Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Matthew 11: 20-24

Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum,
will you be exalted to heaven?

No, you will be brought down to Hades.

For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.’

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations

Mary our Mother

With the Carmelite family of sisters, friars, and lay associates, the Church celebrates today the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  The Carmelite tradition began with a group of hermits who gathered near the well of Elijah on Mt. Carmel in Palestine.  This early contemplative community was dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, under the title of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  This feast day celebration dates back to the 14th century.

Invoking Mary’s assistance and cherishing her presence in our hearts and homes are pivotal realities for the ongoing life of the Church.  Today’s feast offers the opportunity for each of us to verbalize and celebrate Mary’s place in my heart…her presence within our family and faith community…her action within the Church!

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and the hour of our death.  Amen!

—the Jesuit Prayer team

Traditional Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my need.  O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to support me in this my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein that you are my Mother.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.  Sweet Mother, I place my needs in your hands.

—the Jesuit Prayer team