Quotes on Mary,

Our Blessed Mother:

Scripture meditation: Because he clung to me, I will deliver him; I will defend him because he has known my name. Psalms 91:14

Reflection: Have devotion to the holy Name of Mary; ask God for it! Think of this blessed Name and invoke it often with all the respect and veneration it deserves.

St. John Baptist de la Salle (1651-1719AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, educator, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools

Prayer: O Mary, grant me a loving devotion to your holy Name. Let me repeat often each day an invocation to it like: "May every age be mindful of your holy Name."

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Scripture meditation: I am wearied with groaning; night after night I flood my bed with weeping. I water my couch with tears; sorrow dims my eyes. Psalms 6:7-8

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary never departed -- not even slightly -- from the precepts and examples of her Divine Son.

Venerable Pope Pius XII (1876-1958AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1939-1958) Italian; He supported several reforms in the Papal States, which included central Italy, and several outlying areas, such as Assisi. Gained a reputation for being a patriotic, and reforming Pope.

Prayer: O Mary, you remained united with God in spite of heartbreak and sorrow. Help me to follow your example and make use of sorrow to remain united to you and your Divine Son Jesus.

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Scripture meditation: Observe the upright and consider the just, for posterity awaits the man of peace. Psalms 37:37

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary comforts and refreshes those who are in their last agony. Then she also receives their souls at death.

St. Vicent Ferrer (1350-1419AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; Dominican priest, missionary

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of a Happy Death. Take care of me in my last moments of life. Defend me from the wiles of the devil and receive me into paradise.

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Scripture meditation: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in the dark, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Reflection: The name "Mary" means light or star of the sea. For it was Mary who brought forth the Eternal Light, Jesus Christ!

St. Isidore of Seville (560-636AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; bishop, scholar, educator, liturgist, philosopher, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are our shining star pointing the way to your Divine Son. Amid the darkness and evil running rampant in today's world, let me always keep my eyes on Jesus!

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Scripture meditation: You shall also forget misery … and brightness like the noonday shall come to you at evening. And you shall have confidence and rest secure. Job 11:16-18

Reflection: On every occasion and in every way, Mary comes to the aid of our misery, calms our fears, and perks up our faith. She sustains our hope, dispels our misgivings, and remedies our laxity.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, mystical writer, theologian, reformer of the Cistercian Order, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are our consolation and our help. Come to my aid especially in time of trial when I am vulnerable. Make me remember all that Jesus did for me and keep me faithful to Him.

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Scripture meditation: Her riches I do not conceal. For she is an inexhaustible treasure for all; those who acquire her achieve friendship with God, commended to him by the gifts that derive from her instruction. Wisdom 7:13-14

Reflection: Mary adorns her clients with her merits, assists them with her power, enlightens them with her light, and kindles them with her love. She imparts her virtues to them and becomes their security, their intercessor, and their all with Jesus.

St. Louis Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, spiritual writer founder of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom and the Missionaries of the Company of Mary

Prayer: O Mary, you are a treasure to your clients. Keep my relationship with you strong and vital. Let me never weary of practicing my devotion to you and help me spread it to others..

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Scripture meditation: You have turned my mourning into dancing in place of sackcloth you have robed me in joy, that my soul may praise you forever. Psalms 30:12-13

Reflection: Mary is the arsenal of graces, and she rushes to the aid of her children. She sustains, strengthens, and renews them by means of the heavenly favors she heaps on them.

St. Paulinus of Nola (354-431AD)
Mini-Bio: Gallic; husband and father, bishop, poet

Prayer: O Mary, you are very generous with the graces entrusted to you. Grant that I may not take the graces I receive for granted but instead ever seek to cooperate with them.

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Scripture meditation: When he established the heavens I was there, when he enclosed the depths within their bounds. Proverbs 8:27

Reflection: O Mary, you possess the authority of a Mother toward God. Therefore, it is impossible for you not to be heard, for God always treats you like His true and immaculate Mother.

St. Germanus (469-576AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, bishop of Paris

Prayer: O Mary, you have the ear of God because you are the Mother of God. Place before Him the needs of the whole world and keep me close to you at every moment.

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Scripture meditation: I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, my mercy is upon you. And I will build you up again. Jeremiah 31:3-4

Reflection: O Mother of Love, I am not surprised that the excess of your love for your poor children is so admirable. Indeed, such love forever sends into ecstasy the inhabitants of heaven.

St. John Eudes (1601-1680AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, founder of seminaries and of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists)

Prayer: O Mary, your love for us knows no bounds and is beyond human comprehension. Help me always to reciprocate that love and come to you with childlike confidence and gratitude.

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Scripture meditation: My dearest children … in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel, I am your father. Therefore, imitate me as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 4:14-16

Reflection: Jesus entrusted me to His Mother and charged me to love her. O Mary, you are my heavenly Mother. You will act toward me like any Mother toward her children!

St. Gemma Galgani (1878-1903AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; visionary, stigmatist

Prayer: O Mary, you are my spiritual Mother and the Mother of my salvation. Let me glory in your care and be obedient to your loving promptings during each day.

