Sanctifying the year with Mary

The liturgical cycle has two overlapping stories which speak about man’s salvation: they are the life of our Lord, and the life of our Lady. To sanctify, means to make holy, hence we consecrate the various stages of our Lady’s role in our salvation - we focus on Mary in our pursuit of our heavenly goal.

Jesus chose his Mother to come to us, however, he did not come directly to us, and hence it is clearly his will that we go back to him through her. These prayers help us to celebrate our own passage through Mary to Jesus. They speak to us of her merits, her example, her virtues - the very things which made her attractive to Almighty God, the same things which will make us attractive to him if we imitate her.

Our year is made holy as we are made holy in her and through her. She is the Mother of Salvation, the Gate of Heaven, and we may depend upon this fact: that if we once enter upon the path of Mary and persevere in it, we, like her, shall be brought to our heavenly reward for all eternity.

These prayers are excerpted from a work called “Liturgical Novenas and Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary”. They are “liturgical” because they are direct translations of many of the prayers and lessons of the feast day texts themselves.

The Liturgy is the highest form of praise which the Church places on the lips of her ministers in praise of God, the angels and saints. Hence, we are able with these prayers to worship God also, as lay-people, with the Church’s own words, as we honor His Mother. It should be our fervent hope that as we lisp these prayers in praise of our Mother, she would draw us to her side in little, hidden ways, to be happy with her forever.

These prayers are “little” prayers, they speak to us of littleness, Mary-like simplicity - may we ever study this way of spiritual excellence ! May we ever imitate this Virgin Maid of Nazareth, the Woman at the Cross, one acquainted with our humanity, our joys, our woes - the grit of life. Let us sing in her praises the virtue of humility - the pre-eminent of all her virtues which, because it lowers in men’s esteem raises up in the sight of God.

In view of the merits of her Divine Son, Mary, your Mother, alone enjoyed the privilege of being preserved from original sin. From the moment of her conception God willed that she should crush the head of the serpent, having decided from all eternity to make her the Mother of the Incarnate Word. Mary was never, even for an instant, subject to the evil spirit. She was always in the state of sanctifying grace. On December 8, 1854, Pius IX officially promulgated this great dogma, making himself the mouthpiece of all Christian tradition. Take the Immaculate Virgin as the special protectress of the purity of your body and soul. Say three Hail Marys each morning and evening in honor of her Immaculate Conception for the grace of holy purity.

A great sign appeared in Heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Apoc. 12:1).

Let us celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary! Let us adore her Son, Christ our Lord!

Glory be to the Father. . .

Thou art all fair, 0 Mary, and the stain of original sin is not in thee. Thy garments are white as snow, and thy face is like the sun. Hail Mary. . .

Thou art the Glory of Jerusalem; thou art the Joy of Israel; thou art the Honor of our people (Judith 15:10). Thou art the brightness of eternal light: and the image of His goodness (Wisdom 7:26). Hail Mary. . .

More than all other women upon earth, thou, 0 Virgin Mary, hast been blessed by the Lord God most high. Draw us, 0 Immaculate Virgin; we shall come after thee, breathing the sweet fragrance of thy virtues (Cant. 1:3). Hail Mary. . .

Mary speaks:

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of holiness. He has covered me as a bride adorned with her jewels (Isa. 61 :10).

Accept, 0 Lord, the prayers we offer on the solemn feastday of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and grant that as we proclaim her to have been preserved by Thy grace from all stain of sin, so through her intercession we may be freed from all our faults. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. V./ Pray for us, 0 Immaculate Virgin, R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

0 God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin didst make ready a fitting habitation for Thy Son, we beseech Thee that Thou who didst keep her clean from all stain by the precious death of the same Thy Son, foreseen,by Thee, mayest grant unto us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain unto Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Since the 15th century the Holy House of Loreto has been one of the most famous shrines in Italy. Tradition says that this house is the spot where Mary was born and where the Word was made flesh, and that angels conveyed it from Palestine to Italy at the end of the 13th century. This fact accounts for the feast of the Transferring. Forty-seven popes have rendered honor to this glorious shrine.

Awe-inspiring is this place! This is the house of God and the gate of heaven, and it shall be called the temple of God (Gen. 28:17).

How delightful is Thy dwelling, 0 Lord of hosts! My soul longs for the courts of the Lord (Ps. 8'3: 2). Hail Mary.

Mary speaks:

Blessed is he who listens to me and who daily watches at my door and keeps guard at my threshold... Whoever finds me - shall find life and shall obtain salvation from the Lord (Prov. 8:34,35).

0 God, who didst mercifully sanctify the house of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin through the mystery of the Incarnation, and didst place it in the bosom of Thy Church in a wonderful manner, grant that we may avoid the dwellings of sinners and be made inhabitants of Thy holy home. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This feast gives expression to Mary's ardent longing for the sacred moment of the birth of her Divine Child. She eagerly awaited Him whom her soul loved, the most beautiful of the sons of men, the Redeemer of mankind, the Son of God. The best preparation that you can make for Christmas is to unite your sentiments with those of your Heavenly Mother.

Drop down dew from above, ye heavens, and let the clouds rain the Just One! Let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior! (Isa. 45: 8).

O Lord, how wonderful Thou art everywhere in the world! Thou hast made for Thyself a worthy dwelling-place in the Virgin Mary!

Glory be to the Father. . .

Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and His name, shall be called Emmanuel (Isa. 7:1.4).

Do not be afraid, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. And behold,, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus (Luke 1:30) Hail Mary. . .

The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall over-shadow thee; and therefore the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God. But Mary said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word" (Luke 1: 3 5). Hail Mary. .

0 holy and Immaculate Virgin, how shall I praise thee as I ought? Thou hast borne in thy womb Him whom heaven could not contain. Blessed and worthy of veneration art thou, O Virgin Mary, who didst become the Mother of the Savior while remaining a Virgin. Hail Mary.

Mary speaks:

I sleep and my heart watches... I to my Beloved, and my Beloved to me who feeds among the lilies (Canticle 6:2).

Grant, we pray Thee, Almighty God, that we who are weighed down by the old yoke of sin, may be freed by the new birth of Thine only-begotten Son for which we long. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.

0 God, who didst. will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the message of an angel, grant to us, Thy humble servants, that we who truly believe her to be the Mother of God may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

This feast seems to have arisen from popular devotion in the 15th century. By the espousals among the Jews a legal marriage was contracted, and Mary and Joseph were really husband and wife. They were deeply devoted to each other. Each was a source of joy and edification to the other; hence they are true models for husbands and wives. Pray to them that the peace and happiness which reigned in the Holy Family may reign in the family of which you are a member.

Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of David, to take to thee Mary, thy wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit,. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins (Matt. 1: 20,2:1).

Assist us, 0 Lord, we beg Thee, by the merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, so that what we cannot obtain of ourselves may be given us through his intercession. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

Most glorious Queen of the world, Mary ever Virgin, who didst bring forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of all, plead in our behalf for peace and salvation. Hail Mary. . .

