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shall not suffer Eternal Fire!" OUR LADY TO ST. SIMON STOCK. |
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IN THE SCAPULAR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MOUNT CARMEL I – PRELIMINARIES 1. The blessing of, and enrollment in, the Scapular of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel should preferably take place within a community celebration. 2. The enrollment of the Scapular implies affiliation to the Carmelite Family. Priests and deacons have the faculties for blessing Scapulars; other authorized persons may enroll the faithful. 3. The traditional form of the Scapular must be used for the blessing and enrollment. It may then be replaced by the appropriate medal. 4. The blessing of and enrollment in the Scapular takes place according to the rites and prayers hereunder. The usual form includes the opening rite, a reading of the Word of God and the intercessions, the prayer of blessing and the enrollment in the scapular the closing rite. In this manner the meaning of the Scapular in the lives of the faithful who receive it is fully conveyed. 5. It is necessary that in both formulas, the spiritual meaning of the graces attached to the Scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel be expressed, as also the obligations assumed through this sign of devotion to the holy Virgin. II – RITE OF BLESSING OF AN ENROLLMENT IN THE SCAPULAR Opening rite 6. The officiant welcomes the faithful gathered before the main altar or before a picture of our Lady. Opening hymn or a moment of silence. Min.. In the name of the
Father, and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Min. The Lord be with
you.
Or: Min. The grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ born of
the Virgin Mary, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
7. The officiant invites those present to take part in the rite of blessing of and enrollment in the Scapular with the following or other similar words, which explain the nature of this celebration: When Jesus walked on earth, whoever even touched the hem of his garment became whole. We praise the Lord, because in his Church he continues to use the humblest of means to show us his infinite mercy. We too can use these means to glorify the Lord, to express our desire to serve him and to renew our life-long commitment of fidelity made at our baptism. This Scapular of our Lady of Mount
Carmel is a sign of
the motherly love of the Virgin Mary, which reminds us of her care for
the members of the Carmelite family, especially in moments of great
need.
It is a love which invites love in return.
The Scapular is a mirror of the humility and purity of Mary: through her simplicity she invites us to live modestly and in purity. By wearing the Scapular day and night, it becomes a sign of our constant prayer and of our special dedication to the love and service of the Virgin Mary. By wearing the Scapular, you renew your baptismal vow to put on our Lord Jesus Christ. In Mary, your hope of salvation will be safeguarded, because in her the God of Life has made his abode. The Word of God 8. One of those present reads a text from Sacred Scripture. The texts quoted below refer particularly to the mystery of salvation or to devotion to the holy Virgin. One of the following texts may be chosen: a) From the Old Testament 1) Pr 8, 17-21. I love
those who love me.
b) From the New Testament 1) Mk 5, 25-34. The woman
touched the garment of
Jesus and was cured.
9. A short exhortation After the reading, the officiant addresses those present briefly to explain, in the light of the Word of God, the meaning of the celebration, the graces and obligations attached to the Scapular. Intercessions 10. There follows the prayers of intercession. At this point a few intentions are prayed for. The most suitable prayers may be chosen or other prayers which are more suitable for the occasion may be added. The officiant invites all to pray: Dear sisters and brothers, we enjoy
the patronage of the
Virgin Mary, Mother of God. In her womb the Word of God put on
our
mortality by taking on our flesh. Let us pray the Father that, by
the power of the Holy Spirit, we may reflect Jesus, our brother, in our
lives, and so let us say:
Holy Father, who clothed your Son with our human flesh in order that we might participate in the divine life, - grant that, by the intercession of the Virgin Mary, his perfect disciple, we may beclothed in his divinity. Holy Father, who wished that your Son may become like us in all things but sin, so that, by the following in his footsteps, we might conform to his image in all things, - grant that, by the intercession of the Virgin Mary, we may imitate Christ and be pleasing to you in all our works. Holy Father, who invite us to the banquet of grace, clothed in bridal attire in order to reveal your love for us, - by the intercession of the Virgin Mary, clothe us with her active charity and her loving service. Holy Father, who have clothed Mary with the sun, and through her have