Prière Introductive
Introductory Prayer for 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 commemoration with a solemn office, may be shielded by her protection and be found worthy to attain unto Thy eternal joys. Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
Jour 1 : Day 1: Our Lady, Queen and Beauty of Carmel
Méditation
O Mary, Queen of Carmel, who didst appear to the holy prophet Elias in the form of a cloud rising from the sea, thou art for us a figure of hope and of the immaculate purity which leads to God. From the heights of Carmel, thou dost watch over thy children who journey through the valleys of this life. As that little cloud brought the saving rain to a parched land, so dost thou bring the dew of heavenly grace to souls that thirst for righteousness. Contemplate today the fidelity of the prophets of old, and ask, through Mary’s intercession, for the grace of a steadfast and unwavering faith.
Prière du jour
O Blessed Virgin, Splendor of Heaven, who didst choose Mount Carmel for thy special sanctuary, I beseech thee to look with favor upon me, thy humble servant. As thou didst promise thy protection to all who wear thy holy Scapular, shelter me under the mantle of thy love. Obtain for me the grace to imitate thy virtues, especially thy profound humility and thy perfect obedience to the will of God. Amen.
Jour 2 : Day 2: The Holy Scapular, a Sign of Salvation
Méditation
The holy Scapular is not a charm, but a sign of our consecration to Mary and our trust in her motherly protection. It is an outward mark of our desire to clothe ourselves in her virtues. He who wears it declares himself to be Mary’s child, and she, in turn, promises her special aid, particularly at the hour of death. Let us reflect upon this precious gift and resolve to wear it with devotion, not as a presumption of salvation, but as a constant reminder to live a life worthy of so great a Mother.
Prière du jour
O Mary, who didst give to Saint Simon Stock the holy Scapular as a pledge of thy perpetual help, I thank thee for this inestimable gift. Grant that I may wear it with reverence and piety, ever mindful of my commitment to thee and to thy Son. May this sacred habit remind me to shun sin and to practice charity, that I may one day be found worthy of the promise attached to it: to be preserved from eternal fire. Amen.
Jour 3 : Day 3: Patroness of Contemplative Souls
Méditation
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the special Patroness of the Carmelite Order, and by extension, of all souls who seek to live a life of prayer and contemplation. The spirit of Carmel is a spirit of silence, solitude, and intimate union with God. In the school of Mary, we learn to ponder the mysteries of God in our hearts. Let us ask today for a deeper spirit of prayer, that we may withdraw from the noise of the world and listen to the voice of God speaking in the depths of our soul.
Prière du jour
O Queen of Carmel, Mother of all who live in prayer, draw me into the interior castle of my soul where God dwells. Teach me the way of contemplation and union with thy Divine Son. Protect all the members of thy beloved Order and all who are affiliated with it through the Scapular. Grant that, following their example, I may seek God alone and find my rest in Him. Amen.
Jour 4 : Day 4: Mary, Star of the Sea
Méditation
The title, Stella Maris, Star of the Sea, is one of the most ancient and beloved titles of Our Lady. As sailors upon the tempestuous sea of life, we look to her as our guiding star. In darkness, in doubt, in danger, we lift our eyes to Mary. Her light never fails. She guides us safely through the storms of temptation and the reefs of sin, leading us to the safe harbor of eternal life, which is her Son, Jesus Christ. Let us place all our confidence in this powerful Star.
Prière du jour
O Mary, Star of the Sea, illumine my darkness and guide my uncertain steps. When the winds of temptation arise and I am tossed upon the waves of tribulation, look upon me and save me. Let me never turn my eyes from thy light. Under thy guidance, I fear no storm. If thou art with me, I shall not sink, but shall safely reach the port of heaven. Amen.
Jour 5 : Day 5: Comforter of the Afflicted
Méditation
As a loving mother, Mary’s heart is moved with compassion for her suffering children. She is the Comforter of the Afflicted, the Health of the Sick, the Refuge of Sinners. Whatever our cross may be—sickness, poverty, sorrow, or spiritual desolation—we can fly to her with confidence. She does not despise our tears, but gathers them and presents them to her Son. In her arms, we find solace and the strength to carry our burdens with patience and love.