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Scripture meditation: Wealth and honor are from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might; to give honor and strength to all. 1 Chronicles 29:12

Reflection: To be the Mother of God is the greatest grace that can be conferred on a creature. God could make a greater world and a greater heaven, but He cannot exalt a creature more than by making her His Mother.

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are God's masterpiece and the jewel of the human race. Let me render to you the honor you deserve and render to God thanks for the great grace bestowed on us in you.

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Scripture meditation: In the beginning, God created heaven and earth. … God said, "Let there be ['Fiat'] light," and there was light. … Genesis 1:1-3

Reflection: Scarcely had Mary uttered her Fiat ["Let it be done"] when the Son of God became also the Son of Mary. O Fiat to be venerated above every other Fiat! For with a 'Fiat' God created light, heaven and earth; but with Mary's 'Fiat' God became man, like us!

St. Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; archbishop, Augustinian provincial, university professor, reformer, chaplain to the emperor

Prayer: O Mary, you cooperated fully in God's plan of salvation. Let me realize that God has given each of us something unique to do. Help me to say each day "Let it be done" to whatever God wants of me.

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Scripture meditation: Give praise O daughter of Zion. … Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. Zephaniah 3:14

Reflection: What is the language of the Angel sent to the most pure Virgin? "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you." He is a messenger of joy, and it is with joy that he opens the conversation.

St. Sophronius (634-639AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; patriarch of Jerusalem, monk, poet, ecclesiastical writer and central theologian for orthodox teaching

Prayer: O Mary, what joy must have been yours at the news that the Son of God would be within you! Let me rejoice too in the knowledge that I also am called to bear Jesus within me through grace.

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Scripture meditation: Mary, you have found grace with God. Behold you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. Luke 1:31

Reflection: O Mary, when Jesus was conceived in you, He found you a Virgin. After being born of you, He left you a Virgin. He gives you fertility, but He does not violate your integrity.

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430AD)
Mini-Bio: North African; bishop, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you were a Virgin in conceiving, in bearing your Child, and in dying. Teach me that with God nothing is impossible, and let me face life confidently with the aid of His grace.

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Scripture meditation: The father of a just man greatly rejoices. … Let your father and mother be joyful; let her who bore you rejoice. Proverbs 23:24-25

Reflection: There is no doubt whatever that all the praises we address to the Mother are also addressed to the Son and vice versa.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, mystical writer, theologian, reformer of the Cistercian Order, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are forever connected with Jesus as His Mother and as His closest disciple. Let me never hesitate to honor you for in doing so I am honoring your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother." And from that moment the disciple took her into his home. John 19:27

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin directs to us all the acts that every mother lavishes on her children. She loves us, watches over us, protects us, and intercedes for us.

Blessed Pope John XXIII (1881-1963AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1958-1963) Italian; He advanced cooperation with other faiths and traditions including Protestant and Greek Orthodox. Doubled the number of cardinals, making the college the largest in history and convened Vatican II, on 11 October 1962.

Prayer: O Mary, you love me and take care of me like a true Mother. Let me have constant recourse to you in all my problems and benefit from your maternal assistance.

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Scripture meditation: Christ … suffered for you, leaving you an example that you may follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was uttered by his mouth." 1 Peter 2:21-22

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin never committed any actual sin -- not even a venial one. Otherwise, she would not have been a Mother, worthy of Jesus. The Son would have shared the ignominy of the Mother, for He would have had a sinner for His Mother.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; Dominican philosopher, theologian, mystic, hymnist, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, through the grace of Jesus you remained forever free from all sin. Obtain forgiveness of my past sins from your Divine Son and help me to avoid sin in the future.

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Scripture meditation: You will sing as on a night when a festival is celebrated, and have joy of heart, as when people go with flutes to the mountain of God. Isaiah 30:29

Reflection: Rejoice and be glad, for you have the Blessed Virgin for your Mother. Serve her with great joy, for she is very deserving of it. Have recourse to her in all difficulties, and you will always be helped.

St. Joachima Vedruna de Mas (1783-1854AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; mother of eight children, widow, founded the Institute of the Carmelites of Charity

Prayer: O Mary, I thank God for giving you to us as our Mother and I rejoice in your saving help. May I stay close to you in good times and in bad, for you are keenly interested in all that concerns me.

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Scripture meditation: Her I loved and from my youth sought her out. … She manifests here noble birth by union of life with God, for the Lord of all has loved her. Wisdom 8:2-3

Reflection: My hope for you is that with every passing day and every passing moment you will get closer to Mary Immaculate. May you come to know her ever better and love her ever more.

St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941AD)
Mini-Bio: Polish; Franciscan priest, founder of Knights of Mary Immaculate, martyr

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Immaculate Mother of God. Let me come to know you better and love you more each day. And let me cooperate with all the graces you dispense to me at every moment.

