What is Saint Elijah's link to Our Lady of Mount Carmel?

Carmelite tradition sees the prophet Elijah, who lived on Mount Carmel, as the order's spiritual father.

Prophet Elijah

Feast day: July 20

Old Testament prophet, defender of faith in the one God, model of prayer.

Elijah lived in the ninth century BC in the kingdom of Israel, amid widespread idolatry.

He confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, demonstrating the power of Israel's God.

He was fed by ravens and by the widow of Zarephath; he raised her son through prayer.

On Mount Horeb he heard God in the gentle breeze and received mission to anoint new prophets.

He was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. Venerated as a saint in Catholic tradition. Feast: July 20.

To the prophet of Carmel, we ask fidelity to God and fire of the Holy Spirit.