Ninth Day: Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 15)

MARY, A SISTER OF CARMELITES


The Word of God: With Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Acts 1: 12-14)

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away; and when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Meditation

Jesus ascended into heaven and the first Christian community gathers to pray together. Among them is Mary, Mother and Sister. In our assemblies too, Mary prays with us. Let us then make our participation in the Eucharistic mystery, a participation that is full of joy and life; we are not alone. Jesus is with us. Mary, his and our Mother, is with us.

Novena

Why did you give us the scapular, Our Lady of Mount Carmel? It does bring promises of salvation and protection. However, I believe your motivation was the same as it always is. I believe you brought us the scapular to bring us closer to your Son. The scapular bears a constant reminder in our lives to our devotion to God. Every movement of the fabric throughout our day should draw our thoughts to Him. Likewise, the promises of faithfulness are also meant to provide our soul its own protection. That is why you had the child Jesus in your other arm when presenting the scapular! What was on your one hand would help lead us closer to what was on the other. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, lead me ever closer to your Son through this devotion. Throughout my life, draw me nearer to your heart. I know that your two hearts are so close. May my devotion to you bring me closer to Jesus’ heart! Please intercede for me and present my intentions before Him: (State your intentions here)

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!

Flower of Carmel

Vine blossom-laden,

splendour of heaven,

Child-bearing yet maiden,

None equals thee.

Mother so tender,

whom no man didst know,

On Carmel's children

thy favours bestow,

Star of the sea.


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