"Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary … in danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart … If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination."
Saint Bernard was an Abbot and he was named a Doctor of the Church. During his lifetime, he suffered with many anxieties and illnesses but never complained about his health. In his devotion to Mary, he teaches us that we can turn to her in all our needs.
Mary is our Mother. She understands us and she knows our sufferings. Let us ask for her intercession to Jesus. Her heart was pierced when she heard Simeon's words, as she held her precious baby. She did not understand, but she kept and pondered all things in her heart. Let us unite our sufferings and those of our children and those for whom we pray with Mary. We turn to Mary for protection.
The "Memorare" is a sixteenth-century version of a fifteenth-century prayer that was written by Saint Bernard:
Remember, most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother, to you do I come before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.
Holy Mother of God, listen to our prayers and save us from every danger. O glorious and Blessed Virgin Mary, help us to imitate you, to ponder everything in our hearts and turn to you in all our needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment