On July 16 Holy Mother Church honors Our Lady of Mount Carmel. On July 16, 1251 Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock after he prayed for help for his Order, the Carmelites. She appeared to him with the scapular and said, "Take, beloved son, this scapular of thy order...; whoever dies in this garment, will not suffer everlasting fire. It is the sign of salvation, a safeguard in dangers, a pledge of peace and of the covenant."
Later the Carmelite scapular was modified to the small form for use by the laity that they may share in the great graces associated with it once they are enrolled in it. These graces, called the Sabbatine privilege, meant that Mary promised to intercede and pray for those in Purgatory who, while on earth, wore the scapular worthily, lived chastely according to their state, recited the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Rosary daily, and departed earthly life in charity.
Wearing the Brown Scapular of Our Lady is not a guarantee of salvation, but it is a sign of our decision to follow Jesus and a way to honor Our Mother, reminding us of how we should act to fulfill God's plan for us. It is a sign of our trust in Mary to pray for and care for us as our Mother and Queen in heaven.
"Flos Carmeli," which means Flower of Carmel is a Carmelite hymn and prayer, written by St. Simon Stock. Tradition states that St. Simon prayed this prayer for the first time during that time of great difficulty for the Carmelite Order. He begged our Lady with love and faith to help him in his need, and she answered his plea. Thus the Flos Carmeli prayer continues to be prayed to our Lady, with faith that she will hear our prayers.
Originally Holy Mother Church used the sequence on the feast of St. Simon, but in 1663 it became the sequence for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The following novena prayer is from the first two verses of the sequence. As a novena, this prayer would be prayed from July 7-15 to finish the day before this feast of Our Lady.
Flos Carmeli Novena Prayer
Most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel,fruitful vine, splendor of heaven,
Blessed Mother of the Son of God,
Immaculate Virgin,
assist me in this my necessity. (name your intention)
O, Star of the Sea,
help me and show me herein you are my mother.
O holy Mary, Mother of God,
Queen of Heaven and Earth,
I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart,
to succor me in this necessity;
there are none that can withstand your power.
O show me herein that you are my Mother.
Our Lady, queen and beauty of Carmel,
pray for me and obtain my requests.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands.
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Flos Carmeli Sequence
Flower of Carmel, Tall vine blossom laden; Splendor of heaven,  Childbearing yet maiden.None equals thee. Mother so tender, Who no man didst know, On Carmel's children Thy favors bestow. Star of the Sea. Strong stem of Jesse, Who bore one bright flower, Be ever near us And guard us each hour, who serve thee here. Purest of lilies, That flowers among thorns, Bring help to the true heart That in weakness turns and trusts in thee. Strongest of armor, We trust in thy might: Under thy mantle, Hard press'd in the fight, we call to thee. Our way uncertain, Surrounded by foes, Unfailing counsel You give to those who turn to thee. O gentle Mother Who in Carmel reigns, Share with your servants That gladness you gained and now enjoy. Hail, Gate of Heaven, With glory now crowned, Bring us to safety Where thy Son is found, true joy to see. Amen. | Flos Carmeli, florigera, splendor caeli, virgo puerpera singularis. Mater mitis sed viri nescia Carmelitis esto propitia stella maris. Radix Iesse germinans flosculum nos ad esse tecum in saeculum patiaris. Inter spinas quae crescis lilium serva puras mentes fragilium tutelaris. Armatura fortis pugnantium furunt bella tende praesidium scapularis. Per incerta prudens consilium per adversa iuge solatium largiaris. Mater dulcis Carmeli domina, plebem tuam reple laetitia qua bearis. Paradisi clavis et ianua, fac nos duci quo, Mater, gloria coronaris. Amen |
God bless!
+JMJ+
