Prayer to the Mother of God
Most holy Virgin, Mary Mother of God,
sure refuge of sinners, to thee who art,
after God, our consolation and our hope in
this place of exile, to thee do I turn with entire
confidence, although utterly unworthy of thy
patronage. I know, on the one hand, my extreme
need of being converted from my very
heart; on the other, the very enormity of my
sins overwhelms me with confusion. To thee,
therefore, I have recourse, who art our sovereign
mediatrix with thy dear Son Jesus
even as He is our Mediator with God, His
Eternal Father. To thee, after Jesus, must I
look for my conversion.
Deign, therefore, O Mother of mercy, to obtain for me the grace of a true and lasting repentance. I would utterly change my manner of life. My will in this is sincere; but I stand in need of thy special assistance, for my evil habits, the ill use I have hitherto made of so many saving inspirations and graces, the multitude and heinousness of my transgressions and my deep attachment to the world render my conversion most difficult. In spite of my unworthiness, I still hope for thy assistance; refuse not thou to give it. I am only too deserving of the flames of hell; yet I cast myself at thy feet, sorrowful and repentant. I confess that by my sins I have rightly lost the grace of God, the divine adoption of sons, and all claim to everlasting happiness; instead I have called down upon myself the anger of heaven.
Pray thou to Jesus for me, that for the sake of His Most Precious Blood, His bitter passion and His cruel death upon the Cross He may vouchsafe to forgive my transgressions, and it shall be done. Say to Him that thou desirest my salvation, and He will surely save me. But since I can again fall back into sin and lose the life of grace, surrounded as I am by so many dangerous occasions, do thou protect me always and I am certain that I shall triumph over mine enemies who are ever seeking my ruin. By thine intercession obtain for me the grace of a lively faith, a firm hope and an ardent charity, together with all the other virtues which are proper to my state of life: in particular, constancy in well-doing and final perseverance. Be thou, finally, my kindly Mother during this present life and my special Advocate at the hour of death, so that I may be numbered amongst those to whom thy Son will say: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, take possession of my kingdom." Amen.
I venerate thee with all my heart, O Virgin most holy, above all Angels and Saints in paradise, as the Mother of the only-begotten Son, and to thee I consecrate my body with all its senses.
I venerate thee with all my heart, O Virgin most holy, above all Angels and Saints in paradise, as the beloved Spouse of the Spirit of God, and to thee I consecrate my heart and all its affections, imploring thee to obtain for me from the Most Holy Trninity all the means of salvation.
Mary, the Divine Mother, deigned to make her wishes known to them. Appearing to them both in the night, she told them to go, on the following day, which was the fifth of this month, to the Aesquiline mount, in Rome, and to build a church in her honor on the spot which they would find covered with snow. This, she added, would be more agreeable to her than anything else they could do. When they awoke next morning and told each other their dream or rather their vision, they were filled with inexpressible joy, and immediately repaired to Pope Liberius to hear his opinion on the subject. As the Pope had had the same vision the same night, there was no longer reason to doubt the truth of the revelation. Assembling the clergy and people without delay, the Pontiff formed a procession to go to the appointed spot.
When they arrived there, they saw, in truth, a place large enough for a church, covered with snow. All were greatly surprised at this, which they could not but consider a miracle, since it was in the midst of summer, on the fifth of August, when neither in Rome nor within many miles of it, any snow could naturally have fallen. The pious couple drew from this fact the greatest comfort, as it was an indication that the Almighty and the Blessed Virgin were pleased with their intention. Therefore, hesitating no longer, they forthwith made all the necessary preparations for building a magnificent temple. The building was begun and very soon completed. All that was needed for its erection, as well as for its maintenance, was joyfully furnished. Pope Liberius most solemnly consecrated the new temple; and all the faithful went to it to venerate the Queen of Heaven. At first, this church was called the Basilica, signifying a palace, or the Liberian Basilica, on account of its royal magnificence. It was also called St. Mary ad Nives, for the reason mentioned above. Today it is known as the St. Mary Major, or the Great, as it is the greatest of all the churches of Rome built in honor of the Blessed Virgin, on account of its origin, magnificence and rich endowment. It is also called St. Mary ad Praesepe--St. Mary of the Manger--because in one of its chapels, the crib or manger, in which the new-born Saviour was placed by His virgin mother, is kept.
