TRUE DEVOTION TO OUR LADY
By St. Louis-Marie de Montfort
But have we no need at all of a mediator with the Mediator himself? Are
we pure enough to be united directly to Christ without any help? Is Jesus not
God, equal in every way to the Father? Therefore is he not the Holy of Holies,
having a right to the same respect as his Father? If in his infinite love he
became our security and our Mediator with his Father, whom he wished to appease
in order to redeem us from our debts, should we on that account show him less
respect and have less regard for the majesty and holiness of his person?
Let us not be afraid to say with St. Bernard that we need a mediator
with the Mediator himself and the divinely-honored Mary is the one most able to
fulfill this office of love. Through
her, Jesus came to us; through her we should go to him. If we are afraid of
going directly to Jesus, who is God, because of his infinite greatness, or our
lowliness, or our sins, let us implore without fear the help and intercession
of Mary, our Mother. She is kind, she is tender, and there is nothing harsh or
forbidding about her, nothing too sublime or too brilliant. When we see her, we
see our own human nature at its purest. She is not the sun, dazzling our weak
sight by the brightness of its rays. Rather, she is fair and gentle as the
moon, which receives its light from the sun and softens it and adapts it to our
limited perception.
She is so full of love that no one who asks for her intercession is rejected,
no matter how sinful he may be. The saints say that it has never been known
since the world began that anyone had recourse to our Blessed Lady, with trust
and perseverance, and was rejected. Her power is so great that her prayers are
never refused. She has but to appear in prayer before her Son and he at once
welcomes her and grants her requests. The prayers of the dear Mother who bore
him and nourished him always lovingly conquer him.
Second Week
Day 20 of 33 Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of The Blessed
Virgin
Acts of love, pious affection for the Blessed Virgin, imitation of her
virtues, especially her profound humility, her lively faith, her blind
obedience, her continual mental prayer, her mortification in all things, her
surpassing purity, her ardent charity, her heroic patience, her angelic
sweetness, and her divine wisdom: "there being," as St. Louis De
Montfort says, "the ten principal virtues of the Blessed
Virgin."
We must unite ourselves to Jesus through Mary - this is the
characteristic of our devotion; therefore, Saint Louis De Montfort asks that we
employ ourselves in acquiring a knowledge of the Blessed Virgin.
Mary is our sovereign and our mediatrix, our Mother and our Mistress.
Let us then endeavor to know the effects of this royalty, of this mediation,
and of this maternity, as well as the grandeurs and prerogatives which are the
foundation or consequences thereof. Our Mother is also a perfect mold wherein
we are to be molded in order to make her intentions and dispositions ours. This
we cannot achieve without studying the interior life of Mary; namely, her
virtues, her sentiments, her actions, her participation in the mysteries of
Christ and her union with Him.
Luke 2:16-21, 45-52 And they came with haste; and they found Mary and
Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the
word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard,
wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary
kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it
was told unto them. And after eight days were accomplished, that the child
should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the
angel, before he was conceived in the womb...
...And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And
it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting
in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all
that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him,
they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us?
behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is
it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's
business? And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went
down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother
kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and
grace with God and men.
Recite: Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Ave Maris Stella, St. Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary, and the Rosary
Litany of the Holy Ghost
Lord,
have mercy on us.
Christ,
have mercy on us.
Lord,
have mercy on us.
Father
all powerful, have mercy on us Jesus,
Eternal
Son of the Father,
Redeemer
of the world, save us.
Spirit
of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both,
sanctify
us.
Holy
Trinity, hear us
Holy
Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son,
enter
our hearts.
Holy
Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son,
enter
our hearts.
Promise
of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray
of heavenly light, have mercy on us
Author
of all good, have mercy on us
Source
of heavenly water, have mercy on us
Consuming
fire, have mercy on us
Ardent
charity, have mercy on us
Spiritual
unction, have mercy on us
Spirit
of love and truth, have mercy on us
Spirit
of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us
Spirit
of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us
Spirit
of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us
Spirit
of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us
Spirit
of grace and prayer, have mercy on us
Spirit
of peace and meekness, have mercy on us
Spirit
of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us
Holy
Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us
Holy
Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us
Holy
Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us
Gift
of God, the Most High, have mercy on us
Spirit
Who fillest the universe, have mercy on us
Spirit
of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us
Holy
Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy
Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy
Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy
Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts
Holy
Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.
Holy
Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces
Holy
Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy
Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy
Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation
Holy
Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy
Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.
Holy
Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy
Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy
Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.
Lamb
of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb
of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the
gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb
of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom
and piety.
V.
Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the
fire of Thy love.
Let
Us Pray. Grant, O, merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten,
inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make
us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with
Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and
ever.
R.
Amen.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loreto)
Lord,
have mercy on us,
Christ
have mercy on us.
Lord,
have mercy on us. Christ hear us.
Christ,
graciously hear us.
God
the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God
the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us
God
the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy
Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy
Mary, pray for us Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy
Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother
of Christ, pray for us.
Mother
of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother
most pure, pray for us.
Mother
most chaste, pray for us.
Mother
inviolate, pray for us.
Mother
undefiled, pray for us.
Mother
most amiable, pray for us.
Mother
most admirable, pray for us.
Mother
of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother
of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother
of our Saviour, pray for us.
Mother
of the Church, pray for us.
Virgin
most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin
most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin
most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin
most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin
most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin
most faithful, pray for us.
Preparation
for Consecration, pray for us.
Mirror
of justice, pray for us.
Seat
of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause
of our joy, pray for us.
Vessel
of honor, pray for us.
