Mary, Hope for salvation
MOST holy and immaculate Virgin, my Mother, You are the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the world, the advocate, hope, and refuge of sinners.
I, the most miserable among them, come to you today. I venerate you, great Queen, and thank you for the many graces you have bestowed on me. I thank you especially for having saved me so many times from the punishment of God which I deserved.
I love you, most lovable Lady. By the love which I have for you, I promise ever to serve you, and to do as much as I can to make you loved by others. I put all my hope in you, my entire salvation.
Receive me as your servant, Mother of mercy, and cover me with the mantle of your protection. Since you are so powerful with God, free me from all temptations, or, at least, obtain for me the grace to overcome them until death.
I ask of you a true love for Jesus Christ. Through you I hope to die a good death. My Mother, by the love you have for God, I beg you to help me always, and most of all at the last moment of my life. Do not leave me until you see me safe in heaven. I hope to thank and praise you there forever.
St. Alphonsus Liguori (+1787)
Mary, Help of Christians
MARY, powerful Virgin, you are the mighty and glorious protector of the Church. You are the marvelous help of Christians. You are awe-inspiring as an army in battle array. You have destroyed heresy in the world. In the midst of our anguish, our struggle and our distress, defend us from the power of the enemy, and at the hour of our death receive our soul in heaven. The help of God and of Mary will not fail you…I recommend devotion to Mary Help of Christians and frequent Holy Communion…
Words of St. John Bosco on his deathbed
MEMORARE
REMEMBER, 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 to you, Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
St Bernard
