Prière Introductive
Introductory Prayer
(To be said each day)
O God, who hast been pleased to honor the Order of Carmel with the special title of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who this day celebrate her solemn commemoration by this novena, may be defended by her protection, and be worthy to attain unto Thy eternal joys. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Jour 1 : Day 1: Our Lady, Queen and Beauty of Carmel
Méditation
Let us consider how the holy prophets, desiring with the greatest ardor the coming of the Messias, retired to Mount Carmel to pray for His advent. There, it is said, the prophet Elias beheld the little cloud, prefiguring the Blessed Virgin, rising from the sea. With what devotion did they not salute her, this immaculate Virgin, who was to be the Mother of the Redeemer. With what reverence did they not pronounce her name.
Prière du jour
O Mary, Queen of Carmel, who didst leave the impress of thy virtues upon the holy prophets of the old law, I pray thee, obtain for me the grace to imitate them. As they, through prayer and contemplation, prepared for the coming of the Saviour, so may I, through thy intercession, prepare my soul for His coming in grace and in glory. Amen.
Jour 2 : Day 2: Our Lady, Patroness of the Carmelite Order
Méditation
Let us consider how Our Lady, on the day of her glorious Assumption, was escorted to Heaven by the souls of the ancient patriarchs and prophets of Carmel. With what joy did she not behold them, who for so many ages had awaited her triumph. She is the Queen of all Saints, but she is in a special manner the Queen of the Saints of Carmel. She watches over the Order with a mother’s love, and protects all who have recourse to her under this venerable title.
Prière du jour
O Mary, Queen of All Saints, who art the special glory of Mount Carmel, I rejoice in thy triumph. I beseech thee, look with favor upon my soul, which I place under thy protection. Obtain for me from thy Son the grace of perseverance in good, and of a holy death, that I may one day be united with the Saints of Carmel in praising thee for all eternity. Amen.
Jour 3 : Day 3: The Gift of the Holy Scapular
Méditation
Let us consider the holy Scapular, the gift which Our Lady bestowed upon Saint Simon Stock, with the promise of salvation for all who wear it with devotion until death. This holy habit is a sign of our consecration to her, a shield against the assaults of the enemy, and a pledge of her perpetual assistance. It is a silent prayer that we belong to Mary, and that she belongs to us.
Prière du jour
O most blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, who hast given us thy Scapular as a sign of thy special protection, I thank thee for this inestimable gift. I resolve to wear it with reverence and devotion as a perpetual memorial of my consecration to thee. Grant, O my Mother, that I may live and die in thy service, and enjoy the fruit of the promises attached to thy holy habit. Amen.
Jour 4 : Day 4: The Promise of Final Perseverance
Méditation
Let us consider the great promise attached to the Scapular: “Whosoever dies in this garment shall not suffer eternal fire.” This is not a license to sin, but a powerful aid to salvation for those who strive to live according to the commandments of God and the Church, and who have recourse to Mary’s intercession. It is a pledge of her help at the hour of death, when the powers of hell rise up against the soul.
Prière du jour
O Mary, Help of Christians, whose Scapular is a fortress in the time of danger, I place my final agony and the hour of my death into thy hands. When my soul is about to depart from this world, stand by me, O merciful Mother, protect me from the enemy, and present me, clothed in thy holy habit, to thy divine Son, Jesus. Amen.
Jour 5 : Day 5: Our Lady, Model of Purity
Méditation
Let us consider the virtue of purity, of which Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most perfect model. She is the Flos Carmeli, the Flower of Carmel, a lily among thorns, immaculate from her conception. The white of the Scapular reminds us of this angelic virtue, which makes us pleasing to God. Let us strive to preserve our souls and bodies from every stain of sin.
Prière du jour
O Mary, Mirror of Justice and Seat of Wisdom, whose purity surpasses that of the angels, obtain for me the grace to love and practice holy purity. Guard my senses, purify my heart, and fill my mind with holy thoughts, that I may be a worthy temple of the Holy Ghost and a devoted child of thine. Amen.
Jour 6 : Day 6: Our Lady, Model of Humility
Méditation
Let us consider the virtue of humility, which shone so brightly in Our Lady. Though exalted above all creatures, she called herself the handmaid of the Lord. The brown color of the Scapular signifies the earth, reminding us of our lowliness and of the humility we must practice if we wish to be exalted with her in heaven. Pride is the root of all evil; humility is the foundation of all good.
Prière du jour
O Mary, whose profound humility didst merit for thee the grace to become the Mother of God, I am confounded by my pride. Obtain for me, I beseech thee, a truly humble and contrite heart. Teach me to despise the honors of the world, to accept humiliations with patience, and to seek only the glory of God, that I may follow thee in the path of humility on earth and be glorified with thee in heaven. Amen.
Jour 7 : Day 7: Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted
Méditation
Let us consider Our Lady of Mount Carmel as the Comforter of the Afflicted and the Refuge of Sinners. As she stood at the foot of the Cross, her heart was pierced with a sword of sorrow. She knows our sufferings and pities our miseries. How many souls, burdened with sin and sorrow, have found in her Scapular a source of grace, conversion, and peace.
Prière du jour
O Mother of Mercy, Comforter of the Afflicted, I fly to thy protection in all my necessities. Behold my sorrows and my sins. Have pity on me, O tender Mother. Obtain for me pardon for my offenses, strength in my temptations, and consolation in my trials. Show thyself a mother to me, and lead me safely to thy Son, Jesus. Amen.
Jour 8 : Day 8: Our Lady, Help of the Souls in Purgatory
Méditation
Let us consider the Sabbatine Privilege, the pious belief, supported by a pontifical bull, that Our Lady will speedily deliver from Purgatory the souls of her devoted children who have faithfully worn her Scapular, observed chastity according to their state in life, and recited her Office. This shows her maternal care for her children even after death. Let us pray for the holy souls, especially those of the Confraternity of the Scapular.
Prière du jour
O Queen of Purgatory, who dost not abandon thy children in the cleansing fires, I commend to thy mercy the souls of the faithful departed, especially my relatives, friends, and fellow members of the Scapular Confraternity. Hasten their deliverance, and bring them to the vision of God. Grant that I, too, may one day benefit from this great privilege and be brought swiftly to thy presence in paradise. Amen.
Jour 9 : Day 9: Our Lady, Star of the Sea and Gate of Heaven
Méditation
Let us consider Our Lady of Mount Carmel as our advocate and guide through life. She is the Star of the Sea, who guides our barque through the tempestuous waters of this world to the safe harbor of eternity. By faithfully wearing her Scapular and imitating her virtues, we place ourselves under the mantle of her protection. Let us renew our consecration to her today, resolving to be her faithful children for all our days.
Prière du jour
O Star of the Sea, my most loving Mother, I renew today the consecration of my whole being to thee. I am thine, and all that I have is thine. Take me under thy protection, guide me in my doubts, console me in my afflictions, and defend me in my battles. Be my refuge in life and my hope at the hour of my death. Lead me, O blessed Mother, to the kingdom of thy Son, there to praise and love thee for ever and ever. Amen.
Prière Conclusive
Concluding Prayer
(To be said each day)
O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that thou art my Mother.
O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand thy power.
O show me herein that thou art my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (repeat three times)
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in thy hands. (repeat three times)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Contexte Historique
Neuvaine structurée en 9 jours.