Prière du jour
O most merciful Mother, Comforter of the Afflicted, behold my troubles and have pity on me. Thou who didst stand at the foot of the Cross knowest the bitterness of sorrow. I cast all my cares into thy maternal heart. Intercede for me with thy Son, that I may receive the grace to bear my trials with fortitude and to find in them a means of purification and sanctification. Console me in my afflictions and be my refuge in every need. Amen.
Jour 6 : Day 6: Our Lady and the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Méditation
The tradition of the Church holds that Our Lady of Mount Carmel extends her maternal care even to the souls in Purgatory. The Sabbatine Privilege, associated with the Brown Scapular, is a pious belief that the Blessed Mother will speedily deliver from Purgatory the souls of her devoted children who have faithfully worn her habit. This belief should inspire us to pray fervently for the faithful departed, especially for those who were devoted to her, and to live a life of purity so as to shorten our own time of expiation.
Prière du jour
O Queen of Purgatory, who dost extend thy mercy to the souls suffering in the cleansing fires, I implore thy powerful intercession for them. Hasten the day of their deliverance and lead them into the presence of God. I pray especially for the souls of my family and friends, and for all who were enrolled in thy Confraternity. Grant, O merciful Mother, that through my prayers and good works, I may help to release these holy souls and one day be united with them in heaven. Amen.
Jour 7 : Day 7: Gate of Heaven
Méditation
Mary is called the Gate of Heaven, for it was through her that the Savior of the world entered into it. And it is through her that we, in turn, may hope to enter into the kingdom of her Son. She is the surest and quickest way to Jesus. By entrusting ourselves to her, we place ourselves on a path that leads directly to God. She opens the gate for us, removing the obstacles that sin places in our way and obtaining for us the graces necessary for perseverance.
Prière du jour
O Mary, Gate of Heaven, open to me the way to eternal life. Through thee, I desire to go to Jesus. Remove from my heart all that displeases Him. Obtain for me a sincere sorrow for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment. At the hour of my death, be thou my advocate and protector. Close the gates of hell to my soul and open wide the gates of paradise, that I may praise thee and thy Son for all eternity. Amen.
Jour 8 : Day 8: Queen of All Saints
Méditation
As Queen of All Saints, Mary reigns in heaven, crowned with glory, above all the choirs of angels and the multitudes of the blessed. The saints are her crown, for it is through her intercession and by imitating her virtues that they reached their celestial home. She is the model of all sanctity. In her, we see the perfection of every virtue: faith, hope, charity, humility, purity, and obedience. To honor her is to honor God, who wrought such wonders in her.
Prière du jour
O glorious Queen of All Saints, I rejoice in the glory with which the Blessed Trinity has crowned thee. Thou art the masterpiece of God’s creation. I beg thee, obtain for me the grace to imitate thy virtues, that I may one day join the company of the saints in heaven. Help me to follow their example of heroic love for God and neighbor, so that I may be worthy to share in their eternal reward. Amen.
Jour 9 : Day 9: Hope of All Who Wear the Scapular
Méditation
As we conclude this novena, let us renew our confidence in Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She is our hope. In the promise of the Scapular, she has given us a tangible sign of her unwavering protection, especially at the final and most decisive moment of our life. Let us resolve to live always as her true children, faithful to her Son and His Church. Let us wear her Scapular not as a superstition, but as a public pledge of our love and fidelity, trusting that she who began a good work in us will bring it to completion.
Prière du jour
O Mother of Carmel, my hope and my refuge, I place myself entirely in thy hands. I renew today my consecration to thee and my promise to live as thy devoted child. Protect me in life, assist me at the hour of my death, and present me to thy Son at the judgment seat. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, be my salvation. Amen.
Prière Conclusive
Concluding Prayer for 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)
Then say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Contexte Historique
Neuvaine structurée en 9 jours.