Mary speaks: I have asked the Lord for one thing, and this I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; that I may enjoy the delights of the Lord and visit His temple (Ps. 26:4).

Bestow on Thy servants, we pray Thee, 0 Lord, the gifts of Thy heavenly grace, that we for whom the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin was the beginning of salvation may be blessed with peace on the solemn feastday of her espousals. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This is one of the oldest feasts of Our Lady. Mary, wishing to obey the Law of Moses, had to go to Jerusalem forty days after the birth of Jesus to offer the prescribed sacrifice of a lamb or two doves. It was in the arms of His Blessed Mother that Jesus offered Himself to His Heavenly Father as Mediator and Victim for the redemption of the world. Through Mary, you, too, should dedicate yourself to God's service by doing His holy will at all times in joy as well as in sorrow. Offer the works and sufferings of your life to God through Mary's hands for the salvation of souls, especially your own. Thy own soul a sword shall pierce (Luke 2:35).

This day the Blessed Virgin Mary presented the Child Jesus in the temple, and Simeon, full of the Holy Spirit, took Him into his arms and praised God unceasingly. Glory be to the Father...

The root of Jesse budded; a star rose out of Jacob; a Virgin brought forth the Savior. 0 our God, we praise Thee! Hail Mary. . .

0 wonderful exchange! The Creator of the human race, taking upon Himself a body and a soul, deigned to be born of a Virgin, and appearing here below.as man, made us partakers of His Divinity. Hail Mary. . .

In the bush which Moses saw burning, yet not consumed, we have a figure of the preservation of thy glorious virginity. 0 Mother of God, intercede for us! Hail Mary. . .

Mary speaks: I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we will go into the house of the Lord (Ps. 121:1).

And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, His Mother, "Behold this Child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34,35).

Almighty, everlasting God, we humbly beg Thy Majesty, that, as Thine I only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the form of our flesh, so Thou wouldst grant that we, too, may be presented to Thee with hearts made pure. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

In 1858 the Blessed Virgin appeared eighteen times to Bernadette, a humble peasant girl, at Lourdes, and said to her: "I am the Immaculate Conception!" Afterwards,Mary made her little client a saint. The feast of the Apparition recalls Mary's triumph over the serpent. The many miracles wrought at Lourdes are a splendid testimony of our Heavenly Mother's kindness. She would have the world know that she is deeply interested in its welfare.

Thou hast visited the earth and hast plentifully showered it with blessings; thou hast enriched it in many ways (Ps. 6 4: 1 0).

Today the glorious Queen of Heaven appeared on earth; today she brought to her people words of salvation and tokens of peace; today choirs of angels and of the faithful are filled with joy as they praise the Immaculate Conception. Glory be to the Father...

Thou art all fair, 0 Mary, and the original stain is not in thee.

Thou are the Glory of Jerusalem; thou art the Joy of Israel; thou art the Honor of our people (Judith 15:10).

Truly happy art thou, 0 holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, who with thy virginal foot hast crushed the serpent's head. Hail Mary. . .

0 Virgin Mary, God most high has blessed thee more abundantly than all other women on earth. This day the Lord has honored thee so much that thy praise will never cease to be on the lips of men.

0 Mary, perform miracles and work marvels anew! Make thy power appear glorious! Hasten the time of our deliverance and be mindful of thy promises. Let mankind proclaim thy wondrous deeds. Hail Mary. . .

0 Mary, from the very beginning thou wast the Lord's and He loved thee with eternal love. Call upon the Lord and speak to the King in our behalf. Deliver us from death! Hail Mary.

Mary speaks. I chose this place and made it holy, in order that my name might be honored there, and my eyes and my heart might remain there forever (2 Para. 7:16).

My delights, were to be with the children of men (Prov. 8:31).

V./ Let me praise thee, 0 holy Virgin!
R./ Give me strength in my Conflict with thine enemies!

0 God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary didst prepare a worthy dwelling for Thy Son, we humbly beseech Thee that we who celebrate the Apparition of the same Virgin, may obtain health of mind and body. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Annunciation, God proposes the mystery of the Incarnation which will be fulfilled in the Blessed Virgin when she shall have given her free consent. It is as if God awaited the response of the humanity to which He wills to unite Himself. Full of faith, Mary gives her reply: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to Thy word." At this moment the Divine Word, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, becomes incarnate in Mary. It is the greatest event in history. This mystery has earned for Mary the most glorious of her titles, that of Mother of God, which makes her all-powerful with her Son. Have recourse to her intercession with Him, and at the same time rejoice in the honor which is yours--the honor of being able to call the Mother of God your own Mother.

Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women (Luke 1:28).

Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and His Name shall be called Emmanuel (Isa. 7:14). Glory be to the Father...

Do not be afraid, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His Name Jesus (Luke 1:30,31). Hail Mary...

He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of David, His father, and He shall be King over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:32). Hail Mary.

The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall over-shadow thee; and therefore the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God... Mary said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word" (Luke 1:35). Hail Mary...

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, Thy grace into our hearts that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, thou alone hast triumphed over all heresies; thou hast believed the message of Gabriel, the Archangel, and remaining a Virgin, didst bring forth the God-man.

Through thee, O Mother of God, the life that we lost was given back to us, for when thou didst receive from heaven Him who became thy Son, thou didst bestow on the world its Savior.

O holy and immaculate Virgin! How shall I praise thee as I ought? Thou hast carried in thy womb Him whom heaven could not contain!

Mary speaks: Behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; because He who is mighty has done great things for me (Luke 1:48).

V./ Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

0 God, who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the message of an angel, grant that we, Thy humble servants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen,

Holy Church honors Our Lady's Sorrows by two feasts--one observed on the Friday of Passion week, and the other on the 15th of September. This first recalls especially her sufferings during the Passion of Our Lord; the second is dedicated more particularly to her lifelong sorrows. Mary's sorrow on Calvary was deeper than any sorrow ever felt on earth, for no mother in all the world had a heart as tender as the heart of the Mother of God. She bore her sufferings for you that you might enjoy the graces of Redemption. She suffered willingly in order to prove her great love for you, for true love is proved by sacrifice~ Give yourself over to her completely and bear your cross patiently in union with your Mother of Sorrows.

When Jesus, therefore, saw His Mother and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He said to His Mother, "Woman, behold thy son." Then He said to the disciple, "Behold thy Mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home (John 19:25-27).

Sad and tearful, 0 Virgin Mary, didst thou stand by the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Redeemer. Hail Mary...

Blessed be the Lord who made heaven and earth, because He has so glorified thy name this day, that thy praise will never cease to be sung by mankind... for thou hast not spared thy life to relieve the distress and sorrow of thy people, and by thy prayers in the presence of our God thou hast prevented our ruin (Judith 13: 24). Hail Mary...

