# Third Day of the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
*2008-07-09*

> Bill Young leads the third day of the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, recalling the martyrdom of St. Augustine Rong and praying for obstinate sinners and the faithful who wear the scapular.

## Remembering the Martyrs

We begin by remembering St. Augustine Rong, who was martyred in China in 1840 along with 72 other Chinese and European religious, ranging from children to the elderly. We pray for all our brothers and sisters around the world who lack religious freedom, that they may hear our prayers and find comfort.

## Prayer for the Obstinate Sinner

Before we continue with the novena, I offer a prayer for the obstinate sinner, taken from the writings of St. Cassian:

"Lord, we know that in our inadequacy no one can escape damnation. Yet you suffered the most cruel tortures, shed your precious blood, and died so that we might be forgiven. I have no consolation on earth except seeing sinners return to your feet. Grant conversion to this obstinate sinner; his soul is in your hands. Amen."

## Third Day Novena Prayer

O Queen of Heaven, you gave us the scapular as an outward sign by which we might be known as your faithful children. May we always wear it with honor, avoiding sin and imitating your virtues, that we may remain faithful to this desire of ours.

We now pause for our petitions.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. Amen.

*May the scapular remind us daily of our call to holiness and the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.*