Quotes on Mary (Faithful Catholics)

Scripture meditation: God's firm foundation stands unshaken, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows who belongs to him." 2 Timothy 2:19

Reflection: If we are true servants of Mary and obtain her protection, we will most certainly be enrolled in the Book of Life. Whoever bears the mark of devotion to Mary, God recognizes as His own.

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 never waver in my true devotion to you. May it impart spiritual happiness during my life an ensure eternal happiness at my death.

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Scripture meditation: For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Reflection: Mary imparts to her children both their crosses and the grace to carry them patiently and even cheerfully. Thus it is that the crosses she lays upon those who belong to her are steeped in sweetness rather then filled with bitterness.

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 am often overwhelmed by the crosses God sends me. Help me to bear them patiently and without complaining.

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Scripture meditation: Anything that you ask for … I will grant, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13

Reflection: O most dear Mary, blessed is the person who loves you! If I love Mary, I am certain of perseverance, and I will obtain from God what ever I want.

St. John Berchmans (1599-1621AD)
Mini-Bio: Belgian; Jesuit priest, philosopher, theologian

Prayer: O Mary, you have great power with God. Obtain my legitimate requests from your Divine Son and ensure my perseverance in grace until my death.

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Scripture meditation: The spirit is what gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words that I have spoken … are spirit and life. John 6:63

Reflection: The Mother and Mistress of Wisdom speaks few words, but each is filled with great depth of meaning. We read that the Mother of Christ spoke seven times, seven words filled with wisdom!

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

Prayer: O Mary, your words like those of Jesus are spirit and Life. Help me to meditate on them every day, for -- even though they are few -- they are filled with meaning for me.

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Scripture meditation: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovable, whatever is admirable … think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Reflection: God has deposited in Mary the fullness of all that is good. So if we have any hope, any grace, any salvation, we should realize that it all comes to us through Mary.

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, all spiritual goods come to us from God through you. Teach me to ask only for those things that help my spiritual growth.

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Scripture meditation: Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn … to keep your just decrees. Psalms 119:105-106

Reflection: To believe means to abandon oneself to the truth of the word of the living God. Mary, who by the eternal will of the most High stands at the very center of the "inscrutable ways" and "unsearchable judgments" of God, conforms herself to them in the dim light of faith, accepting fully everything that is decreed in the Divine plan.

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 heeded God's Word above all others. Help me to listen to that Word

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Scripture meditation: You … know me, you see me, you have tested my heart. Jeremiah 12:3

Reflection: O Mary, you are the Virgin who captivates our hearts. Introduce into heavenly joy the souls who venerate your Heart.

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 are the Queen of Hearts. Take me under your care and help me to venerate you Heart temporally on earth and eternally in heaven.

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Scripture meditation: They will praise me in the land of their exile as they invoke my name. Baruch 2:32

Reflection: Most holy Virgin Mary, your Name is so sweet and loveable that it cannot be uttered without inspiring love for you and God. Those who love you need only to recall your name to mind, and it is enough to console them and enkindle greater love.

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, your Name is our consolation. Help me to have it ever on my lips and in my heart during my time on earth.

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Scripture meditation: From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be demanded; and from the one entrusted with more, more will be required. Luke 12:48

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin once said to me: "You think that I obtained grace and virtues without effort. Know what I received no grace from God without great labor, constant prayer, ardent desires, and many tears and mortifications."

St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231AD)
Mini-Bio: Hungarian; wife and mother Franciscan tertiary, health care worker

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Model of Cooperation with Grace. Help me to cooperate fully with the graces you obtain for me.

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Scripture meditation: Wealth and wages make life sweet, but better than either is finding a treasure. Sirach 40:18

Reflection: Most holy Heart of Mary, the sole good I possess is the treasure you yourself have given me: the Sacred Heart of Jesus! I offer Him to you now. Since He is infinite in value, I could do no more and you deserve no less.

St. Gertrude the Great (1256-1302AD)
Mini-Bio: German; Benedictine nun, visionary, spiritual writer

Prayer: O Mary, let me appreciate the treasure we have in Jesus. Keep me close to Him all my life.

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Scripture meditation: In times past, God spoke in partial and diverse ways to our fathers through the Prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through his Son. Hebrews 1:1-2

Reflection: Mary is the Divine Page on which the Father wrote the Word of God, His Son.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you reveal the Son of God to us. Let me contemplate you each day, so that I may get to know you and Jesus better.

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Scripture meditation: Come, blessed of my Father, possess the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:34

Reflection: Mary, the Mother of our Lord, accompanied by the choirs of Angels, will come to meet you. What a day of joy that will be for you!

St. Jerome (342-420AD)
Mini-Bio: Dalmatian; priest, hermit, abbot, biblical scholar and translator, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, watch over me at every moment and keep me free from sin. Then upon my death, come to meet me and lead me to my eternal home in heaven.

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Scripture meditation: Blessed is the man who meditates on wisdom, … who reflects on her ways in his heart, and ponders her secrets. Sirach 14:20-21

Reflection: Mary has a most tender love for all of us. If she were to be praised all over the world, and if all human beings laid down their lives for her, it would be little compared with the honor we owe her.

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

Prayer: O Mary, we own you a debt of thanks and praise. Help me to show my gratitude by thanking you every day and by singing your praises to everyone I meet.

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Scripture meditation: I give you a wise and understanding heart so that there will never have been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will never be one to equal you. 1 Kings 3:12
Reflection: Mary remains in the Church an is present in her in a maternal way. She continues to reserve in her Heart all that the Church, the Mystical Body of her Son, lives and all that -- in the Church -- the human family lives as well as every person redeemed by Christ

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of the Church. Reserve in your Heart the lives of all the faithful and watch over each one of us.

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Scripture meditation: But he commanded the clouds above and the doors of heaven he opened … and gave them bread from heaven. Psalms 78:23-24

Reflection: We cannot enter a house without first speaking to the porter. Similarly, we cannot enter heaven without calling upon the aid of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is the Portress of Heaven.

St. John Vianney (1786-1859AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, spiritual director, Patron saint of parish priests

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Portress of Heaven. Let me live every day in union with you, so that after my death you may open the doors of heaven to me for all eternity.

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Scripture meditation: No one who dwells there will say, "I am feeble." The people who dwell there shall have their sins forgiven. Isaiah 33:24

Reflection: The Church calls Mary the "Queen of Mercy" because we believe she opens the abyss of God's mercy to whomever she wills, when she wills, and as she wills. No sinner -- no matter how great -- who has Mary as protector is ever lost.

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, obtain the conversion and pardon of hardened sinners. And grant me true sorrow for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment.

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Scripture meditation: His thought was holy and devout. Therefore, he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead so that they might be delivered from their sin. 2 Maccabees 12:45-46

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary has the power of delivering souls from purgatory by her prayers and by applying her merits for them. This is especially true for souls that were devoted to her on earth.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are Our Lady of DeliveranceHoly Quotes from the Popes of the Church

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Scripture meditation: Father Abraham, have mercy on me. Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and refresh my tongue, for I am tormented in these flames. Luke 16:24

Reflection: Our Blessed Mother once said to me: "I am the Mother of the Poor Souls. For my prayers serve to mitigate their sufferings every single hour that they remain in purgatory."

St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373AD)
Mini-Bio: Swedish; wife and mother, mystical writer, visionary, reformer, founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity (Brigettines)

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of the Poor Souls in purgatory. Lessen their sufferings and grant them a speedy entrance into heavenly bliss.

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Scripture meditation: Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. Revelation 7:3

Reflection: Those who possess great marks of predestination love, delight in, and recite the "Hail Mary." And the more they belong to God, the more they love 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, all the Saints possessed the mark of devotion to the "Hail Mary." Grant that my devotion to you may increase and become for me a true pledge of my salvation.

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Scripture meditation: Hold fast to [her], never let her go; guard her, for she is your life. Proverbs 4:13

Reflection: Has anyone ever come away from Mary troubled or saddened or ignorant of the heavenly Mysteries? Who has not returned to everyday life gladdened and joyful because a request has been granted by the Mother of God?

St. Amadeus of Lausanne (1110-1159AD)
Mini-Bio: French; bishop and Cistercian abbot

Prayer: O Mary, you are my life. Let me remain united to you all my days. Keep me from the path of sin and out of the clutches of the devil.

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Scripture meditation: How beautiful you are, how comely, my love, with your delights. Song of Solomon 7:7

Reflection: Great was the love that Mary possessed. So great indeed that it gave rise to that perfect beauty by which she captivated the Heart of her God!

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

Prayer: O Mary, you were filled with love for God and human beings. Help me to strive to share that love on earth so that I may share your glory in heaven

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Scripture meditation: The fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, modesty, and self-control. Galatians 5:22

Reflection: When the Holy Spirit finds Mary in a soul, He flies to it. He enters therein and communicates Himself to that soul in abundance.

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 draw upon souls the Holy Spirit with all His fruits. Grant that by being devoted to you I may receive these fruits without measure.

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Scripture meditation: He who provides for his father atones for sins; and he who respects his mother stores up riches. Sirach 3:3-4

Reflection: As the Mother of Christ, Mary is the Mother of our wisdom and justice, of our holiness and redemption. She is more our Mother than the mother of our flesh.

St. Aelred (1109-1166AD)
Mini-Bio: English; Cistercian monk and abbot of Rievaulx, homilist and historian

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Spiritual Mother of all Christians. Help me to be your devoted child by remaining true to the Church and to Her Teachings, which come from your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: Know the God of your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and a willing soul, for the Lord searches every heart. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Reflection: Imitate Mary, O faithful soul. Enter into the deep recesses of your heart, so that you may be purified spiritually and cleansed from your sins. God places more value on goodwill in all we do than on the works themselves.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Model of purity of heart. Give me a right intention in all things, so that all my words and works may be pleasing to your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: Jesus went down with Mary and Joseph and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them; and his mother treasured all these things carefully in her heart. Luke 2:51

Reflection: In imitation of Jesus, Christians should love Mary and think the best of her. They should take her as their Mother and love, serve, wait upon her, and like Jesus be completely obedient to her.

