Our Lady of Mount Carmel/ Claretian Missionaries’ Foundation Day
Other Celebrations for this Day:
Liturgical Cycle: A, B, C | Lectionary Cycle: I, II
Introduction
The glories of Mount Carmel are sung in the Bible, as the prophet Elijah stood there for the purity of Israel’s faith. In the twelfth century, hermits withdrew to this mountain and later founded the Carmelite order, which is devoted to the contemplative life under the patronage of Mary, the holy Mother of God.
- Embracing the “Fire” of Charity: St. Anthony Mary Claret envisioned a community of men whose lives were so deeply rooted in Christ that they became “on fire with love”. Foundation Day is an opportunity for members to assess whether this fire still burns brightly or if it has been covered by the ashes of worldliness.
- The Power of Vulnerability: The congregation did not begin with silver, gold, or vast resources. Claret and his five companions—Stephen Sala, Joseph Xifre, Dominic Fabregas, Manuel Vilaro, and Jaime Clotet—relied entirely on the Spirit. This underscores that an effective mission stems from faith and grace, not human power.
- Audacity and Resilience: Despite trials, false accusations, and hardships, Claretians are called to go forth with courage. The history of the congregation—marked by martyrs and faithful pioneers—reminds us that the mission remains a living call to action in every generation.
- Communion and Collaboration: Reflecting on the founding group highlights the importance of shared mission. Today, the Claretian charism extends beyond priests and brothers, encompassing lay associates and women religious who labour together in the Church.
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
Mary, the mother of your Son Jesus Christ,
was open to the word of God
with a believing, trusting mind and heart.
Like her, may we entrust ourselves to you
ponder your words and seek your will in them.
Make your will our will,
that you may lead us to your home
under his guidance
who sought your will in everything,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
For the Foundation Day:
Lord our God,
As we honour today the memory of the
Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, and celebrate the beginning
of the Congregation of Missionaries founded by Saint Anthony Mary Claret,
Confirm your servants in their consecration
and let their apostolic labours bear fruit.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
First Reading
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for I am about to come; I will dwell among you,” says the Lord.
“On that day, many nations will join the Lord and become my people, but my dwelling will be among you.”
“The people of Judah will be for the Lord as his portion in his holy land. He will choose Jerusalem again.
Stay quiet in the Lord’s presence, for he is coming, having risen from his holy dwelling.”
Responsorial Psalm
Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55
R. (49) The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
or:
R. O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my savior."
R. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
or:
R. O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.
"For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name."
R. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
or:
R. O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.
"He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit."
R. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
or:
R. O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.
"He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty."
R. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
or:
R. O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.
"He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."
R. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
or:
R. O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.
Second Reading
Luke 11:28
Gospel
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
While Jesus was talking to the people, his mother and brothers wanted to speak to him, so they waited outside.
So someone said to him:
“Your mother and your brothers are standing outside; they want to speak with you.”
Jesus asked:
“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”
Then he pointed to his disciples and said:
“Look! Here are my mother and my brothers.
Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, sister, and mother.”
Prayers of the Faithful
Prayer over the Gifts
Oh God,
Look with favour upon these gifts we place on your altar.
Grant that we who celebrate this feast
of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel
may faithfully dedicate ourselves to the mission we have received.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
PREFACE
The preface may be taken from the common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Heart of Mary, or the following:
V/. The Lord be with you.
R/. And also with you.
V/. Lift up your hearts.
R/. We lift them up to the Lord.
V/. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R/. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, it is our duty and salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
all-powerful and living God,
and duly praise you on this feast
In honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Accepting your Word
With a pure heart, she merited to conceive it in her virginal womb,
and giving birth to your Son, she prepared the birth of the Church.
Witnessing your divine love at the foot of the cross,
She accepted us as her children,
born to supernatural life through the death of Jesus.
Awaiting the Spirit at Pentecost, united in prayer with the disciples,
She became the model of the Church supplicant.
After her assumption into heaven,
she accompanies the pilgrim Church with maternal love,
and protects its journey to the heavenly kingdom
until the glorious coming of the Lord.
Now, with the saints and all the angels
we praise you forever.
Holy, Holy, Holy...
Prayer after Communion
Lord,
nourished by the sacraments of salvation,
we ask that our Congregation,
moved by the spirit of Saint Anthony Mary Claret,
may be devoted with renewed fidelity to the service of your Gospel.
Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
REFLECTIONS
- The Mountain of Prayer: Just as the Prophet Elijah experienced God in the quiet whisper on Mount Carmel, Mary models a life of deep, contemplative listening. She teaches us to treasure the Word of God in our hearts amidst the noise of the world.
- The Brown Scapular: The scapular is more than a devotional garment; it is a physical reminder of Mary's quiet, unfailing presence and protection. It challenges us to "clothe ourselves in Jesus Christ," striving for holiness and committing ourselves to Christian conduct in our daily lives.
- Docility to the Holy Spirit: Mary’s purity and grace came from her complete surrender to the Holy Spirit. Her life encourages us to transform our own hearts and remain open to God's transformational mercy and grace