The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena Overview
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena offers a beautiful opportunity to deepen your relationship with Mary, who always leads us closer to her Son. This nine-day devotion provides a structured yet heartfelt way to bring your intentions before our Blessed Mother.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel has a special place in Catholic devotion, representing Mary’s protection and intercession. Devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is popular across the world but is especially strong in the countries of Colombia, Spain, and Panama–where fishermen hold an annual procession and celebration honoring Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as the patron of fishermen, sailors and sea merchants.
Today, many schools and churches also count Our Lady of Mount Carmel as their patron.
The brown scapular associated with this devotion has been a source of comfort for countless Catholics throughout the centuries, reminding us of Mary’s promise of protection. Outside of a cross, crucifix or rosary beads, this sacramental is perhaps one of the most widely recognized symbols worn by Catholics in the world.
Learn more about Our Lady of Mount Carmel and pray a novena to her below.
The early hermits of Mount Carmel retained the memory of that holy place, and even if exiled and distanced from it constantly kept their gaze fixed on the glory of God. – Pope Francis
The History of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Carmelite Order traces its origins to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where hermits gathered to pray in the spirit of the prophet Elijah.
According to tradition, Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite, on July 16, 1251, presenting him with the brown scapular and promising that whoever died wearing it would not suffer eternal fire.
The first Carmelites went to Mount Carmel because they believed in the love of God, who so loved the world that he gave his Only-Begotten Son – Pope Benedict XVI
Carmelites “are committed to live “in the footsteps of Jesus Christ” with the same intimate and deep feelings which were Mary’s,” according to the Carmelites of Australia & Timor-Leste. The first Carmelites on Mount Carmel referred to Mary as “Lady of the Place.”
This powerful devotion reminds us of Mary’s maternal protection and her desire to help us reach Heaven. The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated on July 16th, though you can pray this novena at any time you feel called.
Time needed: 15 minutes
How to Pray the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
- Begin with the Sign of the Cross
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Opening Prayer for Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Intercession
“O Beautiful Flower of Carmel, most fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Holy and singular, who brought forth the Son of God, still ever remaining a Pure Virgin, assist me in this necessity. O Star of the Sea, help and protect me! Show me that you are my Mother.”
- Offer your personal intention for the novena
“Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for me, and for my special intention today: (share personal intention)
- Pray the Our Father
Pray the Lord’s Prayer one time.
- Pray the Hail Mary
Pray the Hail Mary one time.
- Recite the Glory Be
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
- Final Prayer and Sign of the Cross
“Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Daily Themes for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Novena
While you can offer up your special intentions with the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, consider these more universal intentions, inspired by Mt. Carmel Academy in New Orleans:
- Day 1: For peace between nations and neighbors
- Day 2: For those struggling with disaease and illness
- Day 3: For all who have died
- Day 4: For all experiencing hardship and difficulty
- Day 5: For all young people
- Day 6: For those no longer young
- Day 7: For family and friends
- Day 8: For those who are the face of God to those in need
- Day 9: In thanksgiving for God’s love as shown to us by those around us.
For each day, also consider reflecting on Scripture, the writings of Carmelite saints like St. Teresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross, or simply your own relationship with our Blessed Mother.
The Brown Scapular Connection
The brown scapular is deeply connected to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This small garment worn over the shoulders represents Mary’s mantle of protection. Many Catholics choose to be invested in the brown scapular and wear it as a sign of devotion. Etsy has a number of small, independent shops that make and sell brown scapulars.
If you have a brown scapular, you might hold it during your novena prayers as a tangible reminder of Mary’s care. If you don’t have one, that’s completely fine, too.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena
While traditionally prayed for nine days leading up to the feast day on July 16th, you can pray this novena anytime you need Our Lady’s intercession. Many people start on July 7th to finish on the eve of the feast, but you can pray it any time.
No, a brown scapular isn’t required to pray the novena. The brown scapular is a sacramental, and it places our lives under the protection of our Blessed Mother. But it is not required to pray the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena specifically honors Mary under this title, which emphasizes her protection and spiritual guidance. It’s especially popular among those with special closeness to the charism of the Carmelites.
Incorporating Novenas into Your Prayer Life
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel novena, like other novenas, can seem intimidating, because it requires committing to prayer for nine straight days.
Hallow can help you build a habit of prayer and make it easy to pray whenever your schedule allows.
This novena also works beautifully alongside other forms of prayer. You might consider combining it with your morning prayer routine or making it part of your night prayer before bed. Some folks also find it meaningful to pray this novena while meditating on the rosary, especially the Glorious Mysteries which celebrate Mary’s Assumption and Coronation.
Remember, prayer isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up with an open heart. Even if you miss a day or your mind wanders during prayer, simply pick up where you left off. Our Lady understands the challenges of daily life and meets us exactly where we are.