St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; priest, founder of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians)

Prayer: O Mary, increase my love and regard for you as my Mother. Help me to serve you in all things, for in doing so I will be serving and obeying your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: Peace I bequeath to you; my peace I grant to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heats be fearful. John 14:27

Reflection: Queen of Peace, it is through your Immaculate Heart that the God of peace has been given to the world. Let this sweet peace reign in the Church and in our souls.

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 are the Queen of Peace. Bring peace to my heart, so that I may work for peace in my family, in my Church, in my country, and in the world.

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Scripture meditation: For she herself goes about seeking those who are worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them as they tread life's paths, meeting them with all benevolence. Wisdom 6:16

Reflection: The compassion and the love of this good Mother are great. Indeed, they are so great that she does not even wait for our prayers but anticipates them.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you know my needs and my weaknesses. Come

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Scripture meditation: At that time, you were without Christ, excluded from the community of Israel, and strangers to the covenant, with no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12

Reflection: O Mary, I have not doubt that whenever we run to you, we shall obtain all that we desire. Let those then who have no hope, hope in you.

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 the Hope of the hopeless. Take pity on sinners and give them hope of conversion, so that you can then bring them back to your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: Blessed is the man who follows not the advice of the wicked … but rejoices in the Law of the Lord and day and night meditates on his Law. Psalms 1:1-2

Reflection: Among the prayers that we profitably address to the Virgin Mother of God, the Rosary occupies a special place. It is sometimes called the "Psalter of the Blessed Virgin" or the "Breviary of the Gospel and of the Christian life."

Pope Pius XI (1857-1939AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1922-1939) Italian; Supervised the signing of the Lateran Treaties with Mussolini's Fascist government. Established the feast of Christ the King. Called for greater participation by the laity, a movement he called Catholic Action.

Prayer: O Mary, your Rosary in its full form has fifteen decades and 150 Hail Marys, like the 150 Psalms. Grant me the same reverence for the Rosary that I have for the Psalms.

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Scripture meditation: What does the Lord, your God, require of you but … that you love him, and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul? Deuteronomy 10:12

Reflection: Cast yourself in spirit into the Heart of Mary. Then love the Sovereign Good by means of this Heart that is so pure!

St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; monk, preacher, visionary, founder and first superior general of the Barefoot Clerks of the Holy Cross and Passion (Passionists)

Prayer: O Mary, your Immaculate Heart holds the secret of loving God. Teach me to love God with all my heart and to do His will in all things.

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Scripture meditation: The manifestation of the Spirit is given to all for some benefit. … All these things are produced by the same Spirit who distributes to every one as he wills. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Reflection: The Holy Spirit distributes His gifts, His virtues, and His grace through Mary. He distributes them to whomever He wills, as many as He wills, and the way He wills.

St. Ignatius of Antioch (50-107AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; ecclesiastical writer, bishop, martyr

Prayer: O Mary, it is through you that the Spirit pours forth His graces. Help me to cooperate fully with the particular gifts of the Spirit that are bestowed on me.

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Scripture meditation: There were certain Greeks among those who had gone up to worship on the feast. … They came to Philip … and asked him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." John 12:20-21

Reflection: The Rosary is a devotion that, through the Blessed Mother, leads us to Jesus. It is He who is the goal of this long and repeated invocation to Mary.

Pope Paul VI (1897-1978AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1963-1978) Italian; Reconvened Vatican II, and implemented many of its reforms. Became the first pope in over 150 years to leave Italy. He enlarged the college of cardinals. Reaffirmed the church's ban on contraception.

Prayer: O Mary, the Rosary is our ticket to Jesus. We speak to you and we come to Jesus. Help me to recite my Rosary with attention and devotion.

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Scripture meditation: One who sows in the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit. Let us not grow weary in doing good. Galatians 6:8

Reflection: The Rosary is all-powerful to touch the Heart of Our Lady. It is the most excellent and fruitful type of prayer for obtaining above all eternal life.

Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1878-1903) Italian; pope, Jesuit. The United States at all times attracted the attention and admiration. Under Leo the religious orders developed wonderfully; new orders were founded, older ones increased.

Prayer: O Mary, help me to recite my Rosary faithfully. Grant that it may keep me close to you on earth and gain for me eternal life and union with you in heaven.

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Scripture meditation: Now hope that is seen is not really hope. … But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait with patience. Romans 8:24-25

Reflection: The Rosary enlivens the hope for things above that endure forever. As we meditate on the glory of Jesus and His Mother, we see heaven opened and are heartened in our striving to gain the eternal home.

Prayer: O Mary, as I recite my Rosary, foster the virtue of hope in me. Teach me to wait with patience for the fulfillment of God's promises.

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Scripture meditation: The life that I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

Reflection: How could love not be made more fervent by the Rosary? We meditate on the Suffering and Death of our Redeemer and the Sorrows of His afflicted Mother. Will we not make a return for the love received?

Prayer: O Mary, what return can I make to your Divine Son and to you for all that you have done for me? I offer you all that I am and all that I have -- wrapped up in my daily Rosary.

