# Becoming holy: Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, day six
*2016-07-12*

> Bill Young reflects on the possibility of holiness in all walks of life and leads the sixth day of the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

## Holiness in every vocation

Today is Wednesday, July 13th, the feast day of St. Henry. St. Henry was the king of Germany in the 12th century. He was a good Catholic who was good to his people and gave generously. His life reminds us that even as a king, one can be a holy person and become a saint. This leads us to our topic today: becoming holy.

## Reflections on grace and sainthood

I recently listened to a talk by Mother Angelica on becoming holy. She noted that none of us walk around with halos over our heads here on earth; you have to pass to the next life for that to happen. We thank God for that, because if it weren't for the grace of God, none of us would be going to heaven. I believe Mother Angelica is now in heaven with our Lord, wearing that halo. I am also looking forward to the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta in early September. My wife and I plan to go to Rome to see her canonized and visit the sites, including the chapels and the four open doors.

## Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Today we pray day six of the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Our Lord, come to my aid. O Lord, make haste to help me. With loving providential care, O Mother most amiable, you covered us with your Scapular as a shield of defense against the Evil One. Through your assistance, may we bravely struggle against the powers of evil, always open to your Son, Jesus Christ.

## Prayers for the lukewarm

During this novena, I offer my special intentions for all those lukewarm Catholics, as I once was. I pray that they find a way back—whether through a discipleship retreat, a men's conference, or a Marian conference at Ave Maria University. I have noticed there is always something beneficial to be found in these events. Even a small pamphlet can help; at the last men's conference, I received one called '33 Days to Morning Glory' on how to consecrate yourself to our Blessed Virgin Mary.

## Closing prayers

We conclude with three Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glory Be's. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. St. Henry, pray for us. St. Teresa, pray for us. St. Mother Teresa, pray for us. St. Patrick, pray for us. St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us. St. Paul, pray for us. St. Peter, St. Luke, St. Mark, St. Matthew, St. James, St. Thomas, and all the Apostles, pray for us.

*Regardless of one's position in life, holiness is possible through the grace of God and a commitment to prayer and consecration.*