crushed the head of the serpent, - by the intercession of the Virgin, grant that we may be able to overcome the snares of the evil one in our life and in the world we live in. Holy Father, who chose Mary to be the daughter of the New Testament, - by the intercession of Mary, Virgin of the New Heart, purify our hearts and strengthen our faith. Holy Father, who have looked upon the lowliness of your Handmaid, and through her lips have proclaimed the strength of your arm, - by the intercession of Mary, grant that we may be prophets of your Kingdom, that we may proclaim your mercy to every generation. Holy Father, you gave your Son a mother who wrapped him in swaddling clothes, - by the intercession of the Virgin Mother, grant that we may love the poor and the marginalized, and that we may be united to them in building a world which is more just and fraternal. Holy Father, who have wrapped us with the mantle of justice and holiness, - by the intercession of the Virgin Mary, sanctify us in Christ and make us generous collaborators in the work of the salvation of this world. Holy Father, who have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ, - by the intercession of the Virgin Mary, grant that we may happily pass from death to life. Prayer of the blessing 11. The priest or deacon, with arms outstretched, says this prayer of blessing. Min. O God, author and perfection of holiness, who call those who were born of water and the Holy Spirit to the fullness of the Christian life, look with kindness on those who are about to receive devoutly the Scapular of Carmel which they will wear faithfully as the sign of their commitment to the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. Grant that in surrendering to the love of the most tender Virgin, they may conform themselves to the image of Jesus Christ your Son, and having run the course of this life happily, may they enter into the joy of your house. Through Christ our Lord. R/.: Amen The priest or deacon then sprinkles holy water. Enrollment in the Scapular 12. The officiant then places the Scapular on each faithful who has requested it, and says: Receive this Scapular.
(Through this Scapular
you become a member of the Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of
Mount Carmel.) Full of faith in the love of such a great Mother,
dedicate yourself to imitating her and to a special relationship with
her.
Wear this sign as a reminder of the presence of Mary in your daily
commitment
to be clothed in Jesus Christ and to manifest him in your life for the
good of the Church and the whole of humanity, and to the glory of the
Most
Blessed Trinity.
13. If deemed more appropriate, when there are many persons to be enrolled in the Scapular, the officiant may say the form of enrollment once only. Then all together answer Amen and approach the officiant to receive the Scapular. 14. After enrollment, the officiant addresses all in these words: Having received the Scapular, you have been received into the family of Carmel, consecrated in a special way to the imitation and service of the Virgin Mother of God, that you may live for Christ and his Church in the contemplative and apostolic spirit of the Order of Carmel. And that you may be able to follow this ideal perfectly, by the faculties entrusted to me, I admit you to participate in all the spiritual benefits of the Order of Carmel. 15. After explaining briefly and clearly the commitment and obligations involved in being admitted institutionally to the Carmelite family, the officiant closes the rite with a solemn blessing. Closing rite 16. The priest or deacon stretches his hands over those present. Min, May the Father pour on
you his merciful love
given to us in Christ Jesus, son of the Virgin Mary.
Min. May Jesus Christ grant
you to partake of the
love of the Father in the motherly warmth of the Virgin of Carmel, that
you become doers of every good.
Min.: The Holy Spirit has
inspired you to place
yourselves under the mantle of Mary, may he make you apostles in the
way
of justice and peace.
Min. And may the
blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit descend upon you and remain
with your forever.
Or: Min. May almighty God
bless us, keep us from
all evil and lead us to eternal life.
17. The celebration may end with an appropriate hymn to Our Lady, for instance, Flos Carmeli, Salve Regina, Sub tuum praesidium. ALTERNATIVE RITE FOR THE BLESSING OF AND ENROLLMENT IN THE SCAPULAR Opening rite 18. The officiant, standing before a picture of Our Lady, faces those who wish to receive the Scapular, inviting them to take part in the celebration worthily. Min. In the name of the
Father, and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit.
19. The officiant explains briefly the meaning of the blessing of and enrollment in the Scapular. The Word of God 20. A short reading of the Word of God may be proclaimed, as for instance: a) From the Old Testament 1) Pr 8, 17-21. I love
those who love me.
b) From the New Testament 1) Mk 5, 25-34. The
woman touched the garment
of Jesus and was cured.
