Flos Carmeli

This sequence to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is attributed to St Simon Stock (1165 - 1265). It has been used as a sequence at Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of M.C. and for the Feast of St Simon Stock, in the proper Carmelite Missal. In later editions of the Missal, only the first two verses are used.

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 Jesse
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 armour,
We trust in thy might:
Under thy mantle,
Hard pressed in the fight,
we call to thee.

Per incerta
prudens consilium
per adversa
juge solatium
largiaris.

Our way uncertain,
Surrounded by foes,
Unfailing counsel
Thou givest 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 janua,
fac nos duci
quo, Mater, gloria
coronaris.
Amen.

Hail, Gate of Heaven,
With glory now crowned,
Bring us to safety
Where thy Son is found,
true joy to see.
Amen.