On the 9 days before the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (16 July), we pray for the following intentions for all those in need throughout the world. The novena can be prayed at any time of the year for these intentions or for your own asking Our Lady of Mount Carmel to intercede and pray with us. You are invited to light a candle each day, reflect with the intention and prayer, and spend a few moments in silence with Our Lady.
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Intentions
To be prayed from 7–15 July (or at any time of the year)
"Spes Non Confundit – Hope Does Not Disappoint" (Romans 5:5)
DAY 1 – Hope for a World in Conflict
Intention: For peace in war-torn nations, divided communities, and restless hearts.
Prayer:
O Mary, Queen of Peace, wrap your mantle around our troubled world. Intercede for those suffering from war, violence, and hatred. Inspire world leaders and everyday people to walk the path of dialogue, justice, and reconciliation. May your Son, the Prince of Peace, guide our steps.
Amen.
DAY 2 – Hope for the Sick and the Struggling
Intention: For those battling illness, mental distress, and the weight of despair.
Prayer:
Holy Mother, comforter of the afflicted, draw near to all who suffer silently. Intercede for those with chronic illness, anxiety, or emotional wounds. May they find healing, strength, and hope through Christ, the Divine Physician.
Amen.
DAY 3 – Hope for the Departed and the Grieving
Intention: For all who have died, and those mourning their loss.
Prayer:
Mother of Mercy, cradle the souls of the departed in the arms of your Son. Comfort those left behind with the promise of eternal life. Help us live each day in the light of resurrection hope.
Amen.
DAY 4 – Hope in Times of Hardship and Injustice
Intention: For all who face poverty, discrimination, abuse, or loss of home and livelihood.
Prayer:
O Lady of Mount Carmel, stand with those pushed to the margins. Lift up the poor, the oppressed, and the voiceless. Intercede for justice and dignity for all people. May hope rise like morning light for those walking through darkness.
Amen.
DAY 5 – Hope for Young People Seeking Meaning
Intention: For all young people navigating identity, purpose, and pressure.
Prayer:
Mary, you said yes in your youth. Be near our young people as they search for love, truth, and belonging. Inspire them with courage to follow Christ’s call in today’s noisy and uncertain world.
Amen.
DAY 6 – Hope for the Elderly and Forgotten
Intention: For the elderly, the isolated, and those who feel left behind.
Prayer:
Blessed Mother, stay close to our elders. May they be honoured for their wisdom and embraced in love. Let none feel forgotten. Bring them peace, purpose, and the joy of knowing they are never alone.
Amen.
DAY 7 – Hope Within Our Families and Friendships
Intention: For healing, unity, and love in all families and relationships.
Prayer:
Mother of the Holy Family, bring your gentle presence into our homes. Heal divisions, soften hearts, and renew bonds of trust and love. May we build families rooted in compassion, forgiveness, and shared faith.
Amen.
DAY 8 – Hope Through Those Who Serve Others
Intention: For caregivers, teachers, frontliners, and all who embody compassion.
Prayer:
Lady of Carmel, bless those who serve the vulnerable—nurses, volunteers, teachers, social workers, and chaplains. Renew their strength and affirm their mission. May they be Christ’s hands in a hurting world.
Amen.
DAY 9 – Hope in the Everyday Gift of Others
Intention: For gratitude and grace to recognise God’s love in the people around us.
Prayer:
Blessed Virgin, help us see with the eyes of hope. May we recognise your Son in the kindness of others, in small acts of love, and in quiet moments of beauty. Teach us to live gratefully and give generously.
Amen.
You are invited to light a candle each day, reflect with the intention and prayer, and spend a few moments in silence with Our Lady.
Daily Concluding Prayer
(To be prayed each day after the daily intention and brief prayer)
O Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
you walk beside us with a mother’s care,
gently guiding us through life’s joys and burdens.
Help us to open our hearts to what is good and true,
to listen with compassion,
and to act with kindness.
You who stood at the foot of the Cross,
be close to all who suffer or feel alone.
Bring peace where there is conflict,
healing where there is pain,
and hope where there is fear.
Teach us to find strength in silence,
wisdom in prayer,
and love in every small act of goodness.
May your presence remind us that we are never alone,
that light shines in darkness,
and that love always has the final word.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
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https://www.carmelites.au/novena#sigProId31cb6369b4