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Scripture meditation: Joseph … did as the angel .. had commanded him and took Mary as his wife. He did not know her until she brought forth a son, and he called him Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25

Reflection: The Church is indebted to Mary because it is Mary who gave the Church her King, Jesus Christ. After the Blessed Virgin, it is to St. Joseph that the Church owes the most gratitude and veneration.

St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, Franciscan vicar general, preacher, reformer

Prayer: O Mary, you loved Joseph and depended on him as the head of the Holy Family at Nazareth. Help me to have a great devotion to him and to call upon him in times of doubt and fear.

footnote: "Until she bore a son": the evangelist is concerned to emphasize that Joseph was not responsible for the conception of Jesus. The Greek word translated "until" does not imply normal marital conduct after Jesus' birth, nor does it exclude it.

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Scripture meditation: Joseph … did as the angel .. had commanded him and took Mary as his wife. He did not know her until she brought forth a son, and he called him Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25

Reflection: The Church is indebted to Mary because it is Mary who gave the Church her King, Jesus Christ. After the Blessed Virgin, it is to St. Joseph that the Church owes the most gratitude and veneration.

St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, Franciscan vicar general, preacher, reformer

Prayer: O Mary, you loved Joseph and depended on him as the head of the Holy Family at Nazareth. Help me to have a great devotion to him and to call upon him in times of doubt and fear.

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 Scripture meditation: A woman has sorrow when about to give birth. … ; but when the child has been brought forth … , she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child is born into the world. John 16:21

Reflection: Mary paid the debt of gratitude that was due from womankind because of Eve. Not of man, but immaculately of her own self, she conceived of the Holy Spirit by the power of God.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386AD)
Mini-Bio: Palestinian; bishop, scholar, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, by your conception of Jesus you furthered the Divine Plan of Salvation and laid the basis for a theology of woman. Let me learn from you how sublime is the role of women in the world.

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Scripture meditation: Whoever hears you hears me. Whoever rejects you, rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me. Luke 10:16

Reflection: Do not be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her enough. And Jesus will be very happy, because the Blessed Virgin is His Mother.

St. Theresa of Lisieux (1873-1897AD)
Mini-Bio: French; Carmelite mystic, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, when Christians show love and honor to you, they show love and honor to your Son. Let my love for you grow every day and redound to the glory of Jesus and to my salvation.

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Scripture meditation: I consider all as loss … so as to know him and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings, becoming like him in death, and hoping somehow to attain the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:8-11

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith and loyally persevered in her union with her Son unto the Cross. … There she united herself with a maternal heart to His sufferings.

Vatican II: Lumen Gentium/The Church, 59 (1962-1965AD)
Mini-Bio: 21st Ecumenical council: Convened by John XXIII 1958-1963; Closed by Paul VI 1963-1978: Descisions: Issued pastoral documents on the renewal and reform of the Church, intending to make the Church more effective in dealing with the contemporary world.

Prayer: O Mary, you suffered with Jesus as you stood beneath the Cross and you offered your suffering with His. Help me to accept my daily crosses without complaint and offer them for the good of the world.

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Scripture meditation: Whom do I have in heaven but you? And when I am in your presence, the earth delights me not. … God is my heart's strength and my heritage for ever. Psalms 73:25-26

Reflection: Divine love so penetrated and filled the soul of Mary that no part of her was left untouched. She loved with her whole heart, with her whole soul, with her whole strength, and was full of grace.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, mystical writer, theologian, reformer of the Cistercian Order, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you chose God as the one thing necessary. Teach me to set my heart on God and help me to carry out His saving plan for me on earth.

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Scripture meditation: Teach me to do your will, since you are my God. Your Spirit is good; may it lead me on level ground. Psalms 143:10

Reflection: This faithful handmaid never, in either thought or word or deed, contradicted the Most High. Entirely despoiled of her own will, Mary loved always and in all things obedient to the will of God.

St. Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; archbishop, Augustinian provincial, university professor, reformer, chaplain to the emperor

Prayer: O Mary, you obeyed God in all things. Help me to obey the Divine will for me down to the least detail, no matter how difficult it may seem. For in doing God's will is my good.

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Scripture meditation: The Lord our God is one! You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, with your whole mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12:29-30

Reflection: Divine love so inflamed Mary that nothing earthly could enter her affections. She was always enkindled with God's heavenly ardor and, so to speak, inebriated with it.

St. Sophronius (634-639AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; patriarch of Jerusalem, monk, poet, ecclesiastical writer and central theologian for orthodox teaching

Prayer: O Mary, the eyes of your soul were constantly on God with love. Help me to love God with an undivided heart and with the full force of all my being.

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Scripture meditation: In a robe of striking colors she is led to the king; behind her the virgin companions are brought to you. They are borne in with gladness and rejoicing; they enter the palace of the king. Psalms 45:15-16

Reflection: With reason is Mary called "the Virgin of virgins": for she, without the counsel or example of others, was the first who offered her virginity to God. Thus did she bring all virgins who imitate her to God, as David foretold (in Psalm 45).

St. Albert the Great (1206-1280AD)
Mini-Bio: German; scientist, philosopher, theologian and Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Virgin of virgins. Let me be true to my state in life. May I prize purity as the best means of remaining united with God.

