Day Three of Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Third Day

Mary, the mother who clothes us with the Scapular

Reflection: Luke, the Evangelist, relates the affectionate and
motherly gesture of Mary who wraps little Jesus in swaddling clothes.
A gesture made by every mother as a sign of protection and care.
We too are wrapped in swaddling clothes by Mary, our Mother and
Sister; through the Scapular she looks after us and protects us.
She wraps us so that we may grow strong and robust in the school of her Son.

Prayer: Virgin Mary, you who wrap your Jesus in swaddling clothes,
teach us to be always small so that we may "be carried in God's arms".
Virgin Mother, who wrap your Jesus in swaddling clothes, help us to clothe
ourselves with your Son, so that each day we may be a sign of God's love.
Virgin Mary, Splendor of heaven, hold us tight under your mantle.

My commitment is to clothe myself with the Scapular so that I may witness,
even externally, to my love for Jesus and Mary. Above all, I wish that the
Scapular may remind me to live every day in the school of Jesus,
after the example of the Virgin.

Flower of Carmel
Vine blossom-laden,
splendour of heaven,
Child-bearing yet maiden,
None equals thee.

Mother so tender,
whom no man didst know,
On Carmel's children
thy favours bestow,
Star of the sea.