Let us stand near the Cross with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, whose soul was pierced by the sword of sorrow! Hail Mary... Mary speaks: Sorrow has crushed me. My lace is swollen with weeping and on my eyelids is the shadow of death (Job 16:8,17).

V./ Pray for us, 0 Mother most sorrowful,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Prayer

0 God, in whose Passion, as Simeon had foretold, the most sweet soul of Mary, Thy glorious Virgin-Mother, was pierced through by a sword of sorrow, mercifully grant that we who reverently meditate upon her transfixion and her sufferings, may obtain the blessed fruits of Thy Passion through the glorious merits and prayers of all the saints faithfully standing at the Cross interceding for us. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

The devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel originated near Rome, where for centuries an Augustinian church, which contains a miraculous picture of Mary, has been a place of pilgrimage. Your earthly pilgrimage is beset with many dangers. You are in need of advice in the serious problems of life. Remember that Jesus gave you a Counselor who will never fail you. Go to your Heavenly Mother with child-like confidence and abandonment. Entrust yourself to her prudent guidance, for she is your Mother of Good Counsel.

I, Wisdom, dwell in counsel and am present in learned thoughts... Counsel is mine, prudence is mine, strength is mine (Prov. 8:12,14).

May the kind intercession of Mary, Thy glorious and ever Virgin-Mother, be our help, we pray Thee, O Lord, that it may make those whom it has blessed with continual favors ever to know what should be done, and then strengthen them to carry it out faithfully. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

0 Mary, thou art favored more than all other women on earth, for in the presence of our God thou hast aided us in our weakness. Rule over us, thou and thy Son, because thou hast freed us from the hands of our enemies! Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: He that listens to me shall not be put to shame, and they that work by me shall not sin (Ecclus. 24:30).

O God, who didst give her who bore Thy beloved Son, to be our Mother, and didst deign to glorify her fair image by a wondrous apparition, grant, we beseech Thee, that by always following her counsels we may be able to live after Thine own Heart and arrive happily in our heavenly fatherland. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary was present as Mother and Queen of the Apostles at the birthday of the Church when the Holy Ghost descended upon her and the Apostles on Pentecost Day. Down through the ages she accompanied in spirit and assisted the missionaries in their apostolic work because, as co-Redemptrix with her Divine Son, she would co-operate in the salvation souls. As she was Queen of the Apostles in the Church's infancy, so she is Queen of the Apostles of our own day. Pray to her for priests and missionaries the world over, that she may sanctify them and aid them in their labors. Pray for an increase of missionary vocations. Pray that all nations may be brought under the universal Queenship of Mary by their conversion to the Catholic Faith.

All these with one mind continued steadfastly in prayer with the women and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and with His brethren (Acts 1: 14).

Thou art the Gate of Heaven and the Morning Star, Virgin Mary, Mother of the eternal King, and our Queen! Make us pleasing to thy Son, for all virtue, honor and glory shine forth from thee. 0 holy Mother of God, we fly to thy patronage. Our Mother, our Queen, take us as thine own ! Hail Mary.

Beg thy Son to send laborers into His harvest field, that all people may praise thee and all generations may call thee blessed. Thou, the Source of pardon, thou, the Mother of Grace, thou, the Hope of the world! Hear us as we cry to thee. Hail Mary..

Through Thy mercy, 0 Lord, and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may Thy Church increase in the number of the faithful and ever shine forth in the manifold light of virtue. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary speaks: Those who make me known to others shall obtain eternal life (Ecclus. 24:31).

0 Mary, ever Virgin, who because of thy great worth God set up as Queen of the whole world, pray for our peace and salvation, for thou didst bring forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of us all. Amen.

We invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of "Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament" because she is the Mother of Jesus who lives in the Eucharist, for it was from her that He assumed the Flesh and Blood with which He nourishes us. Throuqh her we receive every grace, and consequently those graces contained in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar: She was the first to practice the duties of a truly Eucharistic life, showing us by her example how we ouqht to assist at Mass, receive Holy Communion and visit the Most Blessed Sacrament. Love Mary and you will love the Eucharistic Christ. Love the Eucharistic Christ and you are not far from Mary, for the Mother and the Son are inseparable.

My delights are to be with the children of men (Prov. 8'31).

0 Lord, abide with Thy people who are refreshed by receiving Thy Body and Blood, that by the help of Thy most holy Mother we may be freed from all evil and protected in every good work. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

0 blessed Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, Temple of the Lord, Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, Thou alone, without an equal, hast pleased our Lord Jesus Christ! Happy indeed art thou, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our Lord. Thou art blessed by the Lord, for through thee we have partaken of the Fruit of Life. Hail Mary, . .

Mary speaks:

How lovely is Thy Tabernacle, 0 Lord of hosts! My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord. My heart and soul have rejoiced in the living God... at Thy altar, 0 Lord of hosts, my King and my God (Ps. 83).

We pray Thee, 0 Lord, our God, that by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Thou wouldst make the Most Holy Mysteries which Thou hast given us for the preservation of our spiritual life a remedy for us both for the present and for the future. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Just as in the order of nature you need a mother's love and tender care, so, too, you need a mother's help in your struggle against the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil. Jesus gave you the Mother He chose for Himself, that she might be a Mother to you and help you to overcome these temptations and to lead a good Christian life. Therefore, when you are in need of assistance for soul or body, call upon your Mother Mary, the Help of Christians.

And the wine having run short, the Mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "What. wouldst thou have Me to do, Woman? My hour has not yet come." His Mother said to the attendants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:3-5).

Holy Mary, help those in need; strengthen the weak; comfort the sorrowful; pray for the people; plead for priests; intercede for all women consecrated to God. May all who celebrate thy holy feastday, obtain thy help! Hail Mary. ..

Mary speaks: I love those who love me. Those who watch for me in the morning shall find me (Prov. 8:17).

Almighty and merciful God, who in the person of the Blessed Virgin Mary hast provided never-ending assistance for the defense of the Christian people, grant, we beg Thee, that, strengthened by such help, we may do battle during life and be able to obtain victory over the treacherous foe in death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

As Mary took part in the Incarnation and Redemption by her Divine Motherhood and her sorrows on Calvary, so she now fittingly co-operates in distributing the graces merited by her Son. St. Bernard said: "It is the will of God that we should have all things through Mary." You should rejoice over the fact that her motherly heart is all kindness. Be grateful for the numberless graces you have received through her intercession in the past and go to her with childlike confidence in the future.

Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women... Do not be afraid, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God (Luke 1:28,30).

Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, that we may obtain mercy and find grace for timely help! (Heb.4 :16). Glory be to the Father...

Hail Mary, Mother of Mercy, Mother of hope and grace! Thou art favored more than all other women on earth, for in the presence of our God thou hast aided us in our weakness. Hail Mary...

