Reflection: The Memorare...

Saint Bernard wrote about the great spiritual advantage of true devotion to our Blessed Mother in a wonderful prayer, "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."

Our Mother Mary understands the sufferings and hurts in our hearts. Let us bring them to her and ask for her intercession to her Beloved Son Jesus. Her heart was pierced when she heard Simeon's words, as she held her precious baby. She did not understand, but she kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Let us look to Mary and bring to her our sufferings and those for whom we pray by praying the Memorare.

Mary was petitioned as "Mother of God" at least by the 3rd Century, in the Sub Tuum prayer:  This prayer, known in Latin as "Sub tuum Praesidium" was first found in a Greek papyrus, c. 300, and is the oldest known prayer to the Virgin:

We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God. Listen to our prayers and help us in all our needs. Save us from every danger, glorious and blessed Virgin.

The "Memorare" is a sixteenth-century version of a fifteenth-century prayer that began "Ad sanctitatis tuae pedes, dulcissima Virgo Maria." Claude Bernard (1588-1641) popularized the idea that the "Memorare" was written by Saint Bernard.

The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you 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. 

On earth, the Blessed Virgin Mary offered her life in obedient service which is true worship of God. In heaven, she leads the song of eternal praise which rises like incense before the throne of God.  Let us imitate Mary and ponder everything in our heart.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.