THE PRAYER TO OUR LADY MARY BY SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX

5181

August 20: St. Bernard of Clairvaux -Marian Doctor

One of the first Cistercian monks, third mediaeval father and last father of the Church in chronological order. He was a beacon of spiritual light that illuminated all of western Europe during the XII century.

Look to the star, call upon Mary.

It was St. Bernard who gave impetus to the strong devotion to Our Lady that flourished in the later Middle Ages.

If squalls of temptations arise, or thou fall upon the rocks of tribulation, look to the star, call upon Mary.

If thou art tossed by the waves of pride or ambition, detraction or envy, look to the star, call upon Mary.

If anger or avarice or the desires of the flesh dash against the ship of thy soul, turn thine eyes towards Mary.

If, trouble by the enormity of thy crimes, ashamed of thy guilty conscience, terrified by dread of the judgment, thou beginnest to sink into the gulf of sadness or the abyss of despair, think of Mary.

In dangers, in anguish, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary.

Let her be ever on thy lips, ever in thy heart; and the better to obtain the help of her prayers, imitate the example of her life.

Following her, thou strayest not;
invoking her, thou despairest not;
thinking of her, thou wanderest not;
upheld by her, thou fallest not;
shielded by her, thou fearest not;
guided by her, thou growest not weary;
favored by her, thou reachest the goal.

And thus dost thou experience in thyself how good is that saying: ‘And the Virgin’s name was Mary

When we pray this prayer, (with great faith), we gain the confidence we need in the power of Mary’s intercession for us.

This is especially true when we are desperate and need God’s help.  In this prayer, we are reminded that “NEVER” was it know that any one who fled to her, implored her help, or sought her intercession was “NOT HELPED“.

If we seek her help, she will help us.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

*