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Scripture meditation: It is good for me to be close to God, to trust always in the Lord God, I will proclaim all your deeds. Psalms 78:28

Reflection: Hope takes its rise in faith. God enlightens us by faith to know His goodness and the promises He has made and so rise by hope to the desire of possessing Him.

St. Alphonusus Liguori (1696-1787AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; bishop, Doctor of the Church, founder and first superior of the Redemptorists

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of Hope. Help me never to despair. In every difficulty, lead me to rely on God's promises and place my hope in Him completely.

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Scripture meditation: Give and it shall be given to you; a good measure … shall they pour into your lap. For with the same measure that you use, it shall be measured out for you.. Luke 6:38

Reflection: Blessed are they, says the Divine Mother, who pay attention to my charity and, in imitation of me, practice it toward others. Our charity toward our neighbor will be the measure of that which God and Mary will show us.

St. Alphonusus Liguori (1696-1787AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; bishop, Doctor of the Church, founder and first superior of the Redemptorists

Prayer: O Mary, you always showed true charity toward others. Enable me to overcome my human prejudices and be charitable to all people, for they are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

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Scripture meditation: Remember us, O Lord. Reveal yourself in this time of our tribulation, and give me courage, O King of gods and Master of every dominion. Est C: 23 (14:12)

Reflection: Great was the mercy of Mary toward the afflicted when she was still on earth. But it is far greater now that she is in heaven. For she better sees the miseries suffered by human beings.

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you continually come to the aid of the afflicted in this world. Pray for me during my earthly exile and bring me safely to heaven's blissful shore.

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Scripture meditation: The angel answered and said to [Mary], "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you." Luke 1:35

Reflection: The Holy Spirit heated, inflamed, and melted Mary with love, as fire does to iron. Thus, the flame of this Holy Spirit was seen, and nothing was felt but the fire of the love of God.

St. Ildephonsus (607-667AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; monk, Abbot of Agli, Archbishop of Toledo, founded and endowed a monastery of nuns

Prayer: O Mary, you were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and with overwhelming love for God. Obtain for me a greater love for God that will overflow in more frequent prayer and a more dedicated Christian life.

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Scripture meditation: Do not remain in the company of drunkards nor with those who gorge themselves at meals. For they soon come to ruin and are clothed in rags. Proverbs 23:20-21

Reflection: Mary would never have found such grace had she not been moderate in her food. For grace and gluttony cannot exist together.

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you were a model of self-control with your food. Help me to avoid any kind of gluttony so that I may always be ready to cooperate with the grace of Jesus in me.

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Scripture meditation: Who singles you out? What do you have that you have not received? And if you have received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 1 Corinthians 4:7

Reflection: How dear are humble souls to Mary! She recognizes and loves those who love her and is near to all who call upon her. This is especially true of those who she sees are like her in chastity and humility.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, mystical writer, theologian, reformer of the Cistercian Order, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you love humility because you know how little we are when set against God's greatness. Help me to be ever grateful to the Lord for His overwhelming goodness to me.

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Scripture meditation: You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not overcome it. Matthew 16:18

Reflection: Peter was entrusted with the Church, the Mother of human beings, but John was entrusted with Mary, the Mother of God. John loved her like his own mother and was loved by her as her own son.

St. Peter Damian (1001-1072AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Benedictine prior, spiritual writer, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of the Church as well as Mother of God. Keep me close to you so that I may be a true child of God and a faithful member of His holy Church.

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Scripture meditation: Do not be deceived. … Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. James 1:16-17

Reflection: Devotion to the Blessed Virgin in no way detracts from the glory of God. Rather it leads us directly back to that Author of all good Who has willed her to be so great and so pure.

Venerable Pope Pius XII (1876-1958AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1939-1958) Italian; He supported several reforms in the Papal States, which included central Italy, and several outlying areas, such as Assisi. Gained a reputation for being a patriotic, and reforming Pope.

Prayer: O Mary, honor paid to you always leads to the praise of God. Grant me a true devotion to you, so that I may be more deeply devoted to your Divine Son, Jesus, Who is our Redeemer.

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Scripture meditation: Blessed are you who have believed because the things promised you by the Lord shall be fulfilled. Luke 1:45

Reflection: Mary was blessed by conceiving the flesh of Christ. But she was even more blessed by receiving the faith of Christ!

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430AD)
Mini-Bio: North African; bishop, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are forever identified as "the Virgin who believed." Grant me some measure of the faith you exhibited. Help me to believe in God's Word more and more every day.

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Scripture meditation: Even though I should walk in the valley of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff comfort me. Psalms 23:4

Reflection: Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd and our Mother, is renowned for obtaining all kinds of good things for her children. May she always be our trust and our hope!