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Scripture meditation: No other woman from one end of the earth to the other is her equal in beauty and in wisdom of speech! Judith 11:21

Reflection: Look closely at the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is nothing of virtue, nothing of beauty, nothing of splendor or glory that does not shine in her.

St. Jerome (342-420AD)
Mini-Bio: Dalmatian; priest, hermit, abbot, biblical scholar and translator, Doctor of the Church.

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Fountain of Beauty and Model of Virtue. Help me to imitate your humility, which crowns all your other virtues.

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Scripture meditation: Instruct me in the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your marvelous works. Psalms 119:27

Reflection: The Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the Mysteries of the Lord's life as seen through the eyes of Mary. Thus, the unfathomable riches of these Mysteries are unfolded.

Prayer: O Mary, when I say the Rosary, I meditate on Christ's Mysteries in union with you. Help me to imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise.

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Scripture meditation: But thanks be to God who always leads us in victory in Christ Jesus and manifests through us the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Reflection: The Rosary represents a symbol of Mary's graces. Christians invoke her as "Queen of the Most Holy Rosary," which conjures up the brilliant conquests of faith over evil and over religious ignorance.

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 are Our Lady of tof the Rosary. Enable me to share in the spiritual victories over evil that you accomplish with Jesus' help through the Rosary

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Scripture meditation: Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be formed in the likeness of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn of many bothers. Romans 8:29

Reflection: The Rosary in particular is a sign of predestination. Our fidelity in reciting it is a sure sign of salvation.

Blessed Alan de la Roche (1428-1475AD)
Mini-Bio: French; Breton Dominican priest, preacher, theologian, re-established the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary.

Prayer: O Mary, your Rosary is a sign of salvation

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Scripture meditation: Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth cried out … "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Luke 1:41-42

Reflection: Jesus, Son of Mary, has no likeness among men, nor has Mary any likeness among women. He is the most beautiful of the living. She is a splendid dawn rising.

St. Bruno (970-1123AD)
Mini-Bio: one of three St. Brunos: Persian, Italian or German: martyr, Bishop of Segni, or writer/confessor/founder of the Carthusian Order.

Prayer: O Mary, you are blessed among women. May all women take you as a Model of Womanhood and thus obtain greater blessings for the world from your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: Reflect on what I am telling you, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 2:7

Reflection: Happy are those who recite the Holy Rosary with understanding. They will learn all that is of faith, light, hope and love in it.

St. Clement Hofbauer (1751-1820AD)
Mini-Bio: Austrian; "Apostle of Vienna" Redemptorist, hermit, chaplain, preacher, establish the Redemptorist Congregation in northern Europe.

Prayer: O Mary, your Rosary is a School of the Faith. Let me recite it with understanding, so that I may grow in faith, light, hope, and love.

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Scripture meditation: I will make known your name, for you have been my protector and my support. You have rescued me from destruction. Sirach 51:1-2

Reflection: When we speak the Name of Mary, heaven becomes more beautiful and earth rejoices. The demons are terrified and vanish like dust in the wind..

St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; preacher, mystic, stigmatist, founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans)

Prayer: O Mary, your holy Name is a never-failing treasure. May it be always on my lips and in my heart -- in times of distress and in times of happiness.

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Scripture meditation: Esteem her, and she will honor you; she will bring you glory if you embrace her …; a noble crown will she present to you. Proverbs 4:8-9

Reflection: Experience has shown that to inculcate love for the Mother of God deeply in souls there is nothing more efficacious than the practice of the Rosary. We exhort all the faithful to practice this devotion.

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Queen of the Holy Rosary. Let me say my Rosary faithfully and so grow in love for you and Jesus.

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Scripture meditation: The Ancient of Days took his seat. … Thousands upon thousands attended to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. Daniel 7:9-10
Reflection: This very honorable Virgin is an abyss of virtues. She precedes the Seraphim and is over the Cherubim!

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 Angels. Grant me the grace to be truly devoted to the Angels, especially my Guardian Angel, and to follow all the inspirations they bring me from your Divine Son Jesus.

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Scripture meditation: Hear the sound of my prayer, when I cry to you, lifting up my hands toward your holy sanctuary. Psalms 28:2

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin never shall fail to protect me when I call upon her. When I am troubled, I quickly turn to her. And like the most tender of mothers she looks after me.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Protector of your people. In times of affliction, let me always turn to you with the confident assurance that you will come to my aid.

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Scripture meditation: Come out from them and stay apart, says the Lord, … and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Reflection: If Jesus is the Father, Mary is the Mother of our souls. She gave us Jesus and supernatural life. She offered her Son on Calvary for our redemption and gave us birth in the life of grace.

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

Prayer: O Mother of my soul, take care of it. Help me to keep it continually united with _________________________________________________________________

Scripture meditation: Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever welcomes anyone I send welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. John 13:20

Reflection: To go to Jesus through Mary is truly to honor Jesus Christ. It indicates that we do not esteem ourselves worthy of approaching His infinite holiness directly, that we need Mary to be our Mediatrix with Him, our Mediator.

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 Mediatrix with Jesus and with the Father. Plead for us now, as once you shared with us the pains, fears, and sorrows of life on earth.

