'Flos Carmeli' - Flower of Carmel

A hymn and prayer honouring Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In the Carmelite Rite of the Mass, this hymn was the sequnce for the Feast of Saint Simon Stock (c. 1165 - 1265), and since 1663, for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 16 July. Said to have been written by Saint Simon Stock himself, the prayer is taken from the first two stanzas of the hymn.

Flower of Carmel,

Tall vine blossom laden;

Splendour of heaven,

Childbearing yet maiden.

None equals thee.

Mother so tender,

Who no man didst know,

On Carmel's children

Thy favours bestow.

Star of the Sea.

Strong stem of Jesse,

Who bore one bright flower,

Be ever near us

And guard us each hour,

who serve thee here.

Purest of lilies,

That flowers among thorns,

Bring help to the true heart

That in weakness turns

and trusts in thee.

Strongest of armour,

We trust in thy might:

Under thy mantle,

Hard press'd in the fight,

we call to thee.

Our way uncertain,

Surrounded by foes,

Unfailing counsel

You give to those

who turn to thee.

O gentle Mother

Who in Carmel reigns,

Share with your servants

That gladness you gained

and now enjoy.

Hail, Gate of Heaven,

With glory now crowned,

Bring us to safety

Where thy Son is found,

true joy to see.

Amen. (Alleluia.)