St. Germanus (469-576AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, bishop of Paris

Prayer: O Mary, you continually watch over the flock of your Divine Son. Be ever at my side with your unfailing aid, so that I may follow the Good Shepherd closely and dwell in the house of the Lord forever

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Scripture meditation: I count life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry given to me … to bear witness to the Gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

Reflection: O my Mother, let it be done to me! Let life be done to me! Let suffering be done to me! Let even death be done to me, O Mother, as long as I remain united with your Immaculate Heart!

St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879AD)
Mini-Bio: French; visionary of Marian apparitions at Lourdes

Prayer: O Mary, I offer myself entirely to God through your hands and after your example. I accept whatever He wills for me and ask you to keep me faithful to this resolve.

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Scripture meditation: Say to the daughter of Zion: See, your savior comes! Behold, his reward is with him, his recompense before him. Isaiah 62:11

Reflection: Mary stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord, who confidently hope for and receive salvation from Him. She is also the exalted Daughter of Zion in whom the times are fulfilled and the New Plan of salvation is established.

Vatican II: Lumen Gentium/The Church, 55 (1962-1965AD)
Mini-Bio: 21st Ecumenical council: Convened by John XXIII 1958-1963; Closed by Paul VI 1963-1978: Descisions: Issued pastoral documents on the renewal and reform of the Church, intending to make the Church more effective in dealing with the contemporary world.

Prayer: O Mary, you are the humble yet exalted Daughter of the Lord. Teach me true humility, which is so prized by your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: Together with her, all good things come to me, and in her hands are countless riches. And I delighted in them all, since … she was their mother. Wisdom 7:11-12

Reflection: Mary is the Mother and Dispensatrix of all grace. Every servant of the great Queen should affirm: "Thanks to my devotion to Mary, all blessings have come to me."

St. Antoninus (1389-1459AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; Dominican, Archbishop of Florence, wrote a general history of the world

Prayer: O Mary, all that is good in me comes from God through you. I offer you my humble gratitude and ask you to thank your Divine Son on my behalf.

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Scripture meditation: When you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father in secret. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will repay you. Matthew 6:6

Reflection: Mary's whole life was one continual colloquy. It was a colloquy with the heavenly Father and with the Holy Spirit, her Divine Spouse.

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622AD)
Mini-Bio: French; bishop, missionary, cofounder of the Order of the Visitation (Visitandines), Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are our exemplar of prayer. Teach me the science of praying. Help me to set aside each day time for prayer -- with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and your Divine Son Jesus.

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Scripture meditation: Let all who fly to you for refuge rejoice and exult forever. Watch over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalms 5:12

Reflection: Place your trust in Mary and go to her in your sorrows. She will strengthen your will, heal the wounds of your soul, and give you new courage

Venerable Francis Libermann (1802-1852AD)
Mini-Bio: French; convert from Judaism and priest, founded society of priests who would work for the education of newly liberated slaves in the French colonies

Prayer: O Mary, I place all my trust in you. Stay with me always, despite my weaknesses and all kinds of difficulties. Renew my flagging courage and never forsake me.

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Scripture meditation: Then in a dream he saw a ladder resting on the ground, with its top reaching to heaven; and God's angels were ascending and descending. Genesis 28:12

Reflection: Mary may be truly called the Stairway of Heaven. By her God descended from heaven to the world so that by her we might ascend from earth to heaven.

St. Fulgentius (468-533AD)
Mini-Bio: African; bishop of Ruspe, principal theologian of the sixth century, if we do not count St. Gregory. Best known work: "De Fide"

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Stairway to Paradise. Teach me to live in such a way that I may climb a step closer to heaven with each passing day and ultimately attain the Beatific Vision forever.

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Scripture meditation: I spread out my branches like a terebinth, and my branches are glorious and so graceful. Like the vine I bud forth delights, and my blossoms become fair and abundant fruit. Sirach 24:16-17

Reflection: The grace of Mary is outstanding indeed, superabundant and overflowing. It gave glory to heaven, begot God on earth, filled the Angels with joy, and brought peace to the world.

St. Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; monk, priest, prior, superior general and first Patriarch of Venice

Prayer: O Mary, in you is all grace and you hold the key to the grace of Christ. Obtain for me all the graces I need in my state in life and help me to cooperate with them faithfully.

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Scripture meditation: I have sanctified this temple that you have built to put my name upon it forever, and my eyes and my heart will always be there. 1 Kings 9:3

Reflection: In no other spot as much as Lourdes do we feel so impelled toward prayer, forgetfulness of self, and charity. The most fervent are attracted to a life more totally offered to God's service. The less fervent become aware of their tepidity and rediscover the way of prayer. Hardened sinners and unbelievers are often touched by grace..

Venerable Pope Pius XII (1876-1958AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1939-1958) Italian; He supported several reforms in the Papal States, which included central Italy, and several outlying areas, such as Assisi. Gained a reputation for being a patriotic, and reforming Pope.

Prayer: O Mary, turn my heart into a miniature Lourdes where I can honor you each day and receive spiritual strength for my earthly journey.

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Scripture meditation: A great sign appeared in heaven, a woman robed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars upon her head. Revelation 12:1

Reflection: Mary is the glory of Virgins, the joy of Mothers, the bulwark of the Faithful, and the crown of the Church. She is the model of the true Faith, the seat of Piety, the robe of Virtue, and the dwelling place of the Holy Trinity.