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Scripture meditation: Make disciples of every nation … teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you all days, even to the end of the world. Matthew 28:19-20

Reflection: Those who belong to Mary should do all they can to win the hearts of others to her. And Mary will enlighten those hearts, enkindle them with the love of her Maternal Heart, and inflame them with the fire of charity that burns in the Divine Heart of Jesus.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Queen of the Missions

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Scripture meditation: Love is patient and kind. … It bears with all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Reflection: Do not be surprised that Mary is said to be a martyr in spirit. According to Paul, one of the greatest crimes of the Gentiles was lack of love. This was far from the Heart of Mary. Let it be far from her servants as well.

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 the Mother of Fair Love. Fill my heart with Divine love, so that I may never lack for love and may learn to offer my life as a gift of love to Jesus.

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Scripture meditation: For so the Lord has commanded …, "I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you may be a means of salvation to all the world." Acts of the Apostles 13:47

Reflection: We find ourselves on earth as in a tempestuous sea, a desert, and a vale of tears. But Mary is the Star of the Sea, the Solace of our desert, and the Light that guides us to heaven.

St. John Bosco (1815-1888AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, educator, founder of the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians) and Daughters of Our Lady, Help of Christians

Prayer: O Mary, you are our unfailing Guide to heaven. Make me desire holiness, and lead me along the right paths, so that at journey's end I may deserve to be with you and Jesus.

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Scripture meditation: Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Ester? What is your request? Even up to half my kingdom, it will be given you." Esther 5:3

Reflection: Imagine that all the stars were tongues and all the grains of sand were words. They would still fall short of recounting all the glories bestowed by God on Mary's soul.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you have received untold blessings from God. Help me to speak of your glories to others and bear witness to your intercessory power with your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: God sent the spirit of the Son into our hearts, crying out, "Abba Father!" So you are no longer a servant but a son and if a son then also an heir, through God. Galatians 4:6-7

Reflection: Mary has conceived the Divine Word. She has thus become the heaven that enclosed the Divinity in her womb for the purpose of exalting mortals to the great dignity of kinship with God.

St. Ephrem of Syria (306-373AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; deacon, hymnist, poet

Prayer: O Mary, you were the Associate of Jesus in His work of making us children of God. Help me to prize this Divine adoption above all things and ever seek to live as a true child of God.

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Scripture meditation: This is the gate of the Lord, the just shall enter by it. I will give thanks to you, for you have heard my plea and have become my Savior. Psalms 118:20-21

Reflection: How can Mary be otherwise than full of grace? She has been made the Ladder to Paradise, the Gate of Heaven, and the most true Mediatrix between God and human beings.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Gate of Heaven. Help me to live as a true child of yours, so that upon my death I may deserve to enter heaven through you.

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Scripture meditation: She opens her mouth to wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of mercy. … Her children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:26-28

Reflection: When we who are devoted to Mary and call her Mother, we are not using empty words or just speaking at random. She is our Mother -- not by the flesh, of course but spiritually; the Mother of our souls, of our salvation.

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

Prayer: O Mary, I thank you for consenting to become the Mother of our souls. Grant me the grace to love you and your Divine Son as you deserve.

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Scripture meditation: The Father … will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. … He will dwell with you and be in you. John 14:16-17

Reflection: In the Church our souls are espoused to the Holy Spirit. It is Mary whose prayer wins strength, joy, and consolation for us. And it is Mary who gives joy to the Divine Bridegroom by inspiring our wills with love for Him.

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, help me to be united with the Holy Spirit. Teach me to follow the holy inspirations and loving guidance of this Divine Guest of my soul.

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Scripture meditation: Of the Son [he says]: "Your throne, O God, will stand forever and ever; and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom." Hebrews 1:8

Reflection: I salute you, O Mother Mary! You are the throne of God as well as the honor, the glory, and the strength of our Church!

St. John Chrysostom (347-407AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; archbishop, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you were like a throne for your Divine Son. Teach me to enthrone Jesus in my heart and to render constant homage to Him by my words and my actionsOn this day when Catholics around the world celebrate the Triumph of the Cross, the Church invites us to look again at the meaning of Christian discipleship. She invites us to understand the sacrifices it involves and place all our hope in our Crucified and Risen Savior.

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Scripture meditation: I brought up children and honored them, but they have disowned me! An ox knows its master, and an ass, its owner's manger; but … my people have not understood. Isaiah 1:2-3

Reflection: Women who seek involvement in community affairs should look to Mary. Taken into dialogue with God, Mary gives her active and responsible consent. … to the event of world importance known as the Incarnation of the Word.

Prayer: O Mary, your decision affected the world's salvation. Teach me how to take part in decisions that affect world, Church and community as well as my own salvation.

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Scripture meditation: As the body is one though it has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is also with Christ. For in the same Spirit we were all baptized into one body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Reflection: All favors, graces, and heavenly inspirations come from Christ as from the Head. All then descend to the body through Mary, since -- just as in the human body -- it is by the neck that the Head gives life to the limbs.

St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-archbishop, Jesuit provincial, theologian, university professor, scholar, apologist, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of the Mystical Body. Enable me to act as a true member of that Body -- ever ready to render loving assistance to all other members.