Thou art most wonderful, O Mary, and thy face is full of graces (Esther 15:17). Beg thy Son to send laborers into His harvest, that all people may praise thee and all generations may call thee blessed. Thou, the Source of pardon, thou, the Mother of Grace, thou, the Hope of the world! Hear us as we cry to thee. Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: Behold, the Lord has entrusted all things to me. There is nothing which is not in my power, or which He would not give me. He Who is mighty has done great things for me, and His Name is holy.

May the kind intercession of Thy Immaculate Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary aid us, 0 Lord, that having been continually blessed with her favors, we may be freed from all danger and enjoy peace through her kind prayers. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

V./ Pray for us, our most powerful Mediatrix,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O Lord Jesus Christ, our Mediator with the Father, who hast deigned to make Thy Mother, the Most Blessed Virgin, our Mother also and Mediatrix with Thee, mercifully grant that everyone who comes to Thee asking for favors, may be gladdened for having received all through her intercession. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

Grace is the highest gift that man can receive from God. As Mary was destined to become the Mother of the Author of Grace, she was enriched with grace more than any other creature. She became the object of God's delight, for in her He saw the purest reflection of the goodness of His Son. Mary is full of grace not only for herself, but on our account as well, for by her intercession the gifts of God's grace are bestowed upon men. In all your needs go to the Mother of Grace with confidence!

In me there is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me there is all hope of life and of virtue (Ecclus. 24: 25).

O Mary, from the very beginning thou wast the Lord's and He loved thee with eternal love. Call upon the Lord and speak to the King in our behalf. Deliver us from death! Hall Mary. · .

Mary speaks: Come to me, all you who long for me, and be filled with my fruits (Ecclus. 24:26).

0 God, who didst give the human race the grace of forgiveness through the virginal motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we who call her the Mother of Grace on earth may enjoy her happy presence forever in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The miraculous picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is supposed to have been painted on a piece of wood in the 13th century. In the 15th century it was brought to Rome by a pious merchant and is now venerated in the church of St. Alphonsus, in charge of the Redemptorist Fathers. The feast was established in 1871 by Pius IX. Of all heavenly patrons, Mary is your most powerful helper before the throne of God. Her dignity as Mother of God, her ardent charity, and the fact that Jesus gave her to you as Mother, enable her to obtain for you through her intercession more than all the angels and saints can obtain. When you are in need, remember you have a kind Mother to help you - the Mother of Perpetual Help.

When Jesus, therefore, saw His Mother and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He said to His Mother, Woman behold thy son." Then He said to the disciple, "Behold thy Mother" (John 19: 26,27).

O Virgin Mother, remember to speak in our behalf in the presence of God and keep His displeasure from coming upon us! O noblest Queen of the world, Mary ever Virgin, who didst bring forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of all, pray in our name for peace and salvation. HaiI Mary...

Holy Mary, help those in need; strengthen the weak; comfort the sorrowful; pray for the people, plead for priests; intercede for all women consecrated to God. May all who celebrate thy holy feastday obtain thy help. Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: Can a mother so completely forget her child, that she would not have compassion on the son of her womb? And if she should forget, I will not forget thee (Isa. 49:15).

V./ Pray for us, 0 Mother of Perpetual Help,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

0 Lord Jesus Christ, who hast given us Thy Mother Mary that she might be our Mother of Perpetual Help, whose beloved image we venerate, grant, we beg Thee, that by earnestly imploring her motherly help, we may deserve to enjoy at all times the blessings of Thy Redemption. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

At the voice of the Mother of God, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, so that she recognized the great mystery of the Incarnation in Mary; and the infant in her womb rejoiced. Notice in this mystery of Our Lady's life how God wished to show us that Mary is the instrument and means by which He imparts to us His graces. Admire, too, the consideration Mary showed for Elizabeth. Your Heavenly Mother is your model in carrying out the second great commandment of charity. Through her intercession ask Jesus for the graces you need, especially that of being charitable.

Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb. And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? (Luke 1: 42,43.)

Let us celebrate the Visitation of the Virgin Mary! Let us adore her Son, Christ our Lord! Glory be to the Father.

Mary went with haste into the hill country, to a town of Juda. And she entered the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary; that the babe in her womb leapt for joy (Luke 1: 39- 41 ). Hail Mary...

And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb! And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? And blessed is she who has believed, because the things promised her by the Lord shall be accomplished'' (Luke 1:42-45). Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior; because He has regarded the lowliness of His hand-maid; for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed (Luke 1:46-49).

0 God, who by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary hast bestowed upon the human race the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may feel her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of life, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost lives and reigns forever. Amen.

Bestow on Thy servants, we beg Thee, 0 Lord, the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that we, for whom the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin was the beginning of salvation, may be blessed with peace on the solemn feastday of her Visitation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

According to tradition, a number of men who embraced the Christian faith on Pentecost Day erected a church to the Blessed Virgin on Mount Carmel. They were called "Brethren of Blessed Mary of Mount Carmel." These religious came to Europe in the 13th century. Our Lady appeared to their General, Simon Stock, and gave him a habit which the order was to wear. Many privileges were attached to it. By wearing the small scapular, and performing the prescribed good works, lay people may enjoy these privileges, especially that of a prompt deliverance from purgatory. Do you wear a scapular or a medal as a keepsake of your Heavenly Mother? It should remind you that you belong entirely to her and that through her you can best give yourself to God.

My memory is unto everlasting generations (Ecclus. 24: 28). The Lord has blessed thee, O Mary, for from thee we have received the Fruit of Life. Thou alone, without an equal, hast pleased our Lord Jesus Christ. Despise not our prayers in our needs, and deliver us from all dangers, O holy Mother of God. Hail Mary...

Thou hast visited the earth and hast plentifully showered it with blessings; thou hast enriched it in many ways (Ps. 64:10).

Mary speaks: I walk in the way of justice in the midst of the paths of judgment, that I may enrich them that love me, and may fill their treasures (Prov. 8:20, 21). V./ Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God, R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

0 God, who was pleased to honor the Order of Carmel by the singular title of Thy most blessed Mother, Mary ever Virgin, grant, we pray Thee, that she whose memory we solemnly venerate today may favor us with her protection, so that we may be found worthy to share in eternal happiness: Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

God loves the humble. He chose the lowly Virgin of Nazareth to be His Mother. Humility is one of the outstanding virtues in Mary's life. You cannot be a true child of Mary unless you try to imitate your Heavenly Mother's humility. If pride plays an important part in your life, pray to the humble "Handmaid of the Lord" for the virtue of humility.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly (Luke 1:52).

O Lord, we beg Thee to grant us the grace of true humility through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God; at the same time take from our hearts the desires of the flesh and the eyes, so that, living wisely, justly and piously, we may obtain eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 blessed Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, Temple of the Lord, Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, Thou alone, without an equal, hast pleased our Lord Jesus Christ! Hail Mary. · · Mary speaks: My spirit rejoices in God my Savior; because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid (Luke 1:47).

O God, who stoopest to the humble and lookest upon the proud from afar, help Thy servants to imitate with a pure heart the humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was pleasing to Thee in her virginity, and because of her humility conceived our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who with Thee lives and reigns forever. Amen.

