Novena | Day 1

Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel began in the 1200s. The Sons of the Prophets had occupied caves on Mount Carmel since the time of the prophet Elijah. When a group of Catholic men banded together and moved to Mount Carmel to imitate the way of life of the Sons of the Prophets, they built a chapel to Mary. They were the first Carmelites. It was the Carmelites who composed a prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, known as the “Flos Carmeli” (Flower of Carmel) prayer. It is also known as “The Prayer That Never Fails.” I will say this prayer for nine days, dear Mother, each day asking you to intercede in presenting my request before the Throne of God.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.

Novena | Day 2 

Over the years, Mount Carmel has come to be known as the mountain of prayer that leads to union with God. People have come to Mount Carmel for centuries to pray to the “Lady of the Place,” the name given to Mary by the first Carmelites who lived there. Today, kneeling before you, my dearest mother, I make my heartfelt petition humbly asking you, my dearest mother, to look upon me and in your kindness and mercy present my request to God.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.

Novena | Day 3

“Splendor of Heaven” is such a perfect name for you, Mother. You are the only human preserved from the stain of original sin. Your purest soul radiates the beauty of your spotless purity. You are the Immaculate Conception. You are the splendor of our human race. May your purity wash over our world. May your splendor embrace us and cast out any thought, word, desire, or action that is not pure that we may grow in greater purity of intention, of body and of soul. I come before you now asking you to bring my petitions before the Throne of God.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.

Novena | Day 4

Mother, you are also known as “Queen and Beauty of Carmel.” Under this magnificent Carmelite title, artists have depicted you with a golden crown upon your head. On the cross, Jesus turned to you and said, looking at the apostle, St. John, “Behold your son.” Turning to St. John, He said, “Behold your mother.” I, too, kneel before you now, Mother of our Savior and my mother, asking your intercession in this petition.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.

Novena | Day 5

Queen and Beauty of Carmel, my Queen and my Mother, I come before you with open hands and heart. Knowing that Jesus gave you to me to be my spiritual Mother, mentor, and friend, I repeat with much love my request to you. If you see it is in accord with God’s will, please present it to Him. I know that from eternity you have the “big picture” and understand all the consequences resulting from what I am asking. I accept in advance whatever answer will be given me, as once again, I implore you to intercede for me before the throne of God.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.

Novena | Day 6

Artists paint a single star on your clothing, Mother, laced on the front section of your veil, or on the right shoulder of your blue mantle. It is a symbol of your virginity – undiminished – like a star which illuminates the darkness without losing any of its brightness. Some of your titles proceeding from this star are “Stella Maris” (Star of the Sea) and “Stella Matutina” (Morning Star). St. Bernard’s classic prayer, “The Memorare” is also based upon it.

“If squalls of temptations arise, or if you fall upon the rocks of tribulation, look to the star, call upon Mary. If you are tossed by the waves of pride or ambition, detraction or envy, look to the star, call upon Mary. If anger or avarice or the desires of the flesh dash against the ship of your soul, turn your eyes toward Mary.” (excerpt) I look at your star now as I pray.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.

Novena | Day 7

The crown of twelve stars surrounding your head comes from the book of Revelation, “And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars … (Rev. 12:1”). In this final book of the Bible, you come forth as a powerful figure who takes on the Evil One and wins. With confidence, we can come before her with our requests, knowing that she listens and will help us. With faith, therefore, I come before you again today, Mother, with my special request.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.

Novena | Day 8

Mother, Queen and Beauty of Carmel, time and time again we learn of your loving care for us, your compassion in our trials and your joy in our strengths and successes. Our prayers are safe in your hands. Our trust in you continues to grow. Our love for you only increases. You have always been there for us, waiting for us to tell you our hopes and dreams, desires and needs. In this novena before your special feast as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I wholeheartedly ask you to help me in all ways, but especially in my special petition at this time.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.

Novena | Day 9

The Brown Scapular Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary consists of three things: VENERATION, CONFIDENCE and LOVE. By wearing your Scapular, we tell you every moment of the day that we venerate you, love you and trust in your protection. By wearing your scapular, we declare that we are children of Mary, expressing our love and devotion to you. Mary, you have given us many promises regarding the wearing of your brown scapular and I have heard of the many miracles granted to those who wear it. All of us can consider ourselves as your children who entrust our hearts and lives to you.

In this spirit of love and trust, as I stand at the threshold of the great feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the final day of my novena, I humbly kneel before you, dear Mother, with open heart and hands, with much love and confidence pray one final time my request.

Make your petition, followed by the “Flos Carmeli” prayer.