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Scripture meditation: O Lord, you searched me and you know me; you know when I sit and when I stand. You discern my thoughts from afar. Psalms 139:1-2

Reflection: What joy it is for us to dwell on the fact that Mary is our Mother! Why should we fear? She loves us and knows our weakness!

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

Prayer: O Mary, you love us and watch over us. Let me never forget that you are a true Mother to me -- always ready to lead me to your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: He gave some as apostles … for strengthening the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to perfect manhood. Ephesians 4:11-13

Reflection: Mary meditated on all she had come to know through reading, listening and observing. She grew in faith, increased in merits, and was more consumed by the fire of charity.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you grew spiritually through meditation. Help me to set aside some time -- no matter how little -- for meditation each day, so that I may grow to the full stature of Christ.

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Scripture meditation: My heart overflows with a noble theme; as I recite my poem to the king, my tongue is the pen of a swift scribe. Psalms 45:2

Reflection: The glorious Virgin was raised to the dignity of Mother of the King of kings. Accordingly, the Church honors her with the radiant title of Queen and asks us to do the same.

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 Queen of the Universe. Grant that I may praise you as you deserve and reap the spiritual benefits of life-long dedication to your service.

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Scripture meditation: Blessed is the soul that fears the Lord. … The eyes of the Lord watch over those who love him; he is their mighty shield and strong support. Sirach 34:15-16

Reflection: O Mary, Mother of Love, love your Jesus and mine for me. And make me share the love that you bear for Him!

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 your Divine Son was greater than the combined love of all other humans. Increase my love for Jesus and let it be expressed in actions.

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Scripture meditation: I go to prepare a place for you. … And I will come back and take you to be with me, so that where I am, there you will be. John 14:2-3

Reflection: O Mary, you who are the Mother of Life had to remain always with Life. For you, death could never be anything more than sleep and the Assumption anything more the an act of waking up.

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

Prayer: O Mary, your glory of the Assumption is a pledge of our glory. Help me to live in such a way that when Jesus returns for me He will find me worthy to join you in heaven.

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Scripture meditation: Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. They go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown. They come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. Psalms 126:5-6

Reflection: Mary sowed much in tears while on earth, and now she is reaping much in heavenly joy. The same will be true for us. The more spiritual victories we obtain while on earth, the more we will receive in heaven.

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, grant me the grace to obtain daily spiritual victories over myself, the world, and the devil. Let me imitate your faithfulness and so share your glory.

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Scripture meditation: So the people stood far off and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will hear. But do not let God speak to us, or we shall die." Exodus 20:18-19

Reflection: If you want to grow in perfection, you cannot advance by yourselves -- you need a guide. Hence, when you go to God, go through Mary and with Mary!

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are our Mediatrix with the God of all. Help me to grow in grace and holiness, so that I may one day reach your Divine Son in the bliss of heaven

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Scripture meditation: Let the faithful rejoice in glory, let them sing for joy in their beds. Let the praises of God be in their mouths. Psalms 149:5-6

Reflection: O Mary, may all nations glorify your Immaculate Heart! May the whole earth invoke and bless your Immaculate Heart!

St. John Vianney (1786-1859AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, spiritual director, Patron saint of parish priests

Prayer: O Mary, our human speech is too feeble to honor you as we ought. Grant that I may never cease praising you and invoking your Immaculate Heart.

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Scripture meditation: From ivory palaces the music of stringed instruments brings you joy …; the queen stands at your right hand in gold of Ophir. Psalms 45:9-10

Reflection: The heavenly host came forth rejoicing in festal array, to meet the Mother of God. Surrounded with effulgent light, Mary was led amid praise and canticles to the throne prepared for her from the world's beginning.

St. Jerome (342-420AD)
Mini-Bio: Dalmatian; priest, hermit, abbot, biblical scholar and translator, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, at the Assumption you were solemnly taken into the glory of heaven. Fix my eyes on that glory, so that I may put up with the adversities of this world.

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Scripture meditation: Forgive the sins of this people according to your great mercy, as you have been merciful to them … until now. Numbers 14:19

Reflection: When we pray to the Mother of God, we are heard more quickly then when we call directly on Jesus -- for He is not only our Lord but also our Judge. However, Mary has no other office except to show compassion.

St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; archbishop, abbot, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, help me to imitate you and your Divine Son by showing kindness to others when they hurt me.

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Scripture meditation: It is I who girded you … so that from the rising of the sun to the west where it sets, men may know that there is none besides me. Isaiah 45:5-6

Reflection: O Blessed Virgin, nothing resist your power. God the Father looks upon your glory as if it were His own. And God the Son takes delight in glorifying you and grants your every petition as if He were paying a debt.

St. Gregory of Nicomedia (1170-1240AD)
Mini-Bio: Orthodox; Ascetic

Prayer: O Mary, you have the ear of God. Beg Him to have mercy on us and to send peace to a tormented world.

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Scripture meditation: You come forth to deliver your people. … You make a way in the sea with your horses and amid the churning of many waters. Habakkuk 3:13-15
Reflection: The Heart of Mary is a sun that spreads its rays and its warmth throughout the world. It is constantly working in every possible way for the salvation of souls.

