"Flos Carmeli" translates to "Flower of Carmel" in English.

flos_carmeliMarian antiphon Flos Carmeli has been associated with the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel since the very establishment of the feast in 1374.

According to the order's tradition – as expressed in a medieval legend – it is a prayer composed by and with which the general of the Carmelite order, St. Simon Stock, fervently addressed the Virgin Mary. Mary answered by appearing to him and granting him and his order the scapular – her garment and a sign of her protection.

The entire first stanza is actually one single sentence – a plea: “be gracious to the Carmelites.” However, this plea is developed through several poetic addresses to the Virgin Mary. And it is these verses that give the text a special depth and beauty.
Let us also not overlook that it is not a private prayer of an individual, but a plea for the community.

(Latin text:)

Flos Carmeli
vitis florigera
splendor caeli
Virgo puerpera
singularis.
Mater mitis
sed viri nescia
Carmelitis
esto propitia
stella maris.

Radix Jesse
germinans flosculum
nos adesse
tecum in saeculum
patiaris.
Inter spinas
quae crescis lilium
serva puras
mentes fragilium
tutelaris.

Armatura
fortis pugnantium
furunt bella
tende praesidium
scapularis.
Per incerta
prudens consilium
per adversa
juge solatium
largiaris.

Mater dulcis
Carmeli Domina
plebem tuam
reple laetitia
qua bearis.
Paradisi
clavis et janua
fac nos duci
quo Mater gloria
coronaris.

Amen.

(Literal translation:)

Flower of Carmel,
vine of flowering,
splendor of heaven,
ever-Virgin
unique.
Gentle Mother,
unknown to man,
be gracious to the Carmelites,
star of the sea.

Root of Jesse
yielding a flower,
allow us
to be with you
forever.
Lily, growing
among thorns,
preserve pure hearts
for us, who
are fragile.

Strong armor
of the fighting,
wars rage,
provide aid
of the scapular.
In uncertainties
give wise counsel,
in adversities
grant solace
constantly.

Sweet Mother,
Lady of Carmel,
fill your people
with joy,
that you experience.
Key and gate
to paradise,
lead us there!
To the place
where, Mother, you
are crowned.

Amen.

(Poetic translation:)

You are the Carmelite
rose, sweet vine,
full of beauty,
Virgin yet a Mother,
our Lady.
Dear Mother,
pure flower of God,
you have always been
the saving star in the sea,
stay with us.

Rose of Jesse,
from which a flower blooms,
we pray,
be always our Mother,
who protects us.
Lily
beauty among thorns,
create in us new
hearts without blemish,
hold them in your palm.

Powerful armor,
when battles arise,
may your scapular
constantly protect us.
You give us
a way out of uncertainties,
searching for us
a calm place,
healing wounds.

You are our mother,
Carmelite, you are Lady
of your sweet
paradisiacal joys,
share with us.
On this earthly pilgrimage,
lead us, true way
to paradise, where
crown and glory
are given by God.

Amen.