Antiphona ad Magnificat (I Vesperis)

This antiphon employs medieval Carmelite poetry: 'Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera, splendor caeli' (Flower of Carmel, blossoming vine, splendor of heaven). The imagery draws from Song of Songs and Carmelite tradition tracing devotion to Elijah's vision of the cloud rising from Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:44), interpreted as prefiguring Mary. The phrase 'Virgo puerpera, singularis' (Virgin bearing a child, unique) expresses the paradox of virginal motherhood. At First Vespers, this poetic antiphon establishes the feast's contemplative character - the Carmelite order's special relationship with Mary as patron and model of interior prayer.