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

Prayer: O Immaculate Heart of Mary, be my salvation! I put all my trust in you for time and for eternity.

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Scripture meditation: When Jesus had brought about man's purgation from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3

Reflection: Mary sits at the right had of Jesus like a Queen. She is the most safe refuge for and the most fruitful helper of all who are in danger, so there is no reason to fear.

Pope St. Pius X (1835-1914AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1903-1914) Italian; pope, reformer. Created a special congregation of cardinals to look at formation of a new code of canon law.

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mediatrix of All Grace. Keep me under your guidance, your care, your benevolence, and your protection, so that I will have no reason to despair

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Scripture meditation: Your renown spread forth among the nations for your beauty, which was perfect since I placed my splendor upon you. Ezekiel 16:14

Reflection: Mary consented to be the Mother of the Eternal Word. At that very moment, she merited to be made the Queen of the world and all creatures.

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 our Queen. Reign over all hearts by the queenly power of your love, so that the Kingdom of your Divine Son may come upon earth

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Scripture meditation: The lowly may be pardoned through mercy, but the mighty will be tested with rigor. Wisdom 6:6
Reflection: When the Blessed Virgin conceived the Eternal Word in her womb and gave Him birth, she obtained half the Kingdom of God.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Queen and Exemplar of Mercy. In imitation of you, let me be humble and merciful toward others, so that I too may receive mercy and pardon.

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Scripture meditation: This saying is true and worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15

Reflection: As the Queen of Mercy, Mary throws open the abyss of God's mercies to anyone she pleases, when she pleases, and as she pleases. Hence, there are no sinners who will be lost when she intercedes for them!

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 dispense the merits of Christ's Redemption to all sinners. Pour down on me the Divine Mercy, so that I may repent for my past sins and strive to avoid sin in the future.

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Scripture meditation: Let your heart receive my words. Keep my commands, and you shall live! Get wisdom, get prudence. Proverbs 4:4-5

Reflection: Praise be to Mary! Let all hearts give themselves to Mary so that she may fill them with her Heart and the Heart of Jesus!

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 are the Queen of Hearts! Mold my heart after your own, so that it may possess the sentiments of true Christian living and reflect the Heart of your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life and we have come to believe and to know that you are the Christ, the Son of God." John 6:68-69

Reflection: O Mary, to whom else shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! These are the prayers by which you intervene on our behalf before God. Indeed, you never cease to work wonders for us.

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

Prayer: O Mary, like the words of Jesus, your prayerful words on our behalf bring salvation. Never cease to pray for me "till in heaven eternally your love and bliss I share."

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Scripture meditation: The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of the Gentles; all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:10

Reflection: Through this Virgin, the whole earth is filled with the Glory of God. Through this Virgin, all have known the great God. All have seen the salvation 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, through you, salvation came to the world. May those peoples who are still without the knowledge of your Divine Son come to know, love, and serve Him.

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Scripture meditation: Do not labor for the food that perishes but for that which endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. John 6:27

Reflection: Ask the Virgin Mary constantly to come to you with her glorious Son. Be bold. Ask her to give you her Son, Who in the Blessed Sacrament is truly the Food of your soul. She will give Him to you readily.

St. Cajetan (1480-1547AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, founder of the Oratory of Divine Love, assisted in the establishment of his Congregation of Clerks Regular

Prayer: O Mary, you are ever ready to give us the Food of our souls. Help me prepare through prayer and good works for the visit of the great King, Who is Christ your Son.

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Scripture meditation: As the soldiers listened to what she had say, they gazed upon her face and marveled at her beauty. Judith 10:14

Reflection: The thought and the countenance of Mary inspire the purity of life that is the first dignity of human beings. They also constitute the salvation of those who struggle against evil and those who are called to greater perfection of life.

Prayer: O Mary, the thought of you leads to salvation. Let me meditate on your spiritual beauty, so that I too may be saved.

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Scripture meditation: Even if I am made the libation for the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. Philippians 2:17

Reflection: The Immaculate Conception also entails sacrifice on the part of Mary. Therefore, we cannot consider ourselves favored children of the Lord and His Mother if our lives know nothing of sacrifice.

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 shared the sacrifice of Jesus from the privations at His Birth, to the renunciations of the Hidden Life, to the martyrdom on Calvary. Join my little daily sacrifices to His.

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Scripture meditation: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind that you may discern what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Reflection: Do you know the surest way to learn the will of God? It is the way of prayer to our good Mother Mary!

St. John Vianney (1786-1859AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, spiritual director, Patron saint of parish priests

Prayer: O Mary, you are the revealer of God's will to us. Help me to know what God's will is for me in every situation and to carry out that will with diligence and love.

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Scripture meditation: She is unique, my dove, my perfect one, her mother's chosen, the favorite of her parent. … The daughters saw her and … declared her most blessed. Song of Solomon 6:9

Reflection: The look of Mary, the smile of Mary, the sweetness of Mary, the majesty of Mary, Queen of heaven and earth! Mary's beauty stands out among all other beauties, which pale next to hers. Mary is the most beautiful of God's creatures.