After the fall, man became subject to sin, misery, disease and death. God, who is rich in mercy, gave us two persons animated with tenderest sentiments of compassion and mercy--Jesus and Mary. Jesus willed to become like one of us and chose to know sorrow. Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, became the loving Mother of mankind beneath the Cross. She is full of compassionate mercy. Entreat her help for suffering mankind. Show this consideration for the people with whom you associate and Mary will prove herself a Mother of mercy to you.

And for generation upon generation is His mercy, to those who fear Him. (Luke 1:50)

O noblest Queen of the world, Mary ever Virgin, who didst bring forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of all, pray in our name for peace and salvation. Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: Come to me, all you who long for me, and be enriched with my blessings, for my spirit is sweeter than honey, and my graces more desirable than the honeycomb. (Ecclus. 24:26,27).

0 God, whose compassion is without limit, show us Thy mercy on earth through , the most holy intercession of Mary, the Mother of Thy Son, that we may merit to attain eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

A certain nobleman, favored with a vision of Mary, caused a church to be built in her honor in Rome in the fourth century, on a spot covered by a miraculous fall of snow. The Church of St. Mary Major is the largest and most important of the churches dedicated to Mary. Do all you can in contributing to the honor of your Heavenly Mother. She will repay you most generously.

She is the brightness of eternal light; and the unspotted mirror of God's majesty, and the image of His goodness (Wisdom 7:26).

Thou art all fair, 0 Mary, and the stain of original sin is not in thee. Thy garments are white as snow, and thy face is like the sun. Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: Blessed is the man that hears me, and that watches daily at my gates, and waits at my doors (Prov. 8:34).

Grant us, Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we may be blessed with health of soul and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, be freed from the sorrows of this present life and enjoy everlasting bliss: Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The worst evil that can befall man is sin. God has not only prepared for us a remedy against sin in the merits of Jesus Christ, but has given us poor sinners a secure refuge in the help of the Blessed Virgin. It was her · privilege to be exempt from all sin, so the principal grace she obtains for her clients is to preserve them from sin. If you should have the misfortune of falling into sin, go to your Heavenly Mother and beg her for the grace of true contrition. Pray especially for souls who are weighed down by sin, that they may not despair but find a refuge in the loving arms of their Heavenly Mother.

For generation upon generation is His mercy, to those who fear Him (Luke 1:50).

O Virgin Mother, remember to speak in our behalf in the presence of God and keep His displeasure from coming upon us! Thou, the Source of pardon, thou, the Mother of Grace, thou, the Hope of the world! Hear us as we cry to thee. Hail Mary... Mary speaks: He that listens to me shall not be put to shame: and they that work by me, shall not sin (Ecclus. 24:30).

0 almighty and merciful God, who in the Blessed Virgin Mary hast given sinners a refuge and a help, grant us, who are protected by her, the forgiveness of all our sins and the blessings of Thy mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This is the most ancient and solemn of Mary's feasts. After a most blessed death Mary was triumphantly assumed into heaven with soul and body and was crowned Queen of Heaven by her own Son. Unite your joy and gratitude with that of the angels and saints in heaven as well as that of the Church upon earth, for it is your Heavenly Mother's Coronation Day. How well did she deserve this immortal crown! She crushed the serpent's head. She offered herself and her beloved Son unto death for the redemption of mankind. She triumphed over the world and the devil. Pray that Mary may reign as Queen in your heart and in the hearts of all people. Pray to her for the grace of final perseverance in a good and a happy death.

"All generations shall call me blessed, because He that is mighty hath done great things to me" (Luke 1:48,49).

Come, let us adore the King of kings! This day His Virgin Mother was taken up to heaven. The angels rejoice; they praise and thank the Lord. Glory be to the Father.

Virgin most prudent whither goest thou like the rosy dawn? Daughter of Sion, thou art all fair and lovable; beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun (Canticle 6: 9). Hear, O Daughter, and see and incline thy ear: for the King has greatly desired thy beauty (Ps. 44:11). Hail Mary..

Thou art blessed by the Lord, O Mary, for through thee we have shared in the Fruit of Life. Because of thee, the gates of heaven were opened to us, O thou who this day dost reign gloriously with the angels! Behold, thou art raised above the choirs of the angels! Intercede for us with the Lord, our God. Turn to us in thy beauty and loveliness. Come forth in majesty and reign! Hail Mary.. Thou art the Gate of Heaven and the Morning Star, Virgin Mary, Mother of the eternal King, and our Queen! Make us pleasing to thy Son, for all virtue, honor and glory shine forth from thee. 0 holy Mother of God, we fly to thy patronage. Our Mother, our Queen, take us as thine own ! Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: I was established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem.. and my abode is in the full assembly of saints (Ecclus. 24:15).

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast taken up the Immaculate Virgin Mother of Thy Son, with body and soul into heavenly glory, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may, always intent on higher things, deserve to be partakers of her glory. Through the same our Lord...

V./ Pray for us, O Queen of the heavens,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

May the offering of our devotion ascend to Thee, 0 Lord, and through the intercession of the most blessed Virgin Mary, who was taken up into heaven, may our hearts be inflamed with the fire of love, and continually long for Thee. Through our Lord...

The Immaculate Heart of Mary - Aug. 22

On May 13, 1917, the Blessed Virgin appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal. During six apparitions on the l3th day of each month she told them that it was the wish of her Divine Son that devotion to her Immaculate Heart be established in the world. She wanted the world to be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart. She also revealed that she was the Queen of the Holy Rosary and desired that people say the Rosary frequently and fervently.

Accordingly, Pope Plus XII solemnly consecrated the Church and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the eve of All Saints, 1942. In May of the following year he urged Catholics to invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, especially by reciting the Rosary, for the needs of humanity and the attainment of a just peace, and asked them to consecrate themselves to her Immaculate Heart. In 1945 the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was instituted, to be solemnly celebrated each year throughout the world. Its object is to promote devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary so that through her intercession all nations may enjoy peace and religious liberty, sinners may be converted and all the faithful may advance in virtue.

His Mother kept all these things carefully in her heart (Luke 2:51).

All the glory of the King's daughter is within. She is clothed in garments of gold and various colors. In her train virgins will be led to the King (Ps. 44:14,15). Glory be to the Father..

Thou art all fair, O Mary, and the stain of original sin is not in thee (Cant. 4: 7). Thou art the Glory of Jerusalem; thou art the Joy of Israel; thou art the Honor of our people (Judith 15:10). Thou art the brightness of eternal light: and the unspotted mirror of God's majesty and the image of His goodness (Wisdom 7:26). Hail Mary...

