O most beautiful flower
of Mount Carmel,
fruitful vine, splendor of heaven,
blessed Mother of Christ,
Immaculate Virgin,
we praise and honor you
as our Queen and Mother.

Help us to persevere in constant
prayer for the needs of our world
and share with you in the
work of redemption.
Be with us, Holy Virgin,
and guide us on our way,
as we journey together in faith,
hope and love to your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

V. Mary, Queen and Beauty of Carmel,
R. Pray for us and obtain our requests.

 _____________________________

Novena: July 8 to 16
Feast: July 16
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Summer 2010

As the blessed days of another summer descend upon us, we know the novena of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is near. In the wake of so many natural disasters, especially the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, we turn to Our Lady. She is the caring mother who gives courage and strength to her many suffering, grieving, and distressed children along the Gulf Coast and all over the world.

She is the Patron Saint of Chile, the site of the devastating February 27 earthquake. At a General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI blessed a statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and presented it as a gift to the Church and the people of Chile on the occasion of the country’s bicentennial. The statue will travel all over the country. It is intended to bring consolation and hope to victims of the earthquake, reminding them of Our Lady’s love and concern for them.

In heart and spirit, we unite with this pilgrimage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel during our novena in her honor. As we ask especially for her intercession on behalf of the communities and the environment along the Gulf Coast, her constant protection of our country throughout this year’s hurricane season continues to be in our prayers. We can be assured that she intercedes on behalf of those who have suffered from disasters and hardships of any kind. Please pray the Novena Prayer, July 8 – 16, and join us for the Mass on her feast day, July 16, at 7:15 A.M.

May Our Lady of Mount Carmel obtain many blessings for you in return for your goodness to us.

Your grateful Carmelite Nuns 

Stained glass window designed by
Sr. Marie Teresita Kim, SND
©2010, Discalced Carmelite Nuns, Covington, Louisiana