Singular
vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical
rose, pray for us.
Tower
of David, pray for us.
Tower
of ivory, pray for us.
House
of gold, pray for us.
Ark
of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate
of Heaven, pray for us.
Morning
star, pray for us.
Health
of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge
of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter
of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help
of Christians, pray for us.
Queen
of angels, pray for us.
Queen
of patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen
of prophets, pray for us.
Queen
of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen
of martyrs, pray for us.
Queen
of confessors, pray for us.
Queen
of virgins, pray for us.
Queen
of all saints, pray for us.
Queen
conceived without Original Sin, pray for us.
Queen
assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
Queen
of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen
of peace, pray for us.
Lamb
of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God,
Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God,
Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Pray
for us, O holy Mother of God,
That
we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let
Us Pray.
Grant,
we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto us Thy servants, that we may rejoice in
continual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of Blessed
Mary, ever virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the
joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
Ave Maris Stella
Hail,
O Star of the ocean,
God's
own Mother blest,
ever
sinless Virgin,
gate
of heav'nly rest.
Taking
that sweet Ave,
which
from Gabriel came,
peace
confirm within us,
changing
Eve's name.
Break
the sinners' fetters,
make
our blindness day,
Chase
all evils from us,
for
all blessings pray.
Show
thyself a Mother,
may
the Word divine,
born
for us thine Infant
hear
our prayers through thine.
Virgin
all excelling,
mildest
of the mild,
free
from guilt
preserve
us meek and undefiled.
Keep
our life all spotless,
make
our way secure
till
we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise
to God the Father,
honor
to the Son,
in
the Holy Spirit,
be
the glory one.
Amen.
St. Louis De Montfort's Prayer to Mary Hail Mary
Beloved Daughter of
the Eternal Father! Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son! Hail Mary, faithful
spouse of the Holy Ghost! Hail Mary, my dear Mother, my loving Mistress, my
powerful sovereign! Hail my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul! Thou art all
mine by mercy, and I am all thine by justice. But I am not yet sufficiently
thine. I now give myself wholly to thee without keeping anything back for
myself or others. If thou still seest in me anything which does not belong to
thee, I beseech thee to take it and to make thyself the absolute Mistress of
all that is mine. Destroy in me all that may be displeasing to God, root it up
and bring it to nought; place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing
to thee.
May the light of thy
faith dispel the darkness of my mind; may thy profound humility take the place
of my pride; may thy sublime contemplation check the distractions of my
wandering imagination; may thy continuous sight of God fill my memory with His
presence; may the burning love of thy heart inflame the lukewarmness of mine;
may thy virtues take the place of my sins; may thy merits be my only adornment
in the sight of God and make up for all that is wanting in me. Finally, dearly
beloved Mother, grant, if it be possible, that I may have no other spirit but
thine to know Jesus and His divine will; that I may have no other soul but
thine to praise and glorify the Lord; that I may have no other heart but thine
to love God with a love as pure and ardent as thine I do not ask thee for
visions, revelations, sensible devotion or spiritual pleasures. It is thy
privilege to see God clearly; it is thy privilege to enjoy heavenly bliss; it
is thy privilege to triumph gloriously in Heaven at the right hand of thy Son and
to hold absolute sway over angels, men and demons; it is thy privilege to
dispose of all the gifts of God, just as thou willest.
Such is, O heavenly
Mary, the "best part," which the Lord has given thee and which shall
never be taken away from thee-and this thought fills my heart with joy. As for
my part here below, I wish for no other than that which was thine: to believe
sincerely without spiritual pleasures; to suffer joyfully without human
consolation; to die continually to myself without respite; and to work
zealously and unselfishly for thee until death as the humblest of thy servants.
The only grace I beg thee to obtain for me is that every day and every moment
of my life I may say: Amen, so be it's all that thou didst do while on earth;
Amen, so be it's all that thou art now doing in Heaven; Amen, so be it-to all
that thou art doing in my soul, so that thou alone mayest fully glorify Jesus
in me for time and eternity. Amen.
Signum Crucis
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Symbolum Apostolicum
Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in
Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de
Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus,
mortuus et sepultus. Descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis.
Ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dextram Dei Patris omnipotentis. Inde venturus est
iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam
catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis
resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and
in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and
was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe the Holy
Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of
sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Pater noster
Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat
regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum
quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus
debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo.
Amen.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Ave Maria
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, Et
benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora pro nobis
peccatoribus, Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou among
women, And blessed is the fruit Of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners Now and at the hour of our death. Amen
Gloria Patri
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et
nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it
was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Oratio Fatima
Domine Iesu, dimitte nobis debita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferiori,
perduc in caelum omnes animas, praesertim eas quae misericordiae tuae maximae
indigent.
Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and
lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
Salve, Regina
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae; vita, dulcedo et spes nostra,
salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes
oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post
hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficamur promissionibus Christi.
Hail, Holy
Queen
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our
hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee to we send up
our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most
gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet
Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Oratio sequens post Salve, Regina dici potest:
Deus, cuius Unigenitus per vita, mortem et resurrectionem suam nobis
salutis aeternae praemia comparavit: concede, quaesumus; ut, haec mysteria
sacratissimo beatae Mariae Virginis Rosario recolentes. et imitemur quod
continent, et quod promittunt, assequamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
O God, Whose Only-Begotten Son, by His life, death and
resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life: grant, we
beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what
they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sunday,
Wednesday and Saturday are days associated with the Glorious Mysteries.
Pray the Holy Rosary everyday as requested by Our Lady of Fatima.
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