If you want to make a novena ending on the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, begin today. Terry at Abbey-Roads2 has a fine post on the novena with a beautiful prayer attributed to Saint Simon Stock.
Your Holy Prophet Elias saw you pre- figured in the light cloud upon which the Heavenly
Dew came down to make fruitful the dryness of our souls. Empowered by the Spirit in
the two-part mantle of your Protection, the prophet calls all to the Holy Mountain of the
Lord, crying:
Rejoice, Summit of Divine Joy!
Rejoice, Height of Heavenly Radiance!
Rejoice, Peak of Holiness and Perfection!
Rejoice, Gentle Cloud on which Christ descended to earth!
Rejoice, Golden Fleece bringing the Dew of Spiritual Refreshment!
Rejoice, Desert Rock flowing with the Waters of Salvation!
Rejoice, Unmovable Wall of Protection!
Rejoice, bestowing on us your Mantle of spiritual defense!
Rejoice, our good defense at the dread judgement seat of Christ!
Rejoice, Never-fading Bloom!
Rejoice, Ever-Fragrant Rose!
Rejoice, Most Pure Lily!
Rejoice, O Most Beautiful Flower of Carmel, Splendor of Heaven and Fruitful Vine
richly laden with Blossoms Divine!
His Excellency, Bishop Edward J. Slattery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma has given
Father Mark a special mandate to live under the Rule of Saint Benedict in adoration before the Eucharistic Face of Jesus, offering thanksgiving, intercession, and reparation for all his
brothers in Holy Orders. In this way, Father is preparing the foundation of the new Diocesan Benedictine Monastery of Our Lady of the Cenacle. Father Mark is available to the
priests and deacons of the Diocese for spiritual and sacramental support in their pursuit of holiness. He is also charged with the spiritual formation of women who desire to dedicate themselves to spiritual motherhood in favour of priests.
I'm happy you are back!
Me, too. And I have been looking for that image of Our lady of Mt. Carmel everywhere.
Father:
This poor hermit of St. Elias Hermitage begs your prayers.