Intercessions 21. Let us pray to God our Father, by the intercession of the Virgin Mary: Lord, hear us. That those who wear the Scapular may be clothed in Christ by the grace of the Holy Spirit: Lord, hear us. That those who wear the Scapular may live their baptismal vow to be clothed in Christ: Lord, hear us. That those who wear the Scapular may be living members of the family of Carmel by their prayers, sacrifices and good works: Lord, hear us. That those who wear the Scapular may be an extension of the love which Jesus had for his Mother: Lord, hear us. That those who wear the Scapular may clothe themselves with the virtues of the most pure Virgin, listen to the Word of God and live it daily: Lord, hear us. That those who wear the Scapular , by the intercession of Mary, may be enlightened in contemplation, joyous in fraternity and zealous in the service of others: Lord, hear us. That those who wear the Scapular may lead their lives in such a way that they will always be ready to enter into the assembly of the saints, wearing bridal clothes, with Mary most holy: Lord, hear us. Prayer of blessing 22. The priest or deacon with outstretched hands prays thus: Holy Father, you have wished
that your only Begotten
Son Jesus Christ, should take our human flesh in the womb of the Virgin
Mary by the working of the Holy Spirit; grant to this son (daughter) of
yours who is about to wear devoutly the Scapular of the family of the
Blessed
Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel the grace of being clothed in Jesus the
Lord
in all the circumstances of this life and thus to attain eternal
glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
The priest or deacon sprinkles holy water. Enrollment in the Scapular 23. The officiant places the Scapular saying: Receive this Scapular by which you enter the family of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel; wear it as a sign of the motherly protection of the Virgin and of your pledge to imitate and serve her. May the Mother of God help you to be clothed in Christ. May He abide in you to the glory of the Trinity and to dedicate yourself to the Church for the good of your brothers and sisters. R/.:Amen. 24. The officiant announces the affiliation to the Carmelite family in the following or similar words: By the faculties invested in me I admit you to participate in all the spiritual benefits of the Order of Carmel. Closing rite 25. The priest or deacon uses the short form of blessing: May the blessing of almighty
God, Father, Son and
Holy Spirit descend upon you and remain with you forever.
Or: Min. May the Lord bless
us, keep us from every
evil and lead to eternal life.
26. And thus ends the rite. THE WORD OF GOD One of those present reads a text
from Sacred Scripture.
The texts quoted below refer particularly to the mystery of salvation
or
to devotion tot he holy Virgin.
First Option A reading from the book of Proverbs.
Thus speaks the Wisdom of God:
‘I love those who love me;
those who seek me eagerly shall find me.
With me are riches and honor,
Lasting wealth and justice.
The fruit I give is better than gold, even
the finest,
The return I make is better than pure silver.
I walk in the way of virtue,
In the paths of justice,
Enriching those who love me,
The word of the Lord. Second Option A reading from the Prophecy of
Isaiah. Is. 61:10-11
To proclaim liberty to captives, Freedom to those in prison; To proclaim a year of favor from the Lord. I exult for joy in the Lord, My soul rejoices in my God, For he has clothed me in the garments of salvation, He has wrapped me in the cloak of integrity, Like a bridegroom wearing his wreath, like a bride adorned in her jewels. The word of the Lord. Third Option A reading from the second book of
the Kings.
2Kgs 2:7-13
Fifty of the brotherhood of prophets followed them, halting some distance away as the two of them stood beside the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water; and the water divided to left and right, and the two of them crossed over dry-shod. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Make your request. What can I do for you before I am taken from you?’ Elisha answered, ‘Let me inherit a double share of your spirit’.’ Your request is a difficult one,’ Elijah said. ‘If you see me while I am being taken from you, it shall be as you ask; if not, it will not be so’. Now as they walked on, talking as they went, a chariot of fire appeared and horses of fire, coming between the two of them; and Elijah went up to heaven in the whirlwind. Elisha saw it, and shouted, ‘My father! My father! Chariot of Israel and its chargers!’ Then he lost sight of him, and taking hold of his clothes he tore them in half. He picked up the cloak of Elijah which had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. The word of the Lord. Fourth Option A reading from the book of Baruch.
