Devotion to the Virgen del Carmen holds a prominent place in the spiritual life of millions of faithful around the world, especially among those who trust in her powerful intercession as Mother and Queen of Carmel. At InfoVaticana, we offer this novena as a guide to prepare the heart with fervor and recollection in the days leading up to her feast day, July 16. This spiritual practice not only strengthens faith but also reminds us of the promise of protection that the Virgen del Carmen grants to those who wear her holy scapular with devotion.
Greeting
(Prayer for all days)
Oh Mary, Virgin of Carmen, loving and close Mother, here I come thirsty for your embrace and your gaze, seeking in You consolation and strength to move forward.
Upon crossing the threshold of your presence, I meet your eyes, those eyes that look with infinite tenderness and sure firmness, a gaze that encourages and sustains when life turns into a storm, a serene light that dispels the shadows of discouragement.
With a joyful and humble spirit, I approach to greet you, with the simple joy of one who has found a true refuge. It is an encounter of full trust, of faith without reservations, of living hope that does not fade even before the harshest trial.
The illusion is renewed in my heart because I know I am your son, and the spirit grows because in your immaculate heart lies the promise of a love that does not fail, of constant protection, of firm guidance toward the summit where Christ, the Mount of perfection, awaits us to give us full life.
Mother and Captain of the Scapular, who protects your crusaders and guides the little boat of our life, cover me with your white mantle, seal me within so that no fear or shadow can draw me away from You, accompany every step, illuminate every decision, and lead my heart to the eternal joy that is found only in your Son.
Oh star of the seas, refuge of navigators, be my beacon in the nights of storm, firm guide that leads to the peace of the safe harbor.
Day 7
Seeing that the spouses of Cana cannot hide the great distress they are in due to the lack of wine, with maternal solicitude you approach the Savior, your Son, expecting help from his divine power.
Jesus seems to reject your plea at first: «Woman, what does this matter to you and to me?» But from the depths of his heart, he calls you his Mother, and for you and through you Jesus performs his first miracle.
I see you one day, Mother, on the hillside, among sinners who listen to the word of the one whom no one else desires to receive them all in heaven.
Someone tells Jesus that you want to see him. Then he, your divine Son, before the people shows how immensely he loves us: «Who is my brother -he says-, who is my sister, and who is my mother, if not the one who does my will in everything?»
Upon hearing him, you, immaculate Virgin, oh Mother, the most tender!, do not grow sad; rather, you rejoice that he makes us understand then that here below, on earth, our soul becomes his family.
Oh, yes, you rejoice, Virgin, that he gives us his life, the infinite treasure of his divinity! How not to love and bless you, seeing in you so much love, so much humility?
Prayer-meditation
My dear Teresita, who saw the tenderness and power of the heavenly Captain, teach me to trust in her maternal intercession, to approach her with sure faith, and to live as a member of Christ’s family, fulfilling his will with love and joy.
Oh star of the seas, Lady of the Place, cover me with your white mantle, may my life reflect your humility and infinite love, and may I always advance under your guidance.
Amen.
By: Fr. Alberto José Glez. Chaves