Act of Contrition and Opening Prayer
It was soon after the death of the Mother of God that a shrine was erected to do honor to her, and through her, to her divine Son . . . And, that first shrine has been the model for countless others throughout the world. Every land has its place of devotion to the Mother of Christ. She is known under many titles, she is patroness of many places. We know her in the Philippines as the Immaculada, Lourdes, Dolorosa, Milagrosa, the Virgin of Antipolo, de Guia, of Remedios, of Pilar, and as Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Nuestra Señora del Carmen.)
But, of all those who elected shrines to her memory, the first in the illustrious litany has been the Carmel where, on a spot sanctified by the presence of illustrious prophets, her memory is associated with those chosen princes of the Jewish people, Elias and Eliseus, men who had in them characteristics so striking, so enduring and so captivating.
Nuestra Señora del Carmen was the first of many titles given to the Virgin. It holds a place of ranks; it has been a position of honor. It combines the old order of the Jewish times with the new order of Christ's victory.
Today, as we seek the assistance of the Virgin, as we make ourselves her clients and followers, we can do no better than to draw near to the Virgin under the title of Nuestra Señora del Carmen. It is the first shrine dedicated to her by the Christian world. It is a title which she must especially love. It is a title which she must especially enjoy.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.
Reflection
Are we appreciative of the work Carmelites do by their prayers and sacrifices, their devotion and suffering to win grace for souls?
Prayer
O Virgin, Mary most holy, who didst accept from the Carmelites a temple erected to thy honor on Mount Carmel where the fervent and devout gathered to give thee honor and praise, I beg of thee, O Queen, that thou receive me, that my soul may become forever a living temple of the Majesty of God adorned with virtues. Let disordinate temporal and earthly affections never occupy my soul. This is what I ask and humbly beg.
Here recite three AVES for the special intention you have in making this novena.
Concluding Prayers