“To the Blessed Virgin Mary
Of Mount Carmel” (Therese of Lisieux)
A place of beauty and green serenity
Blowing breeze of coolness
Transported from the sea.
Earth’s creation finds abode in thee
With the holy hermits of Elias’ glory
This is Carmel
a mountain most heavenly.
O Virgin Mary, Queen most holy
You are our Lady inspiring many.
Your quiet life, simplicity, purity
All speak to me of Carmel’s story.
Glorious Lady, our mother too!
Who comes to us when life is blue.
In gentle stillness of your ways
You whisper softly, firmly,
“You do exactly as Jesus says.”
To be with us forever,
not to leave us ever
Her Scapular she gave us.
To those with true devotion,
a token of compassion
a garment of salvation.
As Saint Elias beheld your image
God and Father whose Spouse thou art
Behold your image in our lives and hearts.
Dear Lady of Carmel,
Virgin of our solitude,
Teach us how to please the Spirit
Show us God our only good.
To climb life’s mountain heights
In the steep ways of the spirit
Faith, hope and love
Our surest guides.
When life’s burden weighs heavy
And the journey makes me weary
Mother of Carmel, come quickly
With your mantle covering me
I will find repose in thee
Like a child asleep
with confidence
So deep.
Alfred Eaker 