Blessed Mother!
So much we have looked up to you,
you who founded our Order,
organized it and perfectly governed it.
We kneel before you,
whole holy, first Mother of the Carmelite family!
All of us who dwell on this mountain,
nourish our hearts at your springs.
We sincerely confess,
that your hand leads us,
that you are our support and that you help us,
that your light shines for us.
Transform us into yourself and transform our lives into yours.
Therefore stay with us, our Lady.
Mary!
We seek refuge in your womb,
a mother must remain with her children,
a teacher with her students,
an abbess with her monks,
a lady with her servants.
(Arnold Bostius /1445–1499/,
De patronatu et patrocinio Virginis Mariae, no. 1531)
