Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

"Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order;
it is the special sign of my favor,
which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel.
He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire.
It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger,
and a pledge of special peace and protection."
​- Our Lady to St. Simon Stock

These words of Our Lady to St. Simon Stock are treasured words to any Catholic devoted to wearing the brown scauplar, but to a Carmelite, they are the sweetest of promises from heaven and the beginning of their holy habit. These blessed words were given to St. Simon Stock in England during the thirteenth century, and said to have been given to the saint after he wrote Flos Carmeli - a hymn in honor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - whose lyrics you will find below. 

On this most blessed feast, we entrust you and all of your intention to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, asking for her maternal protection and intercession. May we renew our devotion to our Heavenly Mother today on her feast. 

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"O God, Who hast honored the Order of the Most Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Thy Mother, with the special title of Carmel, graciously grant that we, who this day celebrate her commemoration with solemn service, may, being protected by her care, be worthy to attain to everlasting joys. Who lives and reigns with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever." - Collect for the Mass of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

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Flos Carmel

Mother so tender,
Who no man didst know,
On Carmel's children
Thy favours 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 armour,
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. (Alleluia.)