Because thou hast acted bravely and thy heart has been valiant, the Lord has strengthened thee and thou wilt be praised forever (Judith 15:11). The Lord gave thee His own power, for through thee He completely overcame our enemies. Hail Mary... 0 Virgin Mother, remember to speak in our behalf in the presence of God and keep His displeasure from coming upon us. 0 noblest Queen of the world, Mary ever Virgin, who didst bring forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of all, pray in our name for peace and salvation! Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: I have found favor with Thee, my Lord, who hast consoled me and hast spoken to the heart of Thy handmaid. I have sought Thee with my whole heart; let me not stray from the path of Thy commandments (Book of Judith).

Offering the Immaculate Lamb to Thy Majesty, 0 Lord, we beg Thee to enkindle our hearts with that Divine fire which unceasingly glowed in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 Virgin Mary, most noble Queen of the world, plead for peace and salvation in our behalf, for thou didst bring forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of us all.

V./ Let me praise thee, 0 holy Virgin.
R./ Give me strength against thine enemies.

Almighty and eternal God, who in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary didst prepare a worthy dwelling for the Holy Spirit, mercifully grant that, devoutly celebrating the feastday of this most pure Heart, we may be enabled to live according to Thine own Heart. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Amid the sorrows of this earthly pilgrimage God has prepared for you in the continual help of your Heavenly Mother a rich source of consolation. Mary's power to console the afflicted arises mainly from this, that she above all others has known sorrow. She has taught you by her example never to despair of God's help, but to value at the proper worth the crosses He sends you. In all your pains and disappointments do not seek relief in worldly pleasures, which soon pass away; rather unite your sufferings with those of Jesus and His sorrowful Mother, in whom alone the afflicted can find true consolation.

Come to me all you who long for me, and be enriched with my blessings, for my spirit is sweeter than honey (Ecclus. 24:26).

Hail, holy Mother, thou who didst bring forth the King who rules heaven and earth forever, intercede for us! Hail Mary..

Mary speaks: Just as a Mother caresses her child, thus will I console thee.

0 Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercies and God of all consolation, grant in Thy loving kindness that we who joyfully venerate on earth Mary, Thy most pure Mother, as our comforter, may deserve to enjoy with her the unending happiness of heaven. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

On Calvary, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep, entrusted them to the keeping of His Blessed Mother. Like her beloved Son, she, too, is filled with a burning love for souls. She does all in her power to bring them to His Sacred Heart and to save them from eternal death. Pray to the Mother of the Good Shepherd for the souls who are still outside His fold, as well as for yourself, that you may faithfully follow Jesus, the Shepherd of your soul.

When Jesus, therefore, saw His Mother and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He said to His Mother, Woman behold thy son." Then He said to the disciple, "Behold thy Mother" (John 19: 26,27).

Thou art blessed by the Lord, O Mary, for through thee we have shared in the Fruit of Life. Because of thee, the gates of heaven were opened to us, O thou who dost reign gloriously with the angels! Hail Mary..

Mary speaks: Now, therefore, you children, hear me: Blessed are they that keep my ways (Prov. 8:32).

0 Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Good Shepherd, who didst give Thy life for Thy sheep, and who when dying on the Cross didst entrust to the Virgin Mary the sheep of Thy pasture, grant that through her intercession we may on earth follow Thee. our Shepherd, and so be led to the heavenly pastures of life everlasting. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

Mary was chosen from all eternity to give us the Savior; hence she was eternally in God's plan of redemption. In time she was immaculately conceived, and her birth brought salvation to mankind. Thank God for having created this most beautiful of creatures and for having given her to you as a Mother. Thank Him for all the mercies He has shown to mankind through Mary. Let your birthday gift to your Heavenly Mother be the wholehearted consecration of yourself to her.

Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me (Prov. 9:4).

With gladness let us celebrate the birthday of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, that she may intercede for us with our Lord Jesus Christ! Glory be to the Father..

Let us call to mind the most noble birth of the glorious Virgin Mary, whose lowliness delighted the gaze of the Lord, and who, at the message of an angel, conceived the Savior of the world. Hail Mary.

This day the Blessed Virgin Mary was born of the royal family of David. Through her the Salvation of the world appeared for all who believe. This is she whose life gave light to the world. Hail Mary..

0 Virgin Mother of God, thy birthday announced joy to the whole world, for from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God, who, having taken away the curse, bestowed blessing, and having triumphed over death, gave us life everlasting. Hail Mary..

Mary speaks: The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old, before the earth was made (Prov. 8:22).

May all our hope of assistance, 0 Lord, ever rest upon the loving kindness of Thine only-begotten Son! May He, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who when born of the Virgin, did not detract from the virginity of His Mother, but made it sacred, cleanse us of our sins on this solemn feastday of her Nativity, and make our prayers, pleasing in Thy sight. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

V./ Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Bestow on Thy servants, we beg Thee, 0 Lord, the gift of heavenly grace, that we, for whom the Blessed Virgin's motherhood was the beginning of salvation, may be blessed with peace on the sacred feastday of her Nativity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From all eternity God pronounced this name when He predestined Mary to be the Mother of Jesus. Perhaps He suggested it to her parents. This name means sovereignty, for Mary, as Mother of the Incarnate Word and our Mother, is the Mistress of the world. It means bitterness, expressing the great sorrow she felt when she co-operated in the ransom of the human race on Calvary. It means resistance, for by reason of her Immaculate Conception Mary was the first to conquer the evil one and to offer to God the first fruits of the Redemption. The Name of Mary, then, is a source of power, consolation, and hope. Prove your love for your Heavenly Mother by frequently uttering her sacred name with loving confidence.

And the Virgin's name was Mary (Luke 1:27).

Blessed art thou, O Mary, who hast believed that the things which were spoken to thee by the Lord would be fulfilled in thee. After childbearing, O Virgin, thou didst remain undefiled. O Mother of God, intercede for us! Hail Mary. · ·

They shall be mindful of thy name from age to age. Therefore the people will give thanks to thee forever. Pray for the people; plead for priests; intercede for devout women. May all who celebrate the memory of thy holy name obtain thy help! Hail Mary. · ·

Mary speaks: I am the salvation of the people. In whatever distress they may cry to me, I will hear them. In dangers, in sufferings, in doubt, think of Mary and invoke her aid. Let Mary be always in your heart and often upon your lips. To obtain her help in death, follow her example in life. In following her, you will not go astray; by praying to her, you will not despair; if you cling to her, you will not go wrong. With her support, you fall not; under her protection you have no fear; under her guidance you do not grow weary; if she is gracious to you, you will reach the port. Thus you will experience how rightly it is said: "And the Virgin's name was Mary."

Grant, we beg Thee, Almighty God, that Thy people who rejoice in the name and in the protection of the most holy Virgin Mary, may by her intercession be delivered from all evil here on earth, and be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This feast is dedicated particularly to the lifelong sorrow of Mary. Precious lessons of patience and resignation may be learned from her life of suffering. Mary, the Queen of Martyrs, is your sublime model of suffering. Ask her to teach you how to bear your cross silently, patiently, and in perfect submission to the will of God, for it is through suffering that you reach happiness, through humiliation that you attain to glory

Mary speaks: Oh, all ye that pass by the way, behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrows (Lamentations 1:12).