Pope Gregory the Great, in 509, formed and led the great precession, celebrated in the annals of the church, to implore God, through the intercession of Mary, to avert the dreadful pestilence which ravaged Rome. Its fury somewhat abated, but as it was still in the city, the Pope, in the following year, formed a second precession, headed by the picture of the Blessed Virgin painted by St. Luke, which is kept in the church of St. Mary ad Nives. During the procession, the pestilence left all those houses by which the picture passed, until, at last, when the faithful dispersed, the whole city was free from the terrible scourge. Another miraculous event occurred during the procession, which must not be omitted. Angels were heard singing: "Rejoice, O Queen of Heaven, Alleluia. He whom thou didst deserve to bear, Alleluia! is risen as He said, Alleluia!" The holy Pope, prostrating himself with all the people, finished the angels' hymn of praise with the words: "Pray for us to God, Alleluia!" When the procession had reached the Mausoleum, or tomb of the Emperor Adrian, the Pope saw upon its summit an angel sheathing his sword, as a sign that the wrath of the Almighty was appeased by the intercession of Mary, and that the pestilence which had so long ravaged the city, would disappear. The rejoicing of the people, and the devotion which was from that time shown to the miraculous picture of the Blessed Virgin, cannot be worthily described.
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Novena In Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Our Lady of the Snows
(In connection with the Litany of Loreto
and the Memorare, the following prayer is said)
O Mary, ever blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Queen of the angels and of the saints, I salute thee with the most profound veneration and filial devotion. I renew the consecration of myself and all I have to thee. I thank thee for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession. In all my necessities I have recourse to thee with unbounded confidence.
Our Lady of the Snows, O Help of Christians, O Mother of Mercy, I beseech thee now to hear my prayer, and to obtain for me of thy divine Son the favor that I request in this novena. (Here mention your petitions).
Obtain for me, also, dearest Mother, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, obedience, purity, poverty, submission to the will of God, and charity. Be my protectress in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in perplexities, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in heaven. Amen
Deign, therefore, O Mother of mercy, to obtain for me the grace of a true and lasting repentance. I would utterly change my manner of life. My will in this is sincere; but I stand in need of thy special assistance, for my evil habits, the ill use I have hitherto made of so many saving inspirations and graces, the multitude and heinousness of my transgressions and my deep attachment to the world render my conversion most difficult. In spite of my unworthiness, I still hope for thy assistance; refuse not thou to give it. I am only too deserving of the flames of hell; yet I cast myself at thy feet, sorrowful and repentant. I confess that by my sins I have rightly lost the grace of God, the divine adoption of sons, and all claim to everlasting happiness; instead I have called down upon myself the anger of heaven.
Pray thou to Jesus for me, that for the sake of His Most Precious Blood, His bitter passion and His cruel death upon the Cross He may vouchsafe to forgive my transgressions, and it shall be done. Say to Him that thou desirest my salvation, and He will surely save me. But since I can again fall back into sin and lose the life of grace, surrounded as I am by so many dangerous occasions, do thou protect me always and I am certain that I shall triumph over mine enemies who are ever seeking my ruin. By thine intercession obtain for me the grace of a lively faith, a firm hope and an ardent charity, together with all the other virtues which are proper to my state of life: in particular, constancy in well-doing and final perseverance. Be thou, finally, my kindly Mother during this present life and my special Advocate at the hour of death, so that I may be numbered amongst those to whom thy Son will say: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, take possession of my kingdom." Amen.
(An indulgence of 500 days.)
