Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

July 7 – Day One

Daily Prayer

Immaculate Virgin and Queen of Carmel, thou art the hope of the sufferer and the consolation of the afflicted. Look not upon my sins, but remember only that I am a poor soul redeemed by the Precious Blood of Thy Son, and that my heart is sealed with the holy scapular. Hear my prayer and if it be for the glory of God, thy honor and for the salvation of my soul, grant what I ask in this novena. Amen.

1st Day

The beauty of Carmel and the glory of Lebanon are given to thee in thy Immaculate Conception, O Blessed Queen of Carmel I also rise from the sea of this world, not like thee all pure and Immaculate, but loaded with sin. Help me, look upon me with thine eyes of mercy. Amen. Hail Mary (three times).

Flower of Carmel Prayer

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. 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 thee from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this necessity; there is none that withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother.

O Mary conceived without sin,

Pray for us who have recourse to thee

(repeat 3 times)

Sweet Mother, 

I place this cause in your hands. 

(repeat 3 times)

Thoughts to Ponder:
Did you know that fasting supercharges our prayers? Today is Friday.  Most of us do not eat meat on Fridays year-round (unless a Solemnity falls on a Friday) and offer it up as a sacrifice to God. It is written that St. Padre Pio and his family ate beans (instead of meat) every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Remember that fasting can also break stubborn bad habits and help us to be more disciplined.

Can you offer a sacrifice to Our Lady today? Or before the July 16 feast day? If you cannot fast from a meal, why not try skipping a snack, not eating between meals or eating a smaller portion of your meal?

Here are other suggestions: Fast from your favorite television program, watching the news, setting aside time to pray instead of being on the phone with a friend or spending time on social media. Begin your sacrifice by saying: “Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I wish to offer you this________ as a sacrifice. Please come to my aid to accomplish that and hear all of my intentions that I have submitted in this novena.”