St. Proclus (409-485AD)
Mini-Bio: Lycian; philosopher, head of the Platonic school in Athens

Prayer: O Mary, you desire to bring forth true believers in your Divine Son. Help me to be a lifelong follower of Jesus and so deserve to enjoy eternal bliss with you in heaven.

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Scripture meditation: The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before anything was made. From eternity I was brought forth, before the earth was made. Proverbs 8:22-23

Reflection: The Holy Spirit spoke of Mary by the mouth of the Prophets, foretold her by His oracles, and drew her portrait by means of figures. He promised her in the events that preceded her and completed her in the events that followed her.

St. Ildephonsus (607-667AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; monk, Abbot of Agli, Archbishop of Toledo, founded and endowed a monastery of nuns

Prayer: O Mary, both before and after your birth you were looked after by God's wonderful Providence. Make me realize that the same Providence is also guiding every event in this world and in my life.

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Scripture meditation: I am the root and the descendant of David as well as the bright morning star. Revelation 22:16

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary is called the Star of the Sea. Those who sail the ocean seas are guided to the port they seek by carefully observing the stars. In the same way, Christians are guided to heavenly glory by keeping their eyes on Mary.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; Dominican philosopher, theologian, mystic, hymnist, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, bright Morning Star for all the earth, let the rays of your Son's grace shine ever upon me. Be my loving guide until at last I arrive safely at the heavenly shore.

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Scripture meditation: Come eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed for you! … For by me your days will be many and years will be added to your life. Proverbs 9:5,11

Reflection: You never think of Mary without Mary thinking of God on your behalf. Neither do you ever praise and honor God without Mary praising and honoring God in union with you.

St. Louis Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, spiritual writer founder of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom and the Missionaries of the Company of Mary

Prayer: O Mary, I thank God for giving you to human beings as our intercessor. Help me to collaborate with you in praising God and in saving the souls of those whom Jesus cam to redeem.

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Scripture meditation: Set me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death, and jealousy as hard as the netherworld; its flames are a blazing fire. Song of Solomon 8:6

Reflection: O Mother of love, you have given me your Heart. Now take firm possession of my heart and offer it completely to the pure love and sole glory of your beloved Son.

St. John Eudes (1601-1680AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, founder of seminaries and of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists)

Prayer: O Mary, you love all your spiritual children with a never-ending love. Grant me an undying love for you and your Divine Son Jesus both in time and for all eternity.

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Scripture meditation: Everyone who asks, receives, and the one who searches, finds; and to the one who knocks, it shall be opened. Luke 11:10

Reflection: In His eagerness to show you, mercy, God has given His Son as your Advocate. And then to make your confidence even stronger, He has given you another Advocate, who obtains through her prayers whatever she asks. Go to Mary, and you will see salvation.

St. Alphonusus Liguori (1696-1787AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; bishop, Doctor of the Church, founder and first superior of the Redemptorists

Prayer: O Mary, God has given you to me as a most powerful Advocate. Let me call upon you in any trouble and especially in time of danger to my eternal salvation.

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Scripture meditation: Blessed is the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorways. Proverbs 8:34

Reflection: My most pleasant task is saying my Rosary and praying to my heavenly Mother. It is the most pure joy of my heart!

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622AD)
Mini-Bio: French; bishop, missionary, cofounder of the Order of the Visitation (Visitandines), Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, my Mother in heaven, let me pray to you each day and say my Rosary. Help me to regard this as my heart's purest joy and my soul's greatest delight.

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Scripture meditation: The light will be among you only a little longer. Walk while there still is light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark knows not where he is going. John 12:35

Reflection: Go to Mary, then, Praise her, and you will be enlightened. For it is through her that the true Light shines on the sea of this world.

St. Ildephonsus (607-667AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; monk, Abbot of Agli, Archbishop of Toledo, founded and endowed a monastery of nuns

Prayer: O Mary, grant me always to have the Light of the World. Help me to walk in the Light of Christ all my days, so that I may know where I am going and avoid all evil.

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Scripture meditation: Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Reflection: Those who have great devotion to Mary not only will be saved but also will through her intercession, become great Saints. Furthermore, their holiness will grow from day to day.

St. Vincent Palotti (1795-1850AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, missionary, exorist, founder of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate

Prayer: O Mary, grant me such deep devotion to you that it will lead me to thirst after holiness. Make me realize that my first purpose in life is to be holy with the aid of the grace Jesus won for me.

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Scripture meditation: I have taken root in an honored people, in the portion of the Lord, his heritage. Sirach 24:12

Reflection: Many will not let devotion to the Blessed Virgin even take root in their hearts. But blessed is the person who accepts this grace and keeps it. Such a devotion dwells in all who are the Lord's heritage -- in all who will praise Him eternally in heaven.