Prayer: O Mary, you are all-beautiful and worthy of praise. Help me to render you the honor you deserve by following your inspirations and imitating your shining example

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Scripture meditation: What is man, that you magnify him, or pay him any attention? You examine him each day. Job 7:17

Reflection: Heap together all the love of mothers for their children, all the love of husbands for their wives, and all the love of the Angels and Saints for their clients. The total could never equal Mary's love for even a single soul!

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

Prayer: O Mary, you have great love for souls. Let me return your love for me by loving others in you and your Divine Son -- even those whom I find displeasing.

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Scripture meditation: The Gospel … is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. … For in it is revealed the righteousness of God, from faith unto faith, as it is written, "The one who is just lives by faith." Romans 1:16-17

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin will give you a share of her faith, a faith that will remove all concern with sensible and extraordinary things. This faith will be living and animated by love so that you will act entirely out of love.

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, your great faith on earth has now become great vision in heaven. Make my faith strong so that I may live as a true follower of your Divine Son.

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Scripture meditation: You who have no money, hurry, buy and eat. … Heed me, and eat what is good; your soul shall delight in rich fare. Isaiah 55:1-2

Reflection: O sinners, be not discouraged but have recourse to Mary in all your necessities. Call her to your assistance, for you will always find her ready to help. It is God's will that she should help in every need.

St. Basil the Great (329-379AD)
Mini-Bio: Cappadocian; bishop, theologian, monk

Prayer: O Mary, you are the last hope of sinners. If I should have the misfortune to fall into serious sin, grant me the grace of true repentance.

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Scripture meditation: All [the disciples] with one mind were united in constant prayer, together with the women, and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and his brethren. Acts of the Apostles 1:14

Reflection: Mary was the perfect disciple of Christ, mirror of every virtue and embodiment of the evangelical beatitudes proclaimed by Jesus. In her the whole Church attains the most authentic form of the perfect imitation of Christ.

Prayer: O Mary, you are the perfect follower of Jesus. Obtain for me the grace to follow you, so that I may be "another Christ" both in this world and in the next.

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Scripture meditation: Christ love the Church and delivered himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her in the bath of water by means of the word, so that he might present to himself the Church in all her majesty. Ephesians 5:25-27

Reflection: The Mother of God is a Model of the Church in the matter of faith, charity, and perfect union with God. Through the gift and role of the Divine Motherhood, Mary is united with her Son and with the Church.

Vatican II: Lumen Gentium/The Church, 63 (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 Mother of the Church. Help me to be a loyal child of that Church, sharing in the Redemption of your Divine Son, Jesus.

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Scripture meditation: Then the Creator of all things gave me his command; he who created me decreed where I should dwell, saying, "Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance." Sirach 24:8

Reflection: Christ remained in Mary's womb for nine months. He will dwell in the tabernacle of the faith of the Church until the end of the world. And He will remain in the knowledge and love of the faithful for all eternity.

St. Isaac of Stella (1100-1169AD)
Mini-Bio: English; Cistercian monk, philosopher, and theologian, His principal work: Letter to Alcher on the Soul

Prayer: O Mary, you were graced with God's presence both physically and spiritually. Obtain for me the grace to have Jesus dwelling in me forever.

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Scripture meditation: Remember the days of your lowly estate. … Invoke the Lord and speak to the king on our behalf; save us from death. Esther 4:8

Reflection: We are lost on a raging sea, far from God, and buffeted at every moment by storms. We lie at the very jaws of spiritual death, and so we cry out: "Hail Mary. ..."

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are our beacon amid the dangers of this life. Enlighten my mind, open my heart, and curb my will, so that I may steer a safe course until I reach the eternal harbor.

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Scripture meditation: Surely God is my savior; I will trust and be unafraid. My strength and my praise is the Lord, and he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

Reflection: Eve believed the devil -- and the world perished! Mary put her faith in the Angel of God -- and the world was saved!

St. Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619AD)
Mini-Bio: Neapolitan; priest, vicar general of the Capuchins, missionary, army chaplain, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are our refuge against evil. Teach me to put my faith in God when temptations assail me.

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Scripture meditation: I rejoice greatly in the Lord, and my soul is joyful in my God. For he has clothed me with a garment of salvation, and covered me with a robe of justice. Isaiah 61:10

Reflection: Mary is living the perfect joy promised to the Church. Her children on earth turn to her who is the Mother of Hope and Mother of Grace. They invoke her as the cause of our joy.

Prayer: O Mary, you are the "Cause of Our Joy." Keep my eyes fixed on the eternal joys promised by your Divine Son, so that I will be filled with Christian joy all the days of my life.

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Scripture meditation: I will give you what you have not asked for. … And you walk in my ways by obeying my statues and commandments … you will have a long life. 1 Kings 3:13-14

Reflection: Mary has a great desire to be invoked by us so that she may dispense her favors to us in greater abundance. So true is this that she is offended not only by those who speak ill of her but also by those who neglect to ask for her graces.

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

Prayer: O Mary, you are ready to pour down grace on us if we but ask for it. Help me to come to you in every need, so that I may receive your aid.