V./ Pray for us, 0 Mother most sorrowful,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

0 Lord Jesus Christ, we offer Thee our prayers and sacrifices, that while recalling Thy sufferings we also may dwell on the bitter piercing through of the most sweet heart of Thy Blessed Mother Mary, and through the most powerful and loving intercession of this Queen of Martyrs and of all Thy Saints gathered at the foot of the Cross, we may deserve to be one day numbered with the blessed by the merits of Thy Death. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

By the special intervention of Mary, St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymond of Pennafort, and King James of Aragon established an Order for the redemption of captives in the 13th century under the name of Our Lady of Mercy. Under Mary's special protection the Order grew rapidly. These laymen devoted themselves not only to collecting alms for the ransom of Christian captives, but even gave themselves up to voluntary slavery. It was to return thanks to God and the Blessed Virgin that the feast of Our Lady of Ransom was instituted. Ask Our Lady of Mercy to ransom sinners from the captivity of Satan, and to free the Souls in purgatory.

He has given help to Israel His servant, mindful of His mercy (Luke 1: 5 4).

0 Mary; thou art favored more than all other women on earth, for in the presence of our God thou hast aided us in our weakness. Rule over us, thou and thy Son, because thou hast freed us from the hands of our enemies!

Mary speaks: He that shall find me, shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord (Prov. 8:35).

O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Thy Son wast pleased to give new children to Thy Church for the deliverance of Christ's faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we pray Thee, that we who affectionately honor her as the Foundress of so great a Work, may, by her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and the bondage of hell. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

This feast was instituted to commemorate the victory of Christianity over the forces of Islam at the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. The victory was brought about through the recitation of the Rosary. In thanksgiving for another victory over the same foes in Hungary in 1715, the feast was extended to the whole Church. In the course of centuries the Rosary has been a source of abundant blessings. In her apparitions at Lourdes, France, in 1858, and again at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, Mary urged Catholics to pray the Rosary frequently and fervently in order to bring about the conversion of sinners and a lasting world peace. Resolve to say your Rosary every day! Besides being a beautiful tribute of love to your Heavenly Mother, it will be your support and joy in life and your consolation at the hour of death.

Who is she who came forth like the sun, and as lovely as Jerusalem? Around her, as in springtime, were roses and lilies of the valley (Canticle). Let us devoutly celebrate the glorious feast of the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, that she may intercede for us with Jesus Christ our Lord! Glory be to the Father...

O powerful Virgin, thou art like the Tower of David: Thou art most beautiful and amiable, O Daughter of Sion; lovely as the moon, brilliant as the sun, awe-inspiring as an army set in array (Cant. 6:3). The Lord gave thee His own power, for through thee He completely overcame our enemies. Hail Mary...

O Virgin Mary, most noble Queen of the world, plead for peace and salvation in our behalf, for thou didst bring forth Christ the Lord, Savior of us all. Hail Mary...

0 blessed Mother and spotless Virgin, glorious Queen of the world, may all who celebrate the solemnity of the most holy Rosary feel thy help! Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: I have budded forth as the rose planted by the brooks of water (Ecclus. 39]17).

May we be helped, 0 Lord, we beseech Thee, by the prayers of Thy most holy Mother, whose Rosary we are honoring, that we may draw strength from the mysteries which we reverence and obtain the effect of the sacrament which we have received. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

V./ Queen of the most holy Rosary,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

0 God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection obtained for us the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beg Thee that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From all eternity God thought of the Virgin of Nazareth as the future Mother of His Son. At the Annunciation, Mary became the Mother of God. This is her most exalted title, the source of all her other privileges. On Calvary Christ gave His Mother to all men to be their spiritual Mother, so that through her they might come to God as through her He came to them. It is the will of Jesus that you love His Mother. Love her because she is your very own. How can you fail to love her whom Jesus loved so tenderly?

Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:31).

Let us celebrate the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary.! Let us adore Christ the Lord, her Son! Glory be to the Father...

Blessed and worthy of veneration art thou, 0 Virgin Mary, who, while remaining a Virgin, didst become the Mother of the Savior! When He who rules heaven and earth became man, He dwelt within thy womb. Hail Mary...

0 Virgin Mother of God, thy Motherhood announced joy to the whole world, for from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. Thou gavest birth to Him who created thee and still thou remainest a Virgin. Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, intercede for us! Hail Mary...

The Lord blessed thee, 0 Daughter, for from thee we have received the Fruit of Life. Thou alone, without an equal, hast pleased our Lord Jesus Christ. Despise not our prayers in our needs, and deliver us from all dangers, 0 holy Mother of God! Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: Behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed, because He who is mighty has done great things for me (Luke 1:48).

V./ Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God,
R./ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Mary, your Heavenly Mother, was most pure. The slightest taint of original sin never soiled the lily-white purity of her soul. She was untouched by the imperfections that mar even the holiest lives. No thought, word or deed of hers ever savored of earth, but everything was centered in God. Pray to your Mother most pure that she may be the kind protectress of your purity and permit no sin ever to soil the beauty of your soul.

As the lily among thorns, so is my beloved among the daughters (Cant. 2: 2 ).

Thou art all fair, O Mary, and the stain Of original sin is not in thee. Thou art the Glory of Jerusalem; thou art the Joy of Israel; thou art the Honor of our people (Judith 15:10). Draw us, O Immaculate Virgin! We shall come after thee, breathing the sweet fragrance of thy virtues (Cant. 1: 3). Hail Mary...

Mary speaks:

The fear of the Lord hates evil: I hate pride and every wicked way (Prov. 8:13).

Grant us, we beseech Thee, Almighty and Eternal God, that solemnly Venerating the spotless virginity of the most pure Virgin Mary, we may by her intercession obtain purity of mind and body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

It is an ancient tradition that at the age of three, Mary was solemnly offered to God in the temple by the hands of the high priest. She lived in the apartments of the temple and spent her early years in prayer and work in the service of the temple. Mary's first offering of herself was most pleasing to God. The Father looked upon her as His beloved Daughter; the Son, as the one chosen to become His Mother; the Holy Spirit, as His Immaculate Spouse. Under the patronage of your Heavenly Mother consecrate your whole life to God.

Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me (Prov. 9:4).

Kind and lovable art thou in thy splendor, O holy Mother of God! Show me thy face. Let thy words sound in my ears, for thy voice is sweet and thy face is beautiful. Turn to us in thy beauty and loveliness! Come forth in majesty and reign! Hail Mary...

O blessed Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, Temple of the Lord, Sanctuary of the Holy Ghost, thou alone, without an equal, hast pleased our Lord Jesus Christ! Hail Mary...

