In line with many other Carmelite communities in Italy and around the world, San Felice del Benaco is preparing to celebrate the solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with a series of liturgical events and special ceremonies.
The celebrations will begin on Tuesday, July 16th with a Holy Mass at 10:00 am, which will be attended by religious men and women from the area, members of the Carmelite Family, and the renewal of the profession of the Third Order of Carmel. At 11:30 am, there will be the imposition of the scapular, a symbol of protection given by Mary to the first hermits on Mount Carmel. The day will conclude at 5:00 pm with another imposition of the scapular.
From Thursday, July 18th to Friday, July 26th, a solemn novena will be celebrated with three Masses each day (at 8:00 am, 6:00 pm, and 9:00 pm), accompanied by the Rosary at 8:30 pm. The novena will be preached by Father Sebastian Benchea, O. Carm., and will involve the parishes of Lake Garda, who will take turns participating in the evening services.
Here is the schedule of the parishes’ presence:
– Thursday, July 18th at 8:30 pm: San Felice del Benaco – Portese – Manerba – Raffa – Puegnago – Soiano – Polpenazze – Padenghe – Moniga.
– Friday, July 19th at 8:30 pm: Vallio Terme – Soprazocco – Gavardo – Sopraponte – Villanuova s/C – Prandaglio – Muscoline.
– Monday, July 22nd at 8:30 pm: Salò – Villa di Salò – Maderno and Monte Maderno – Roè Volciano – Fasano– Toscolano– Campoverde– Gardone Riviera– Gaino– Bogliaco– Gargnano– Barbarano– Cecina.
– Tuesday, July 23rd at 8:30 pm: Desenzano (Duomo) – S. Angela Merici – S. Giuseppe – S. Zeno – Rivoltella – Lugana.
– Wednesday, July 24th at 8:30 pm: Calvagese – Mocasina – Carzago R. – Bedizzole – S. Vito – Nuvolera – Nuvolento – Serle – Prevalle (S. Zenone/S. Michele).
– Thursday, July 25th at 8:30 pm: Paitone – Palidano – Lonato – Campagna di Lonato – Maguzzano.
– Friday, July 26th at 8:30 pm: Colombare-Sirmione-Centenaro-Scoperta-S.Martino della B.-Pozzolengo-Sabbio Chiese-S.Giovanna Antida (BS).
On Saturday, the program includes a solemn Mass presided over by Monsignor Giuseppe Zenti, Bishop Emeritus of Verona, followed by a procession to the parish church of San Felice.
Sunday will be the main day dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with scheduled Masses at 7:00 am, 10:00 am, 6:00 pm, and 9:00 pm. At 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, there will be the imposition of the scapular. The day will conclude with Vespers presided over by Monsignor Domenico Pompili, Bishop of Verona, followed by a procession and blessing at the Carmine Sanctuary.
On Monday, a evening Mass will be held in honor of the living and deceased benefactors.
The Saturday before the peak of the celebrations will be dedicated to the solemnity of the Prophet Elijah.
The Carmelites trace their origins back to the prophet Elijah and consider Mary as the ideal model of contemplative life and service to the Lord. Forced to leave Palestine in the 13th century due to the Saracen invasion, they settled in Europe and founded numerous monasteries.
In the 15th century, the current complex was built around a pre-existing chapel with the support of the Gonzaga family. It was later embellished with precious frescoes before its consecration in 1482. Despite various historical difficulties, including suppression by the Republic of Venice in the 18th century, the Carmelites returned in the 20th century and restored the entire complex, making it particularly impressive.
Today, in addition to the Lombard Gothic church rich in frescoes, it is possible to visit the monastic cloister and enjoy the adjacent spaces for spiritual retreats immersed in the surrounding natural tranquility.
Italian Version
