Every year on July 16th, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated.
In the Carmelite Mass, the liturgical hymn for this day is the Flos Carmeli meaning Flower of Carmel. It has been widely called one of the most beautiful prayers ever to have been written.
Pious tradition tells of a time Saint Simon Stock prayed to Our Lady of Carmel during the Order’s difficult transition from hermits to mendicant friars.
In fervor of Faith, he prayed for the first time the Flos Carmeli asking for Our Lady’s assistance. His prayer was answered, and for nearly 1,000 years since the Flos Carmeli has been called upon by those seeking her powerful help.
Listen 👂 to and pray 🙏 the Flos Carmeli below:
Flower of Carmel,
Tall vine blossom laden;
Splendour of heaven,
Childbearing yet maiden.
None equals thee.
Mother so tender,
Who no man didst know,
On Carmel’s children
Thy favours bestow.
Star of the Sea.
Strong stem of Jesse,
Who bore one bright flower,
Be ever near us
And guard us each hour,
who serve thee here.
Purest of lilies,
That flowers among thorns,
Bring help to the true heart
That in weakness turns
and trusts in thee.
Strongest of armour,
We trust in thy might:
Under thy mantle,
Hard press’d in the fight,
we call to thee.
Our way uncertain,
Surrounded by foes,
Unfailing counsel
You give to those
who turn to thee.
O gentle Mother
Who in Carmel reigns,
Share with your servants
That gladness you gained
and now enjoy.
Hail, Gate of Heaven,
With glory now crowned,
Bring us to safety
Where thy Son is found,
true joy to see.
Amen. (Alleluia.)