Happy indeed art thou, 0 holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our Lord. Draw us, 0 Immaculate Virgin; we shall come after thee, breathing the sweet fragrance of thy virtues! Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: I have asked the Lord for one thing, and this I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; that I may enjoy the delights of the Lord and visit His temple (Ps. 26:4). In the holy dwelling place I have ministered before Him (Ecclus. 24:14). V./ Grant that I may praise thee, 0 holy Virgin, R./ Give me strength against thy enemies.

O God, who hast willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary, herself the dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit, should this day be presented in the temple, grant we pray Thee, that through her intercession we may be found worthy to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Through her motherly prayers Mary, can influence the designs of Divine Providence in our regard. Her intercession with God is more powerful than that of the saints. When Jesus entrusted you to the care of His Mother, He gave her to you to be your very own. She proves her motherly love for you by providing for your spiritual and temporal needs. Appeal to your Mother of Divine Providence, for she both understands your needs and is most willing to help you.

And the wine having run short, the Mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "What wouldst thou have Me to do, Woman? My hour has not yet come." His Mother said to the attendants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2: 3-5).

O Lord God, be kind to us who approach Thy throne of grace with confidence, that by the intercession of the most loving Mother of Divine Providence, we may obtain mercy and find help when we need it. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, intercede for us! Hail Mary..

Mary speaks: He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich He has sent away empty (Luke 1:53).

O God, who in Thy Providence never failest, we suppliantly ask Thee, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Thy Son, to remove all evils and provide us with that which will profit us. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

In 1830 the Blessed Virgin appeared to Catherine Laboure, a Sister of Charity, and showed her the pattern of a medal and said to her, "Have a medal struck after this model. Persons who wear it will receive great graces." It has since been known as the "Miraculous Medal," because of the many miracles which have been wrought through it. Honor the image of your Immaculate Mother as a token of your love for her.

A great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Apoc. 12:1).

Glorious things are told about thee, 0 City of God! Thou art the Glory of Jerusalem; thou art the Joy of Israel; thou art the Honor of our people. Hail Mary...

Thou art the Gate of Heaven and the Morning Star, 0 Virgin Mary, Mother of the eternal King, and our Queen! Make us pleasing to thy Son, for all virtue, honor and glory shine forth from thee. 0 holy Mother of God, we fly to thy patronage. Our Mother, our Queen, take us as thine own. Hail Mary...

Mary, perform miracles and work marvels anew! Make thy power appear glorious! Hasten the time of our deliverance and be mindful of thy promises. Let mankind proclaim thy wondrous deeds. Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of holiness He has covered me, as a bride adorned with her jewels (Isa. 61:10).

0 Lord Jesus Christ, who hast willed that the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, sinless from the first moment of her conception, should be glorified by countless miracles, grant that we, who never cease imploring her patronage, may obtain eternal happiness. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.

V./ Incline unto my aid, 0 God!
R./ O Lord ! make haste to help me.

V./ Glory be to the Father, etc.
R/. As it was, etc.

1. Immaculate Virgin, who, conceived without sin, didst direct every movement of thy most pure heart to that God Who Was ever the object of Thy love, and Who wast ever most submissive to His will, obtain for me the grace to hate sin with my whole heart, and to learn of thee to live in perfect resignation to the will of God. Our Father and Hail Mary

2. I marvel, Mary, at thy deep humility, through which Thy blessed heart was troubled at the gracious message brought thee by Gabriel the archangel that thou wast chosen Mother of the Son of the Most High, and through which thou didst proclaim thyself His humble handmaid: wherefore, in great confusion at the sight of my pride, I ask thee for the grace of a contrite and humble heart, that, knowing my own misery, I may obtain that crown of glory promised to the truly humble of heart. Our Father and Hail Mary

3. Blessed Virgin, who in thy sweetest heart didst keep, as a precious treasure, the words of Jesus thy Son, and, pondering on the lofty mysteries they contained, didst learn to live for God alone, how doth my cold heart confound me. O dearest Mother, get me grace so to meditate within my heart upon God's holy law that I may strive to follow thee in the fervent practice of every Christian virtue. Our Father and Hail Mary

4. Glorious Queen of martyrs, whose sacred heart was pierced in thy Son's bitter passion by the sword whereof the holy old man Simeon had prophesied, gain for my heart true courage and a holy patience to bear the troubles and misfortunes of this miserable life, that so, by crucifying my flesh with its desires, while following the mortification of the cross, I may, indeed, show myself to be a true son of thine. Our Father and Hail Mary

5. O Mary, mystical rose, whose loving heart, burning with the living fire of charity, did accept us for thy sons at the foot of the Cross, becoming thus our tender Mother, make me feel the sweetness of thy maternal heart and thy power with Jesus, that when menaced by the perils of this mortal life, and most of all in the dread hour of death, my heart, united with thine own, may love my Jesus then and through all ages. Amen. Our Father and Hail Mary

O HEART of Mary, I honor thee as the heart most pleasing to Our Lord and most intimately united to Him. I love thee as the heart of the best of mothers, and I rejoice in thy glorious prerogatives. Prostrate before thee, 0 heart of Mary, I make thee this humble act of reparation for all the outrages which thou hast received from me and from all mankind. I humbly confess that I have been guilty of the greatest ingratitude towards thee; but seeing that, through thee, the divine mercy has so often had regard unto me, I venture even yet to hope that thou wilt not abandon me. In this sweet confidence I am animated by a most earnest desire to be more faithful and more devoted to thee. I pray thee to accept all the good that henceforth I am resolved to do, to present it to thy dear Son Jesus, so that, through thee, my most loving Savior may pour down His benedictions more and more on me, and on all who are dear unto me. Amen.

O HEART of Mary, I offer, I consecrate to thee my heart; thou shalt ever be the object of my veneration, love, and confidence; I will pay thee my devotions every day; I will celebrate thy feasts with joy; I will proclaim thy greatness and thy goodness without ceasing; I will neglect no means of obtaining thee the honor and the homage which are due unto thee; I will bring all the thoughts and affections of my heart into conformity with thine; and I will make it my duty to imitate thy virtues, especially thy purity and thy humility. Vouchsafe, O Mary, to open to me thy heart, and to receive me therein, in union with all thy dear and faithful children. Obtain for me the grace I need to imitate thee, as thou hast imitated Jesus Christ; succor me in all dangers, console me in all afflictions, and teach me how to make a holy use of all the goods and ills of life. Amen. May the divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate heart of Mary be always, and in all places, acknowledged, praised, blessed, loved, and faithfully honored and glorified; Amen.

O IMMACULATE heart of Mary, I have nothing in myself to offer thee that is worthy of thee; but what thanks ought I not to pay thee for all the favors which thou hast obtained for me from the Heart of Jesus ! What reparation ought I not to make thee for all my tepidity in thy service. I desire to return thee love for love; the only good that I possess is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which thou thyself hast given me. I offer thee this treasure of infinite price; I cannot do more, and thou dost not deserve less at my hands; but, receiving from me this gift most precious in thy sight, be pleased, I beseech thee, to accept my heart which I here offer to thee, and I shall be forever blessed. Amen.

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