Bar. 5:1-5
Jerusalem, take off your dress of
sorrow and distress,
put on the beauty of the glory of God for ever, wrap the cloak of the
integrity
of God around you, put the diadem of the glory of the Eternal on your
head:
The word of the Lord. Fifth Option A reading from the Prophecy of
Ezechiel.
Ez. 16:8-14
I saw you as I was passing. Your time had come, the time for love. I spread part of my cloak over you and covered your nakedness; I bound myself by oath, I made a covenant with you -–it is the Lord who speaks – and you became mine. I bathed you in water, I washed the blood off you, I anointed you with oil. I gave you embroidered dresses, fine leather shoes, a linen headband and a cloak of silk. I loaded you with jewels, gave you bracelets for your wrists and a necklace for your throat. I gave you nose-ring and earrings; I put a beautiful diadem in your head. You were loaded with gold and silver, and dressed in fine linen and embroidered silks. Your food was the finest flour, honey and oil. You grew more and more beautiful; and you rose to be queen. The fame of your beauty spread through the nations, since it was perfect, because I had clothed you with my own splendor – it is the Lord who speaks. The word of the Lord. Sixth Option A reading from the letter of St.
Paul to the Romans.
Rom. 12:1-2
Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behavior of the world around you, but let your behavior change, modeled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do. The word of the Lord. Seventh Option A reading from the letter of St.
Paul to the Galations.
Gal. 4:4-7
When the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born a subject of the Law, to redeem the subjects of the Law and to enable us to be adopted as sons. The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir. The word of the Lord. Eight Option A reading from the letter of St.
Paul to the Ephesians.
Eph. 4:17, 20-24
I want to urge you in the name of the Lord, not to go on living the aimless kind of life that pagans live. Now that is hardly the way you have learnt from Christ, unless you failed to hear him properly when you were taught what the truth is in Jesus. You must give up your old way of life; you must put aside your old self, which gets corrupted by following illusory desires. Your mind must be renewed by a spiritual revolution so that you can put on the new self that has been created in God’s way, in the goodness and holiness of the truth. The word of the Lord. Ninth Option A reading from the letter of St.
Paul to the Ephesians.
Eph. 6:10-17
Grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power. Put God’s armor on so as to be able to resist the devil’s tactics. For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens. That is why you must rely on God’s armor, or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens, or have enough resources to hold your ground. So stand your ground, with truth buckled round your waist, and integrity for a breastplate, wearing for shoes on your feet the eagerness to spread the gospel of peace and always carrying the shield of faith so that you can use it to put out the burning arrows of the evil one. And then you must accept salvation from God to be your helmet and receive the word of God from the Spirit to use as a sword. The word of the Lord. Tenth Option A reading from the holy Gospel
according to Mark.
Mark 5:25-34
There was a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years; after long and painful treatment under various doctors, she has spent all she had without being any the better for it, in fact, she was getting worse. She had heard about Jesus, and he came up behind him through the crowd and touched his cloak.’ If I can touch even his clothes,’ she had told herself ‘I shall be well again.’ And the source of bleeding dried up instantly, and she felt in herself that she was cured of her complaint. Immediately aware that power had gone out from him, Jesus turned round in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ His disciples said to him, ‘You see how the crowd is pressing round you and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’ But he continued to look all round to see who had done it. Then the women came forward, frightened and trembling because she knew what had happened to her, and she fell at his feet and told him the whole truth.’ My daughter,’ he said ‘your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free form your complaint.’ The Gospel of the Lord. Eleventh Option A reading from the holy Gospel
according to Luke.
Luke 2:4-8
Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and traveled up to Judea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. The Gospel of the Lord. Did you know? Pope Benedict XV, the celebrated World War I Pontiff granted 500 days indulgence for devoutly kissing your scapular. Indulgence:
The
remission in whole or in part for the temporal punishment due to
sins.
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