Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Simon Stock facts for kids
The church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Simon Stock is a Roman Catholic church located at 41 Kensington Church Street in Kensington, London. It is a special place of worship served by a group of religious people called the Discalced Carmelites.
This beautiful church is considered a very important building. It was built between 1954 and 1959. A famous architect named Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed it. He also designed other well-known buildings, like the Battersea Power Station and the Liverpool Cathedral. The church is officially a Grade II listed building, which means it's protected because of its historical and architectural importance.
Right next to the church is the Carmelite Priory. A priory is a building where monks or nuns live and pray. This priory was built earlier, between 1886 and 1889, by architects Goldie, Child and Goldie. It is also a Grade II listed building, just like the church.
The church is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster. This is like a large area or district that a bishop oversees for the Catholic Church. The church is named after two important figures: Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Simon Stock.
Contents
What is a Roman Catholic Church?
A Roman Catholic church is a place where people who follow the Roman Catholic faith gather to worship. It is a Christian church led by the Pope, who lives in Vatican City. These churches are often designed to be grand and inspiring, with special areas for prayer and ceremonies.
Who are the Discalced Carmelites?
The Discalced Carmelites are a religious order within the Catholic Church. An "order" is a group of men or women who dedicate their lives to God by following specific rules and traditions. The word "Discalced" means "without shoes," which refers to their practice of wearing sandals or going barefoot as a sign of their simple lifestyle. They focus on prayer, meditation, and serving others.
The Church Building and Its Design
The church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Simon Stock is a modern building, especially for its time. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed it with a unique style. He was known for blending traditional church architecture with newer ideas. The church's design helps create a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for everyone who visits.
The Carmelite Priory Next Door
The priory is where the Carmelite priests and brothers live. It's their home and a place for their community life. The priory and the church work together, supporting each other in their mission of faith and service. The older style of the priory contrasts nicely with the more modern look of the church.
Why is it Dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Simon Stock?
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel: This title refers to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is linked to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where the Carmelite order began. Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is very important to Carmelites.
- St Simon Stock: He was an early leader of the Carmelite order in the 13th century. He is known for his vision of the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is a special piece of cloth worn by many Carmelites and Catholics as a sign of their faith and devotion to Mary.
External links
- Church website
