Flos Carmeli
The Flos Carmeli is a Marian Catholic hymn and prayer. Flos carmeli literally means "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 Mt Carmel. It is said to have been written by St. Simon Stock himself (c1165 - 1265). The prayer is taken from the first two stanzas of the hymn.
[edit] The hymn
Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera, splendor caeli, virgo puerpera singularis.
FLOWER of Carmel, Tall vine blossom laden; Splendor of heaven, Childbearing yet maiden. None equals thee.
Mater mitis sed viri nescia Carmelitis esto propitia stella maris.
Mother so tender, Who no man didst know, On Carmel's children Thy favors bestow. Star of the Sea.
Radix Iesse germinans flosculum nos ad esse tecum in saeculum patiaris.
Strong stem of Jesse, Who bore one bright flower, Be ever near us And guard us each hour, who serve thee here.
Inter spinas quae crescis lilium serva puras mentes fragilium tutelaris.
Purest of lilies, That flowers among thorns, Bring help to the true heart That in weakness turns and trusts in thee.
Armatura fortis pugnantium furunt bella tende praesidium scapularis.
Strongest of armor, We trust in thy might: Under thy mantle, Hard press'd in the fight, we call to thee.
Per incerta prudens consilium per adversa iuge solatium largiaris.
Our way uncertain, Surrounded by foes, Unfailing counsel You give to those who turn to thee.
Mater dulcis Carmeli domina, plebem tuam reple laetitia qua bearis.
O gentle Mother Who in Carmel reigns, Share with your servants That gladness you gained and now enjoy.
Paradisi clavis et ianua, fac nos duci quo, Mater, gloria coronaris. Amen. (Alleluia.)
Hail, Gate of Heaven, With glory now crowned, Bring us to safety Where thy Son is found, true joy to see. Amen. (Alleluia.)
[edit] References
- Carmelite website [1]
- Latin prayers [2]
- Society of Apostolic Life Virgo Flos Carmeli (Heralds of the Gospel) Virgo FLos Carmeli