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Act of Veneration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
I venerate thee with all my heart, O Virgin most holy, above all Angels and Saints in paradise, as the daughter of the Eternal Father, and to thee I consecrate my soul with all its powers.______________________________
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Regina Caeli Regina caeli, laetare, Alleluia. Qua quem meruisti portare, Alleluia. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, Alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia. V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, Alleluia. R. Qua surrexit Dominus vere, Alleluia. Oremus Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri, Jesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es, praesta, quaesumus, ut per ejus Genitricem Virginem Mariam perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae: per eumdem Christum, Dominum notrum. Amen |
Queen of heaven O Queen of heaven, rejoice, Alleluia. For He Whom thou didst merit to bear, Alleluia. Hath risen as He said, Alleluia. Pray for us to God, Alleluia. V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary! Alleluia. R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia. Let us pray O God, Who by the resurrection of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, hast vouchsafed to make glad the whole world, grant, we beseech Thee, that, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen |
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Act of Veneration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Hail Mary etc.
I venerate thee with all my heart, O Virgin most holy, above all Angels and Saints in paradise, as the Mother of the only-begotten Son, and to thee I consecrate my body with all its senses.
Hail Mary etc.
I venerate thee with all my heart, O Virgin most holy, above all Angels and Saints in paradise, as the beloved Spouse of the Spirit of God, and to thee I consecrate my heart and all its affections, imploring thee to obtain for me from the Most Holy Trninity all the means of salvation.
Hail Mary etc.
(An indulgence of 500 days.)
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Virgin most holy, Mother of the Word Incarnate, Treasurer of graces, and Refuge of us poor sinners; we fly to thy motherly affection with lively faith, and we beg of thee the grace ever to do the will of God. Into thy most holy hands we commit the keeping of our hearts, asking thee for health of soul and body, in the certain hope that thou, our most loving Mother, wilt hear our prayer. Wherefore with lively faith we say:(An indulgence of 500 days.)
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Hail Mary three times.
(The Miracle of the Snows)
The Dedication of St. Mary Ad Nives
by Father Francis Xavier Weninger, 1876
The Catholic Church celebrates today the annual feast of the dedication of a very remarkable church at Rome, called St. Mary Ad Nives--" St. Mary of the Snow," or " St. Mary Major." The origin of this church is as follows: In the middle of the fourth century, at the time of Pope Liberius, there resided at Rome a nobleman named John. Although rich in temporal goods, he was still wealthier in those which are not of this world, and his wife was his equal in birth, riches and virtue. They had been married many years without having been blessed with children, although they had often prayed to God for them. At last, they resigned themselves to the will of Providence, and resolved to employ all their wealth in honor of the Blessed Virgin, and make her heir to it, as they had always entertained great devotion for her. They were, as yet, uncertain as to the manner in which they should carry out their intention. They both sought refuge in prayer and alms, begging the Blessed Virgin to teach them how they might best appropriate their possessions to her honor.
(An indulgence of 500 days.)
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(The Miracle of the Snows)
The Dedication of St. Mary Ad Nives
by Father Francis Xavier Weninger, 1876
Mary, the Divine Mother, deigned to make her wishes known to them. Appearing to them both in the night, she told them to go, on the following day, which was the fifth of this month, to the Aesquiline mount, in Rome, and to build a church in her honor on the spot which they would find covered with snow. This, she added, would be more agreeable to her than anything else they could do. When they awoke next morning and told each other their dream or rather their vision, they were filled with inexpressible joy, and immediately repaired to Pope Liberius to hear his opinion on the subject. As the Pope had had the same vision the same night, there was no longer reason to doubt the truth of the revelation. Assembling the clergy and people without delay, the Pontiff formed a procession to go to the appointed spot.
When they arrived there, they saw, in truth, a place large enough for a church, covered with snow. All were greatly surprised at this, which they could not but consider a miracle, since it was in the midst of summer, on the fifth of August, when neither in Rome nor within many miles of it, any snow could naturally have fallen. The pious couple drew from this fact the greatest comfort, as it was an indication that the Almighty and the Blessed Virgin were pleased with their intention. Therefore, hesitating no longer, they forthwith made all the necessary preparations for building a magnificent temple. The building was begun and very soon completed. All that was needed for its erection, as well as for its maintenance, was joyfully furnished. Pope Liberius most solemnly consecrated the new temple; and all the faithful went to it to venerate the Queen of Heaven. At first, this church was called the Basilica, signifying a palace, or the Liberian Basilica, on account of its royal magnificence. It was also called St. Mary ad Nives, for the reason mentioned above. Today it is known as the St. Mary Major, or the Great, as it is the greatest of all the churches of Rome built in honor of the Blessed Virgin, on account of its origin, magnificence and rich endowment. It is also called St. Mary ad Praesepe--St. Mary of the Manger--because in one of its chapels, the crib or manger, in which the new-born Saviour was placed by His virgin mother, is kept.
Pope Gregory the Great, in 509, formed and led the great precession, celebrated in the annals of the church, to implore God, through the intercession of Mary, to avert the dreadful pestilence which ravaged Rome. Its fury somewhat abated, but as it was still in the city, the Pope, in the following year, formed a second precession, headed by the picture of the Blessed Virgin painted by St. Luke, which is kept in the church of St. Mary ad Nives. During the procession, the pestilence left all those houses by which the picture passed, until, at last, when the faithful dispersed, the whole city was free from the terrible scourge. Another miraculous event occurred during the procession, which must not be omitted. Angels were heard singing: "Rejoice, O Queen of Heaven, Alleluia. He whom thou didst deserve to bear, Alleluia! is risen as He said, Alleluia!" The holy Pope, prostrating himself with all the people, finished the angels' hymn of praise with the words: "Pray for us to God, Alleluia!" When the procession had reached the Mausoleum, or tomb of the Emperor Adrian, the Pope saw upon its summit an angel sheathing his sword, as a sign that the wrath of the Almighty was appeased by the intercession of Mary, and that the pestilence which had so long ravaged the city, would disappear. The rejoicing of the people, and the devotion which was from that time shown to the miraculous picture of the Blessed Virgin, cannot be worthily described.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Those who are not Catholics and who blame us for our veneration of the Queen of Heaven and for the churches built in her honor, may see by the origin of the church of St. Mary ad Nives, how ancient this pious practice is, and how agreeable to God. The building of this celebrated church took place in the fourth century, at a time when Protestants themselves say that the Catholic Church was still the true Church of God. Even at that remote period, Mary was venerated and churches were built in her honor. The church approved of it, and God confirmed it by special miracles. Who dares say that the Church of Christ erred, and that God Himself confirmed that error by a miracle? Even in countries where the population has ceased to be Catholics, we find ancient churches which were built in honor of the Blessed Virgin. Surely, if all Catholics were silent on the subject, the very stones of these sacred edifices would prove the devotion of the early ages to the Divine Mother. Would any one dare to accuse the pious Christians, who built these churches, of having erred? This would be no less foolish than arrogant. Why then do they oppose the church of ancient date? My Catholic reader, take my advice. Let no one disconcert you in your devotion to the Queen of Heaven, and never become cold in her service.
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Novena In Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Our Lady of the Snows
(In connection with the Litany of Loreto
and the Memorare, the following prayer is said)
Our Lady of the Snows, O Help of Christians, O Mother of Mercy, I beseech thee now to hear my prayer, and to obtain for me of thy divine Son the favor that I request in this novena. (Here mention your petitions).
Obtain for me, also, dearest Mother, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, obedience, purity, poverty, submission to the will of God, and charity. Be my protectress in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in perplexities, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in heaven. Amen
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do 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.
(His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a rescript of the sacred Congregation
of Indulgences, Dec. 11, 1846, 300 Days Indulgence.)
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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of Indulgences, Dec. 11, 1846, 300 Days Indulgence.)
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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 Savior, 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 assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto us Thy servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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 Savior, 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 assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto us Thy servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/