July 16    Our Lady of Mount Carmel   (Solemnity)

 

   The sacred scriptures speak of the beauty of Mount Carmel where the prophet Elijah defended the faith of Israel in the living God. There, at the beginning of the thirteenth century, under the title of "Saint Mary of Mount Carmel," the Order of Carmelites had its formal beginning.

     From the fourteenth century this title, recalling I the countless blessings of its patroness, began to be celebrated solemnly, first in England and then gradually throughout the whole Order. It attained its supreme place from the beginning of the seventeenth century, when the General Chapter declared it to be the principal feast of the Order, and Paul V recognized it as the feast of the Scapular Confraternity.

 

 

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Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

(Never Known To Fail) 

 

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine,

splendor of Heaven.  Blessed Mother of the Son of God;

Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.  

Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother.  

Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth,

 I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me 

in my necessity. (Mention your request here). 

There are none that can withstand your power. 

 

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin,

pray for us who have recourse to thee.  (3 times). 

 

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (3 times).  

 

Amen.