Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
O Beautiful flower of Carmel,
most fruitful vine,
splendor of Heaven, holy and singular,
who brought forth the Son of God,
still ever remaining a pure virgin,
assist me in my time of need!
(pause and mention petitions)
In you I find consolation
when afflicted,
protection when prosecuted,
strength when burdened with trials,
and light in doubt and darkness.
Dear Lady of Mount Carmel,
I firmly believe that you can grant
me the grace I implore.
My dearest Mary, be pleased to
accept this my act of perfect
resignation to the decrees
of your adorable heart,
which I sincerely desire to be
fulfilled in and by me
and all God’s creatures forever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
In the 12th century, the Carmelites lived in Mount Carmel and built the first Church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. They were joined by many pilgrims, established a rule, and became formalized in the 13th century. The Order spread to Europe and St. Simon became the sixth general in 1245 when the Carmelites government was moved to England from Palestine.
On July 16th, 1251, in the midst of great persecutions against the Order, St. Simon knelt in prayer to the Blessed Virgin in the convent at Cambridge. Mary, holding the baby Jesus appeared to him and handed him the brown scapular, a loose garment worn over the head, down the front and back, from the shoulders to the knees. She told him to receive the scapular as a sign of a privilege she had obtained for them — and all who honored her.
It was, according to Mother Mary, a “sign of salvation,” a “safeguard in danger,” and a “special pledge of peace and protection until the end of time. Whosoever dies wearing this shall be preserved from eternal flames.” The problems that the Carmelites faced ceased quickly thereafter and devotion to the scapular spread fast.
Many miracles have been attached to the wearing of the scapular and Our Lady chose to include this apparition in two other of her appearances. The first being at Lourdes in 1858. Mary made her last appearance on July 16th, the same day she appeared to St. Simon Stock and the day the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The second being at Fatima. In 1917, Mary made her last appearance to the children as Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!
Feast Day: July 16th
Patron Saint of: Carmelites
0 comments on “Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel”