Prayers to Mary

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

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 do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

℣.Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.℟.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities: but deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin.

The glory of Mary in death, in that she was well prepared to die.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary was at the moment of her death, because in life she was so well prepared to die; first by reason of her ardent longing to see her God and to be again united to her Son; and next, by the unapproachable merit of her consummate perfection. Then, reflecting how different we are from Mary in our practice of preparation for our death, let us say:

Most holy Virgin, who in order to prepare thyself for a holy death, didst live in continual desire of the beatific vision; oh, take from us all vain desires for the frail things of earth.Hail Mary three times.

Most holy Virgin, who in order to prepare thyself for a holy death didst in life ever sigh to be united to thy Son Jesus; obtain for us fidelity to Jesus even unto death.Hail Mary three times.

Most holy Virgin, who, in preparation for a holy death, didst attain an unapproachable height of merit and of virtue; intercede for us that we may know that virtue and the grace of God alone will lead us to salvation.Hail Mary three times.

Let us now give praise to Mary, so prudent in preparing for death; and whilst we exalt her glory, we will unite with the nine Choirs of Angels, who, on her Assumption into Heaven, escorted her, praising her with the first Choir:

The glory of Mary in death, in that she was assisted by her Son Jesus and the Apostles.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary was at her death, in that, according to the teaching of holy writers, she was comforted not only by the apostles and saints, but also by her dear Son Jesus; and whilst we contemplate the unspeakable joy which filled her soul at this grace granted to her alone, let us entreat her for ourselves:

Glorious Virgin, who for thy consolation didst merit to die in the blessed company of apostles and saints: obtain for us, that when we breathe forth our souls we may feel thy presence and that of our holy patrons, assisting us.Hail Mary three times.

Glorious Virgin, who at the moment of thy death wast comforted by the sight of thy dear Son Jesus: oh, pray for us, that at that awful moment we too may be comforted by receiving Jesus in the most holy Viaticum.Hail Mary three times.

Glorious Virgin, who didst surrender thy spirit into the arms of Jesus: assist us, that we also, in life and in death, may surrender our souls into the arms of Jesus, and that we may always desire that his most holy will be done.Hail Mary three times.

Come then, let us magnify the glory of Mary, assisted at her death by her Son Jesus and his apostles, and join in jubilee at her triumph, with the second Choir of the heavenly host:

The glory of Mary in death, in that she died in an ecstasy of love.

Let us meditate how glorious the holy Mary was in her death, because she died in a very ecstasy of the love of God; and desiring that we too may be strengthened by that holy fire of love, let us ask for her help.

Mary, most happy Virgin, who didst die of the vehemence of the love of God; make it thy care that in our hearts, as God wills, there be lit up this living fire of his love.Hail Mary three times.

Mary, most happy Virgin, who dying of divine love didst teach us what our love of God ought to do; pray for us, that we may never abandon our God in life or death.Hail Mary three times.

Mary, most happy Virgin, who in leaving this mortal life, by virtue of an ecstasy of love didst make known the fire which ever burnt in thy heart, obtain for us at least a spark of that same fire, to give us true sorrow for our sins.Hail Mary three times.

Let us with the third Choir of Angels now exalt the ineffable glory of Mary inflamed with the love of her God:

The glory of Mary after death in her dead body.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary was in her dead body, because it was adorned with marvellous splendour and majesty, and spread around an odour of sanctity, which was the very fragrance of Paradise, and because innumerable miracles were wrought at the sight of it. Then, thinking on our own misery, let us pray:

O Lady, most pure, who by reason of thy virginal purity didst merit the glory of being so bright and so majestic in thy body after death; obtain for us the strength to detach ourselves from every foul spirit of impurity.Hail Mary three times.

O Lady most pure, who by reason of thy rare virtue didst from thy dead body spread around the sweetness of Paradise; make it thy care that we may edify our neighbour by our life, and never more by our bad example become a stumbling-block to others.Hail Mary three times.

O Lady most pure, at the sight of whose holy body numberless bodily infirmities were cured; intercede for us, that by thy prayers all our spiritual ills may be healed.Hail Mary three times.

Come, let us rejoice in the glory given to the dead body of Mary, magnifying her with the fourth Choir of Angels:

The glory of Mary after death in the resurrection of her body.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary was after death, since by the power of the Highest her body, raised again to life, forthwith acquired the four gifts of brightness, agility, subtlety and impassibility; and filled with consolation at the excellence of her glory, let us invoke her:

O Lady exalted, who wast so gloriously raised to life again by thy God; help us so to live on earth, that we also may rise again like unto thee in the last judgment day.Hail Mary three times.

O Lady exalted, to whose risen body were given the gifts of brightness and subtlety, by reason of the bright example and humility of thy life on earth; pray for us, that all contemptuous affectation may be taken from us; that so our souls, being freed from all self-love, may be adorned with humility.Hail Mary three times.

O Lady exalted, whose risen body was glorified by the gifts of agility and impassibility, by reason of thy spiritual zeal and patience while on earth; obtain for us courage valiantly to mortify our bodies, and patiently to curb all our disordinate inclinations.Hail Mary three times.

Then let us render due praise to Mary, and magnify the glory which adorned her risen body; while, with the fifth Choir, we exalt her:

The glory of Mary after death in her Assumption into Heaven.

Let us meditate how gloriously Mary was taken up to Heaven, being escorted thither by many legions of the heavenly host and of blessed souls drawn by her merits out of Purgatory; and rejoicing in that majestic triumph, let us with all humility offer to her our supplications:

Great Queen, who wast assumed so royally into the Kingdom of eternal peace; obtain for us that all sordid, earthly thoughts be taken away from us, and our hearts be fixed upon the contemplation of the unchangeable happiness of Heaven.Hail Mary three times.

Great Queen, who wast assumed to Heaven amidst a company of the Angelic Hierarchy; obtain for us strength to overcome the wiles of all our enemies, and that we may lend a docile ear to the counsels of that good angel who continually assists and governs us.Hail Mary three times.

Great Queen, who wast assumed to Heaven most gloriously, in the company of souls drawn by thy merits out of Purgatory; free us from the slavery of sin, and make us worthy to praise thee for all eternity.Hail Mary three times.

Let us not cease to applaud the royal triumph of Mary; and uniting our homage with the sixth Choir of angels, let us honour the singular glory of her Assumption into Heaven:

The glory of Mary after death in her exaltation as Queen of Heaven.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary is in Heaven, because she is enthroned there as Queen of the universe, and is ever receiving homage and veneration from countless hosts of angels and of saints; and assisting at her royal throne, let us implore her aid:

Sovereign Queen of the universe, who for thy incomparable merit art raised to such high glory in the heavens; in thy pity look upon our miseries, and rule us with the gentle sway of thy protection.Hail Mary three times.

Sovereign Queen of the universe, who art ever receiving worship and homage from all the heavenly host; accept, we pray thee, these our invocations, offered with such reverence as befits thy dignity and greatness.Hail Mary three times.

Sovereign Queen of the universe, by that glory which thou hast by reason of thy high place in Heaven; vouchsafe to take us into the number of thy servants, and obtain for us grace that with quick and ready will we may faithfully keep the precepts of God our Lord.Hail Mary three times.

Let us take part in the joy of the angels praising Mary, and rejoice with the seventh Choir, because we know that she is raised to the dignity of Queen of the universe.

The glory of Mary after death in the crown which decks her brow.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary is in Heaven by reason of the royal crown wherewith her divine Son has crowned her, and for the full knowledge which she now has of the deep mysteries of God, past, present and to come; and full of veneration for the incomparable honour bestowed upon our Queen, let us have recourse to her and say:

Queen unrivalled, who in Heaven above dost enjoy the high glory of being crowned by thy divine Son with a royal diadem; help us to share thy matchless virtues, and ask for us that, purified in heart, we may be made worthy to be crowned with thee in Paradise.Hail Mary three times.

Queen unrivalled, in the full knowledge granted thee of all things on earth; for thy own glory's sake obtain pardon for our past evil deeds, that we may never offend again by froward tongue or wanton thought.Hail Mary three times.

Queen unrivalled, whose desire it is to see men pure and clean of heart, that so they may be made worthy of thy God; obtain for us forgiveness of our sins, and help us, that all our looks, words and deeds may please his heavenly Majesty.Hail Mary three times.

Let us then purify our hearts, in order that we may be worthy to give praise to Mary; and to the glory she possesses in that bright crown which decks her royal brow, let us add humble tokens of our love, rejoicing in union with the eighth Choir:

The glory of Mary after death in her patronage of man.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary is in Heaven by reason of her patronage of man, and for the power she has to aid him with great watchfulness in all his necessities; wherefore with lively confidence in the patronage of the very Mother of our God, let us implore her aid.

Mary, our most powerful patroness, whose glory it is in Heaven to be the advocate of man; oh! take us from the hands of the enemy and place us in the arms of our God and Creator.Hail Mary three times.

Mary, our most powerful patroness, who being in Heaven the advocate of men wouldst that all men should be saved; make it thy care that none of us succumb at the thought of our past relapses into sin.Hail Mary three times.

Mary, our most powerful patroness, who to fulfil thy office dost love to be continually invoked by men; obtain for us such true devotion that we may ever call upon thee in life, and above all at the awful moment of our death.Hail Mary three times.

Now with all our hearts let us celebrate the glories of Mary; and consoled at having Mary for our advocate in Heaven, let us join in praising her with the ninth Choir of angels:

Say the Litany of Loreto, then:

℣.The Holy Mother of God is exalted.℟.Into the heavenly kingdom above the Angel Choirs.

Let us pray. We beseech Thee, O Lord, to pardon the shortcomings of thy servants; that we who by our own works are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, graciously look down upon thy servant N., whom Thou hast chosen to be the Pastor of thy Church; and grant him, we beseech Thee, both by word and example, so to direct those over whom Thou hast placed him, that together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may attain eternal life.

℣.The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.℟.And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.

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.

℣.Behold the handmaid of the Lord.℟.Be it done unto me according to thy word.

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.

℣.And the Word was made flesh.℟.And dwelt among us.

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.

℣.Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.℟.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Alleluia,For He whom thou wast made worthy to bear, Alleluia,Hath arisen, as He said, Alleluia.Pray for us to God, Alleluia.

℣.Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia.℟.For the Lord hath risen indeed, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, who, through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast vouchsafed to make glad the whole world; grant us, we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Virgin most pure, conceived without sin, all fair and stainless in thy Conception; glorious Mary, full of grace, Mother of my God, Queen of Angels and of men, I humbly venerate thee as Mother of my Saviour, who, though He was God, taught me by his own veneration, reverence, and obedience to thee, the honour and homage that are due to thee. Vouchsafe, I pray thee, to accept this Novena which I dedicate to thee. Thou art the safe refuge of the penitent sinner; it is very fitting, then, that I should have recourse to thee. Thou art the Mother of Compassion; then wilt thou surely be moved with pity for my many miseries. Thou art my best hope after Jesus; thou canst not but accept the loving confidence that I have in thee. Make me worthy to be called thy son, that so I may dare to cry unto thee: Show thyself a mother.

Hail Mary nine times, and Glory Be once.

Behold me at thy sacred feet, O Immaculate Virgin. I rejoice with thee, because from all eternity thou wast elected to be the Mother of the Eternal Word, and wast preserved stainless from the taint of original sin. I praise and bless the Most Holy Trinity, who poured out upon thy soul in thy Conception the treasure of that privilege. I humbly pray thee to obtain for me grace effectually to overcome the sad effects produced in my soul by original sin; make me wholly victorious over them, that I may never cease to love my God.

Mary, unsullied lily of purity, I rejoice with thee, because from the first moment of thy Conception thou wast filled with grace, and hadst given unto thee the perfect use of reason. I thank and adore the ever blessed Trinity, who gave thee those high gifts. Behold me at thy feet overwhelmed with shame to see myself so poor in grace. O Thou who wast filled full of heavenly grace, grant me a portion of that same grace, and make me a partaker in the treasures of thy Immaculate Conception.

Mary, mystic rose of purity, I rejoice with thee at the glorious triumph thou didst gain over the serpent by thy Immaculate Conception, in that thou wast conceived without original sin. I thank and praise with my whole heart the ever blessed Trinity, who granted thee that glorious privilege; and I pray thee to obtain for me courage to overcome every snare of the great enemy, and never to stain my soul with mortal sin. Be thou always mine aid, and enable me with thy protection to obtain the victory over all the enemies of man's eternal welfare.

Mary Immaculate Virgin, mirror of holy purity, I rejoice exceedingly to see how from thy Immaculate Conception there were infused into thy soul the most sublime and perfect virtues with all the gifts of the most Holy Spirit. I thank and praise the ever blessed Trinity who bestowed upon thee these high privileges, and I beseech thee, gracious Mother, obtain for me grace to practise every Christian virtue, and so to become worthy to receive the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost.

Mary, bright moon of purity, I congratulate thee in that the mystery of thy Immaculate Conception was the beginning of salvation to the human race, and was the joy of the whole world. I thank and bless the ever blessed Trinity who did so magnify and glorify thy person. I entreat thee to obtain for me grace so to profit by the death and passion of thy dear Son, that his Precious Blood may not have been shed upon the Cross for me in vain, but that after a holy life I may be saved.

Mary Immaculate, brilliant star of purity, I rejoice with thee, because thy Immaculate Conception brought exceeding joy to all the angels of Paradise. I thank and bless the ever blessed Trinity, who enriched thee with this privilege. Enable me also one day to take part in this heavenly joy, praising and blessing thee in the company of angels, world without end. Amen.

Mary Immaculate, rising morn of purity, I rejoice with thee, and I am filled with admiration at beholding thee confirmed in grace and rendered sinless from the first moment of thy Conception. I thank and praise the ever blessed Trinity, who elected thee alone from all mankind for this special privilege. Holiest Virgin, obtain for me so entire and lasting a hatred of sin, the worst of all evils, that I may rather die than ever again commit a mortal sin.

Mary, Virgin, sun without stain, I congratulate thee and I rejoice with thee, because God gave thee in thy Conception a greater and more abundant grace than He gave to all his angels and his saints together, even when their merits were most exalted. I thank and admire the immense beneficence of the ever blessed Trinity, who hath dispensed to thee alone this privilege. Oh, enable me too to correspond with the grace of God, and never more to receive it in vain; change my heart, and help me to begin in earnest a new life.

Immaculate Mary, living light of holiness, model of purity, Virgin and Mother, as soon as thou wast conceived, thou didst profoundly adore thy God, giving him thanks, because by means of thee the ancient curse was blotted out, and blessing was again come upon the sinful sons of Adam. Let this blessing kindle in my heart love towards God; and do thou inflame my heart still more and more, that I may ever love Him constantly on earth, and afterwards eternally enjoy Him in heaven, there to thank and praise Him more and more fervently for all the wondrous privileges conferred on thee, and to rejoice with thee for thy high crown of glory.

℣.All fair art thou, O Mary.℟.All fair art thou, O Mary.℣.The original stain is not in thee.℟.The original stain is not in thee.℣.Thou art the glory of Jerusalem.℟.Thou art the joy of Israel.℣.Thou art the honour of our people.℟.Thou art the advocate of sinners.℣.O Mary.℟.O Mary.℣.Virgin most prudent.℟.Mother most clement.℣.Pray for us.℟.Intercede for us with our Lord Jesus Christ.

℣.In thy conception, O Virgin, thou wast immaculate.℟.Pray for us to the Father, whose Son was born of thee.

O God, who through the Immaculate Conception of a Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for thy Son, we beseech Thee, who by the death of that Son, foreseen by Thee, didst preserve her from all stain of sin, to grant that by her intercession we also may be purified, and so may come to Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.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.Mirror of justice, pray for us.Seat of wisdom, pray for us.Cause of our joy, pray for us.Spiritual vessel, 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 of the most holy Rosary, 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, that we Thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and enjoy eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O holy Mary, Mother of God, who to reanimate the faith of the world and draw men to thy divine Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, didst deign to appear at Lourdes; thou who, in order to render more manifest thy maternal tenderness, and to inspire our hearts with greater confidence, didst choose a simple little child as the confidant of thy mercy; thou who didst say: "I am the Immaculate Conception," to make us understand the priceless value of that innocence which is the pledge of the friendship of God; thou who by eighteen successive apparitions didst not cease by thy actions and words to urge men to prayer and penance, which alone can appease Heaven and ward off the blows of divine justice; thou who, by a moving appeal to the world, hast reunited before the miraculous grotto an innumerable multitude of thy children; behold us, Our Lady of Lourdes, prostrate at thy feet, and confident of obtaining blessings and graces from God by thy most powerful intercession.

Those who love thee, O Mother of Jesus Christ, Mother of men, desire above everything to serve God faithfully in this world, so as to have the happiness of loving Him eternally in Heaven. Listen to the prayers which we this day address to thee; defend us against the enemies of our salvation, and against our own infirmities; together with the pardon of our sins, obtain for us perseverance in the determination never to fall away again.

We implore thee also to take under thy protection our friends and benefactors, and of these in a very special manner those who have abandoned the practice of their Christian duties. May they be converted and become thy faithful servants.

O Mother of mercy, be for us all "the cause of our joy," and "show unto us" Jesus Christ, as thy gift in this life and in eternity. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Most blessed Virgin Immaculate, the beauty and splendour of Carmel, thou who regardest with eyes of special love those who wear thy blessed habit, look kindly upon me and spread over me the mantle of thy maternal protection. Strengthen my weakness with thy power, illuminate the darkness of my mind with thy wisdom, increase in me the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. Adorn my soul with such graces and virtues that it may be ever dear to thy divine Son and to thee. Assist me in life, console me in death, with thy dear presence, and present me to the Holy Trinity as thy child and devoted servant, eternally to praise and bless thee in Paradise. Amen.

Hail Mary three times and Glory Be once.

℣.Thou hast been made for us, O Lady, a refuge.℟.A helper in need and tribulation.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst give to us Thy Mother, Mary, whose renowned image we venerate, to be a mother ever ready to help us, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who constantly implore her aid may merit to enjoy perpetually the fruits of Thy redemption, who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.

Behold at thy feet, O Mother of Perpetual Help! a wretched sinner who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy! have pity on me. I hear thee called by all, the Refuge and the Hope of Sinners; be, then, my refuge and my hope. Assist me for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable, fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee, and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary! help me. O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God.

O Mother of Perpetual Help! grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O purest Mary! O sweetest Mary! let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, O Blessed Lady! to succor me, whenever I call on thee; for in all my temptations, in all my needs, I shall never cease to call on thee ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary.

O what consolation, what sweetness, what confidence, what emotion fills my soul when I utter thy sacred name, or even only think of thee! I thank the Lord for having given thee, for my good, so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely uttering thy name. Let my love for thee prompt me ever to hail thee, Mother of Perpetual Help.

O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of all the gifts which God grants to us miserable sinners; and for this end, He had made thee so powerful, so rich, and so bountiful, in order that thou mayest succor us in our misery. Thou art the advocate of the most wretched and abandoned sinners who have recourse to thee; come to my help, I commend myself to thee. In thy hands I place my eternal salvation, and to thee I intrust my soul. Count me among thy most devoted servants; take me under thy protection, and it is enough for me. For, if Thou protect me, I fear nothing; not from my sins, because thou wilt obtain for me the pardon of them; nor from the devils, because thou art more powerful than all hell together; nor even from Jesus, my Judge, because by one prayer from thee He will be appeased. But one thing I fear; that in the hour of temptation, I may, through negligence fail to have recourse to thee and thus perish miserably. Obtain for me therefore, the pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace ever to have recourse to thee, O Mother of Perpetual Help!

Most holy and Immaculate Virgin and my Mother Mary, to thee, who art the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the world, the advocate, the hope, and the refuge of sinners, I have recourse today, I who am the most miserable of all. I render thee my most humble homages, O great Queen; and I thank thee for all the graces thou hast conferred on me until now; particularly for having delivered me from hell, which I have so often deserved. I love thee, O most amiable Lady; and for the love which I bear thee, I promise to serve thee always, and to do all in my power to make others love thee also. I place in thee all my hopes, I confide my salvation to thy care. Accept me for thy servant, and receive me under thy mantle, O Mother of mercy. And since thou art so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or rather obtain for me strength to triumph over them until death. Of thee I ask a perfect love of Jesus Christ. From thee I hope to die a good death. O my Mother, by the love which thou bearest to God, I beseech thee, to help me at all times, but especially at the last moments of my life. Leave me not, I beseech thee, until thou seest me safe in heaven, blessing thee and singing thy mercy for all eternity. So I hope. So may it be. Amen.

O Mother of Perpetual Help, with the greatest confidence I come before Thy sacred Picture, in order to invoke thine aid. Thou hast seen the wounds which Jesus has been pleased to receive for our sake; thou hast seen the Blood of thy Son flowing for our salvation; thou knowest how thy Son desires to apply to us the fruit of His Redemption. Behold I cast myself at thy feet, and pray thee to obtain for my soul the grace I stand so much in need of. O Mary, most loving of all mothers, obtain for me from the heart of Jesus, the source of every good, this grace (here mention it). O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou desirest our salvation far more than we ourselves; thy Son has given thee to us for our Mother; thou hast thyself chosen to be called Mother of Perpetual Help. I trust not in my merits, but in thy powerful intercession; I trust in thy goodness; I trust in thy motherly love. Mother of Perpetual Help, for the love thou bearest to Jesus, thy Son and my Redeemer, for the love of thy great servant Alphonsus, for the love of my soul, obtain for me the grace I ask from thee. Amen.

O Mother of Perpetual Help, numerous clients continually surround thy holy Picture, all imploring thy mercy. All bless thee as the assured help of the miserable; all feel the benefit of thy maternal protection. With confidence, then, do I present myself before thee in my misery. See, dear Mother, the many evils to which we are exposed; see how numerous are our wants. Trials and sorrows often depress us; reverses of fortune and privations are grievous, bring misery into our homes; everywhere we meet the cross. Have pity, compassionate Mother, on us and on our families; especially in this my necessity (here mention it). Help me, O my Mother, in my distress; deliver me from all my ills; or if it be the will of God that I should suffer still longer, grant that I may endure all with love and patience. This grace I expect of thee with confidence, because thou art our Perpetual Help. Amen.

O dear Mother of Perpetual Help, behold how much I suffer from this my sickness. Together with the body my soul is also afflicted. I have not even strength to say a prayer as I ought to do. Nothing is able to give me any relief. Even the visit and compassion of my best friends do not give me any comfort. Hence my courage begins to fail; impatience and sadness oppress my soul. In this my great distress I put all my trust in thee, most tender of all mothers. Thy compassionate heart will certainly have pity on me; yes, most merciful Mother, thou wilt not forget thy poor, afflicted child. (Here mention your sickness.) Obtain then for me courage and strength to accept all these trials from the hand of God with patience and resignation. If it is for the good of my soul, grant that I may recover my former health; but if it is the will of God that I should suffer still longer, or that this sickness should lead me to a better life, I am perfectly resigned, for I am sure that thou, O loving Mother, wilt obtain for me the grace to do whatever God demands of me. Amen.

In the First Joyful Mystery we meditate on the Annunciation made by the angel Gabriel to most holy Mary, that she was to conceive and bear a Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the Second Joyful Mystery we meditate how, when Mary heard that Elizabeth had conceived, she went to her house to visit her, and stayed with her three months.

In the Third Joyful Mystery we meditate how, when the full time of Mary's delivery was come, she brought forth our Saviour Jesus Christ at midnight, in the city of Bethlehem, and laid Him in a manger between two brute beasts.

In the Fourth Joyful Mystery we meditate how most holy Mary, on the day of her Purification, presented Christ our Lord in the Temple, and placed Him in the hands of the holy old man Simeon.

In the Fifth Joyful Mystery we meditate how the Virgin Mary lost her Son, when twelve years old, sought for Him three days, and at the end of the third day found Him in the Temple amid the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions.

In the First Sorrowful Mystery we meditate how our Lord Jesus Christ prayed in the garden of Olives, and sweated blood.

In the Second Sorrowful Mystery we meditate how our Lord Jesus Christ was cruelly scourged in Pilate's house with innumerable blows.

In the Third Sorrowful Mystery we meditate how our Lord Jesus Christ was crowned with sharp thorns.

In the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery we meditate how Jesus was condemned to die, and, for his greater ignominy and pain, the heavy tree of the Cross was laid upon his shoulder.

In the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery we meditate how, when Jesus arrived at Calvary, He was stripped and nailed with iron nails to the Cross, and died thereon, before the eyes of his afflicted Mother.

In the First Glorious Mystery we meditate how Jesus Christ our Lord rose again in glory, the third day after his Death and Passion, triumphant over death, never more to die.

In the Second Glorious Mystery we meditate how Jesus Christ, the fortieth day after his Resurrection, ascended into Heaven with great joy and triumph, in the presence of his most holy Mother and his disciples.

In the Third Glorious Mystery we meditate how Jesus Christ sat down on the right hand of the Father, and sent from thence the Holy Ghost into the room where the Apostles and the most holy Virgin were assembled.

In the Fourth Glorious Mystery we meditate how, twelve years after our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead, his Mother herself passed from this mortal life, and was carried into heaven by the angels.

In the Fifth Glorious Mystery we meditate how, in Heaven, Mary was crowned by her Son; in this Mystery also we meditate upon the glory of the saints.

℣.Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.℟.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, hath purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that, by meditating upon these mysteries in the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

My Lord, Thou who alone art most worthy of my love, behold me standing before thy Divine Presence utterly overwhelmed by the thought of the many grievous injuries I have done Thee. I ask thy pardon for them with my whole heart, repenting of them purely for love of Thee, and at the thought of thy great goodness hating and loathing them above every evil of this life. As I would rather have died a thousand times than have offended Thee, so now I am most firmly resolved to die a thousand deaths rather than offend Thee again. My crucified Jesus, I firmly purpose to cleanse my soul as soon as possible by thy most Precious Blood in the Sacrament of Penance. And thou, most tender Virgin, Mother of mercy and Refuge of sinners, do thou obtain for me by virtue of thy bitter pains, the pardon of sin which I desire; whilst, praying according to the mind of so many holy Pontiffs in order to obtain the Indulgences granted to this thy holy Rosary, I hope thereby to obtain remission of all pains due to my sins.

With this confidence in my heart, I meditate on the First Sorrow, when Mary, Virgin Mother of my God, presented Jesus her only Son in the Temple, laid Him in the arms of holy and aged Simeon, and heard his prophetic word, "The sword of grief shall pierce thy soul," foretelling thereby the Passion and Death of her Son Jesus.

Our Father once, Hail Mary seven times.

The Second Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin was when she was obliged to fly into Egypt by reason of the persecution of cruel Herod, who impiously sought to slay her well beloved Son.

Our Father once, Hail Mary seven times.

The Third Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin was when, after having gone up to Jerusalem at the Paschal Feast with Joseph her spouse and Jesus her beloved Son, she lost Him on the way back to her poor house, and for three days bewailed the loss of her only Love.

Our Father once, Hail Mary seven times.

The Fourth Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin was when she met her dear Son Jesus carrying to Mount Calvary on his tender shoulders the heavy Cross whereon He was to be crucified for our salvation.

Our Father once, Hail Mary seven times.

The Fifth Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin was when she saw her Son Jesus raised upon the hard tree of the Cross, and blood flowing from every part of his sacred Body, and then beheld Him die after three hours' agony.

Our Father once, Hail Mary seven times.

The Sixth Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin was when she saw the lance pierce the sacred Side of Jesus, her beloved Son, the nails withdrawn, and his holy Body laid in her purest bosom.

Our Father once, Hail Mary seven times.

The Seventh and last Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, Queen and Advocate of us, her servants, miserable sinners, was when she saw the holy Body of her Son buried in the grave.

Our Father once, Hail Mary seven times.

Then say the Hail Mary three times in honour of the tears which Mary shed in her sorrows.

℣.Pray for us, Virgin most sorrowful.℟.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, that the most blessed Virgin Mary, thy Mother, may intercede for us before the throne of thy mercy, now and at the hour of our death, whose most holy soul was transfixed with the sword of sorrow in the hour of thine own Passion. Through Thee, Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.