St. Alphonusus Liguori (1696-1787AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; bishop, Doctor of the Church, founder and first superior of the Redemptorists

Prayer: O Mary, let me foster devotion to you within my heart. May one day not go by without my turning to you in prayer and meditation.

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Scripture meditation: He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. Luke 1:49-50

Reflection: While remaining the Mother of our Judge, Mary is a mother to us, full of mercy. She constitutes our protection. She keeps us close to Christ, and she faithfully takes the matter of our salvation into her charge.

St. Peter Canisius (1521-1597AD)
Mini-Bio: Dutch; Jesuit priest, scholar and educator; founder of colleges, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, God filled you will grace and made you a Co-Redeemer with Christ your Son. Let me have constant recourse to you and attain the salvation you helped win for all.

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Scripture meditation: With me are riches and glory, enduring riches and justice. My fruit is better than pure gold, and my blossoms than rare silver. Proverbs 8:18-19

Reflection: Mary is the stem of the beautiful flower on which the Holy Spirit rests with the fullness of His gifts. Hence, those who want to obtain the seven gifts of the Spirit must seek the flower of the Holy Spirit on the stem [Mary].

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, You are the Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus, help me to reach the Spirit and obtain His surpassing gifts, so that I may live forever in the grip of the Spirit.

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Scripture meditation: I dwell in counsel and in learned thoughts. … Counsel and sound judgment are mine; mine are prudence and power. Proverbs 8:12-14

Reflection: When we dedicate ourselves to Mary, we become instruments in her hands just as she is an instrument in God's hands. Let us then be guided by her, for she will provide for the needs of body and soul and overcome all difficulties and anxieties.

St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941AD)
Mini-Bio: Polish; Franciscan priest, founder of Knights of Mary Immaculate, martyr

Prayer: O Mary, in all my trials and difficulties let me have recourse to Jesus through your intercession. And when I call upon you, please comfort me and lead me to your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: The angel Gabriel was sent from God … to a virgin … a descendant of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And when the angel had come to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:26-28

Reflection: The salvation of the whole world began with the "Hail Mary." Hence, the salvation of each person is also attached to this prayer.

St. Louis Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, spiritual writer founder of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom and the Missionaries of the Company of Mary

Prayer: O Mary, let the great prayer to you be on my lips morning, noon, and night. Enable me to say it especially at the hour of my death -- for you will ensure my salvation.

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Scripture meditation: Horrible is the death [an evil tongue] inflicts; the netherworld is preferable to it. It has no power over the just; they will not be burned in its flames. Sirach 28:21-22

Reflection: Mary's words were discreet, and her voice was measured. She did not shout and she was careful not to say anything bad about another person -- nor even to listen willingly to wrong that was spoken.

St. Athanasius of Alexandria (297-373AD)
Mini-Bio: Egyptian; bishop, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Model of Right Speech. Help me to avoid idle gossip as well as intemperate words. Let me make use of right speech to communicate with and help others rather than confuse and hurt them.

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Scripture meditation: To you, O men, I call; my appeal is to all mankind. You simple ones, gain prudence; you fools, gain understanding. Proverbs 8:4-5

Reflection: Those who want to prevent their heart from being pervaded by the evils of earth should entrust it to the Blessed Virgin, our Lady and our Mother. They will then regain it in heaven, freed from all evils.

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622AD)
Mini-Bio: French; bishop, missionary, cofounder of the Order of the Visitation (Visitandines), Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, move me to entrust my heart and affections to you. By your prayers keep me from all evil and firmly attached to your Divine Son forever.

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Scripture meditation: You shall separate three cities. … [where] a person who kills another may take refuge … to save his life when [he] unintentionally kills his neighbor. Deuteronomy 19:2-4

Reflection: Seek refuge in Mary because she is the city of refuge. We know that Moses set up three cities of refuge for anyone who inadvertently killed his neighbor. Now the Lord has established a refuge of mercy. Mary, even for those who deliberately commit evil. Mary provides shelter and strength for the sinner.

St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231AD)
Mini-Bio: Portuguese; Franciscan preacher and reformer, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, if I am ever so unfortunate as to lose God's grace, move me to take refuge in you. Help me to flee to my city of refuge, for you will lead me to Jesus.

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Scripture meditation: For whoever finds me finds life and receives salvation from the Lord. But whoever does not find me hurts himself. They love death who hate me. Proverbs 8:35-36

Reflection: In the order of grace, God usually communicates Himself to human beings only through Mary. If we want to go to Him and be united with Him, we must use the very means he used to come down to us. That means is a true devotion to our Lady.

St. Louis Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, spiritual writer founder of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom and the Missionaries of the Company of Mary

Prayer: O Mary, you are our most powerful intermediary with Christ and thus with the Blessed Trinity. Teach me what God desires of me, and help me to go to Jesus through you.

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Scripture meditation: By me kings reign, and lawmakers decree justice. By me princes govern, and the mighty establish justice. Proverbs 8:151-16

Reflection: To serve Mary and to be her courtier is the greatest honor we can possibly possess. For to serve the Queen of Heaven is already to reign on high, and to live under her commands is a greater thing than to govern!

