Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena
This novena honors Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patroness of the Carmelite Order, who appeared to St. Simon Stock in 1251, presenting the Brown Scapular.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena - Day 1
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena - Day 1
Opening Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Beautiful Flower of Carmel, most fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, holy and singular, who brought forth the Son of God while remaining a pure virgin, assist us in our necessities. We come before you with confidence in your maternal protection.
Mount Carmel and the Prophets
"So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down on the earth, and put his face between his knees." — 1 Kings 18:42
Mount Carmel rises along the coast of the Holy Land, a place of beauty and spiritual power. It was here that the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and called down fire from heaven. It was here that he prayed for rain and saw a small cloud rising from the sea -- a cloud the Fathers of the Church understood as a prefigurement of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who would bring the rain of grace upon a parched world.
From ancient times, hermits dwelt on Mount Carmel in prayer and contemplation. The Carmelite Order traces its spiritual lineage to these holy men and to the prophet Elijah himself. Their devotion to the Mother of God became the hallmark of Carmelite spirituality, a flame that has burned for centuries.
Prayer
O Mary, Flower of Carmel, from the heights of the holy mountain you watch over your children. As the prophets of old sought God in silence and prayer, teach us to seek Him in the depths of our hearts. Grant us the grace we seek (mention your intention), and clothe us in the mantle of your protection as we climb the mountain of holiness.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O God, who adorned the Order of Carmel with the singular title of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we who honor her today with devout affection may be protected by her intercession and brought to everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.