Flower of Carmel

Flos Carmeli -  Flower of Carmel

In the Carmelite rite, this hymn was the Sequence for the Feast of St. Simon Stock,

and, since 1663, for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Tradition has it that the hymn was written by St. Simon Stock himself.

FLOWER of Carmel, Tall vine blossom laden; Splendor 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.)

(In Latin:  Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera, 
Splendor cæli, virgo puerpera, singularis.
  Mater mitis sed viri nescia 
Carmelitis esto propitia, stella maris.
  Radix Iesse germinans flosculum 
Hic adesse me tibi servulum patiaris.
  Inter spinas quæ crescis lilium  
Serva puras mentes fragilium tutelaris.
  Armatura fortis pugnantium 
Furunt bella tende præsidium scapularis.
  Per incerta prudens consilium  
Per adversa iuge solatium largiaris.
  Mater dulcis Carmeli domina, 
plebem tuam reple lætitia qua bearis.  
Paradisi clavis et ianua, 
Fac nos duci quo, Mater, gloria coronaris.

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!

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