St. John Damascene (of Damascus) (675-749AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; priest, monk, theologian, poet, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Queen of Heaven and Earth, Grant me the privilege of serving you with love and fidelity all my life. Let me realize that in serving you I am serving Christ the Lord.

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Scripture meditation: Keep my commands and you shall live; guard my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:2-3

Reflection: Entrust your cause to her who is the Mother of Mercy, and zealously offer her day by day most special marks of reverence. Endeavor to maintain within both body and soul the spotlessness of her purity, and walk in her footsteps, humbly and gently like her.

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, let me be devoted to you in heart and soul ever more and more. And help me to put that devotion into practice daily by more closely imitating your life and virtues.

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Scripture meditation: My sister, my spouse, is a garden enclosed, an enclosed garden, a fountain sealed up. Song of Solomon 4:12

Reflection: Happy are those to whom the Holy Spirit reveals the Secret of Mary in order that they may come to know her. Happy are those to whom He opens the "Enclosed Garden" that they may enter and to whom He gives access to the "Sealed Fountain" that they may drink of the living waters of grace.

St. Louis Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, spiritual writer founder of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom and the Missionaries of the Company of Mary

Prayer: O Mary, help me to know you and be devoted to you more each day, so that I may obtain the graces God wants to bestow on me.

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Scripture meditation: Adam called his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. Genesis 3:20

Reflection: We are all children of Eve according to the flesh and children of the Blessed Virgin according to the spirit. For all of us, Mary has the love of a mother and the courage of a defender. All find room in her. Sinners find pardon through her prayers, and the righteous are preserved in grace.

St. John of Avila (1499-1569AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; priest, preacher, missionary, spiritual director

Prayer: O Mary, you are always a mother to me. Let me be always your child. Help me to come to you in all my joys as well as sorrows.

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Scripture meditation: God sent his Son born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive the full rights of adoption. Galatians 4:4-5

Reflection: God has decreed that the whole of the Redemption should be accomplished through Mary, with Mary and in Mary. Just as nothing was created without Christ, so nothing has been re-created without the Blessed Virgin.

St. Peter Damian (1001-1072AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Benedictine prior, spiritual writer, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, through you the world has been re-created by Jesus. Help me to contribute to this re-creation by performing all activities in union with you and your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: The mother of Jesus said … "There is no more wine." And Jesus said, … "My hour has not yet come." His Mother said to the attendants, "Do whatever he tells you." John 2:3-5

Reflection: Let Mary never be far from your lips or heart. And to obtain the fruit of her prayers, do not forget the example of her life. With her support, you will never fall. Beneath her protection, you will never fear. Under her guidance, you will never tire. And with her help, you will reach your heavenly goal.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, mystical writer, theologian, reformer of the Cistercian Order, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, enable me to heed your words as the servers did. Let me always do whatever Jesus tells me, so that He may effect in me the miracle of eternal bliss in heaven.

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Scripture meditation: And entering the house [the Magi] found the child with Mary his mother. They bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11

Reflection: At the moment when Mary presents her Son to the Magi, she not only performs a personal action as Mother but also acts as the figure of the Church. As the mother of all peoples, the Church in the person of Mary initiates her work of evangelization.

Pope John Paul II (1920 - 2005AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1978 - 2005) Polish; The most traveled pope in history. During his papacy he has issued many letters clarifying and safeguarding the Churches teachings in moral areas. Has consecrated his papacy to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Prayer: O Mary, you initiated the work of evangelization by presenting Jesus to the Magi. Help me to radiate Jesus to others every day of my life by all that I say and do

__________________________________________________________________________ Scripture meditation: Behold, the virgin will be with child and will bring forth a son, and they will call his name Emmanuel, which means "God with us." Matthew 1:23

Reflection: The Virgin Mother gave birth from her fruitful womb and inviolate body to Him Who became visible for us, to Him by Whom she had been created. While conceiving, she was a virgin; a virgin in her pregnancy; a virgin while carrying her son; a virgin forever!

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430AD)
Mini-Bio: North African; bishop, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, grant me the grace to prize the virtue of purity highly and practice it sedulously. Help me always to put my trust in you and find refuge in your motherly intercession.

Scripture meditation: I will put enmities between you and the woman, and between your seed and hers. He shall crush your head. Genesis 3:15

Reflection: The Old Testament recounts the period of salvation history that slowly prepared for the coming of Christ into the world. It brings into gradually sharper focus the figure of the Woman, Mother of the Redeemer, already foreshadowed in the promise of victory over the serpent.

Vatican II: Lumen Gentium/The Church, 55 (1962-1965AD)
Mini-Bio: 21st Ecumenical council: Convened by John XXIII 1958-1963; Closed by Paul VI 1963-1978: Decisions: Issued pastoral documents on the renewal and reform of the Church, intending to make the Church more effective in dealing with the contemporary world.

Prayer: O Mary, you were chosen by God to be the Mother of the Redeemer. Protect me always from evil and obtain eternal salvation for me in heaven with you and your Son Jesus.