By: Sister Laetitia Therese, OCD
We celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16. There is a beautiful hymn called Flos Carmeli, or Flower of Carmel, that is the sequence during the liturgy for the day. The verses center around the beauty of our Blessed Mother, her divine maternity, and her advocacy for her children still waged in the battle of earthly life. Let us take some time to ponder this hymn:
Flower of Carmel,
vine ever blossoming
Heaven’s splendor
To you from its great King
Grace was given.
To bear God’s Son
And Virgin still to be
Grant your children
O bright Star of the Sea
Gifts from heaven.
Root of Jesse
Whence came the wondrous Flow’r
Keep us with you
Through life’s uncertain hour
And forever.
Pure lily Maid
Abloom amid our thorn,
Make our minds strong,
Our hearts with love adorn
Teach us ever.
Valiant armor
Protection in the war
Waged with evil
O may your scapular
Sign and save us.
Our counsel be
Whose prudence we can heed,
Peace in conflict
And solace in our need
Whom God gave us.
Gracious Mother,
Dear Lady of the place
Fill your people
With joys of your own grace
In God’s dwelling.
Key and portal
Opening on Paradise
Lead us to you
Where, crowned, your glory lies
Past all telling. Amen.
What a gift we have in our Blessed Mother! May she keep us always protected beneath her mantle and lead us home safely to Heaven.
(Text of Flos Carmeli taken from Carmen Laudis: Hymns for Carmelite Feasts; Compiled by Sister Mary Paula Hayes, OCD, 1984)