The parish community of St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford, warmly invites you to take part in the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, beginning Tuesday 7 July and concluding on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Thursday 16 July, with the celebration of Holy Mass at 10.00am.
The Novena will be prayed each day at 5.00pm, with prayers at 3.00pm on Sunday 12 July.
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel honours the Blessed Virgin Mary under one of her oldest and most cherished titles. For centuries, Christians have turned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, asking her to intercede for them, to guide them closer to her Son, and to accompany them on their journey of faith.
One of the most recognised devotions associated with Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the Brown Scapular. Originally part of the Carmelite habit, the Scapular became a visible sign of Mary’s maternal protection and a reminder of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ. It is one of the Church’s most treasured sacramentals, encouraging those who wear it to live a life of prayer, faith and discipleship. Through the centuries, the Blessed Virgin Mary’s promises associated with the Scapular have inspired countless faithful to entrust themselves to her loving care, while successive Popes have encouraged this devotion and granted indulgences under the usual conditions established by the Church.
Whether you are carrying a personal intention, praying for your family, seeking comfort in a difficult time, or simply wishing to grow in your relationship with Christ through the example of His Blessed Mother, you are warmly invited to join this special time of prayer and reflection.
Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
O most beautiful Flower of Carmel,
Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven,
Blessed Mother of the Son of God,
Immaculate Virgin, assist us in our need.
Star of the Sea, help and protect us.
Show us that you are our Mother.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. Amen.
As we prepare to celebrate this beautiful Marian feast, let us entrust ourselves, our families, our parishes and our Diocese to the loving care and intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, asking her to lead us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
All are warmly welcome
Mary always leads us to her Son. Through the Brown Scapular and the Carmelite tradition, we are reminded to live each day in prayer, faith and trust in Christ.