SDB, the provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The faithful gathered in large numbers to honour Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a title steeped in centuries of Carmelite spirituality. The Mass readings drew from the Book of Kings (1 Kings 18:42b–45a), Paul’s Letter to the Galatians 4:4–7 and the Gospel of John 19:25–27, weaving a powerful narrative of divine presence, maternal love and spiritual refuge.

Mary as a refuge and model of the interior life

In his deeply moving homily, Cardinal Brislin reflected on the significance of the feast and the unique devotion tied to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He thanked the Carmelite Fathers for their invitation and acknowledged the shrine as “a beautiful place of prayer… a place where people can come to be with the Lord.”

While other Marian feasts commemorate miraculous apparitions like Fatima or Lourdes, the feast of Mount Carmel draws attention to something different. It highlights Mary’s inner life — her quiet yet profound relationship with God, her unwavering obedience and her total trust in divine providence.

Drawing parallels with the prophets Elijah and Elisha, who both took refuge on Mount Carmel, the Cardinal explained that Mary herself is a spiritual refuge — someone we can run to when overwhelmed by life’s burdens. “She is the one who will protect us,” he said, “covering us with her mantle… protecting us from harm, from evil, even from our own sin.”

He also noted Mary’s role as the “untier of knots”, a title made popular by Pope Francis. In the challenges and complexities of life, she patiently unravels what binds us: our hurts, our sin, our histories, gently leading us back to God.

Brislin further emphasised that Our Lady of Mount Carmel invites us into contemplation. While many Marian feasts focus on outward acts, miracles, appearances or signs, this feast draws us into Mary’s inner communion with God, the wellspring from which her obedience, love and faithfulness flowed. “That is why she is called full of grace,” he explained.

In today’s fast-paced world, driven by technology, superficial distractions and transactional faith, this message is especially relevant. Cardinal Brislin lamented how the spiritual dimension is often overlooked, even within churches. He warned against prosperity-based faith that seeks material reward instead of deep communion with God.

“Our Lady teaches us that prayer isn’t just about asking for something,” he said, “but about simply being in God’s presence. That interior stillness, that intimacy, is what strengthens us to live as instruments of grace for others.”

A call to prayerful homes and daily holiness

The Cardinal’s homily also offered practical insights, especially for families. He encouraged parents and children to nurture simple traditions of faith at home, a crucifix on the wall, a picture of Mary, a family prayer corner, praying the Rosary together. “Simple things,” he said, “but so important. Because the family is the first Church.”

He reminded the faithful that work too should be seen as a form of worship — a way to live out our Christian values in everyday life. “Doing your job to the best of your ability, with justice and love, is part of your discipleship,” he said.

In concluding, Cardinal Brislin prayed that all present would, through Mary’s intercession, grow in faith, love and holiness, becoming places of refuge, untying the knots in their lives and in others.

Blessing of the relic of St Thérèse of Lisieux

Before Mass ended, Cardinal Brislin unveiled and blessed the relic of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, a gift from the Carmelite Generalate in Rome. This beloved saint, known for her “Little Way” of love, humility and trust in God, is a powerful intercessor and spiritual guide, especially within Carmelite spirituality.

The Carmelite legacy in South Africa

The celebration was also an opportunity to reflect on the history and growth of the Carmelite Order in South Africa. Father Ryan Pais shared how the journey began in 1998, when two Carmelite friars were welcomed by the Cloistered Carmelite Sisters in Benoni. With strong support from the local faithful, the friars integrated into pastoral and spiritual ministry, leading to the establishment of a permanent Carmelite residence in 1999.

Their mission has since expanded across the country. In 2012, the order extended its presence to Cape Town, where a monastery was built in Mimosa, Brackenfell, officially inaugurated on 27 October 2023. The monastery now serves not only as a home for the friars but also as a spiritual centre for retreats, prayer and outreach.

Today, seven Carmelite priests serve the region, continuing to embody the Carmelite pillars of contemplation, community and service. Their spirituality is inspired by towering saints like St Teresa of Avila, St John of the Cross and St Thérèse, calling all people to deepen their friendship with God and walk with Him in the silence of the heart.

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to all the Carmelites.