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Scripture meditation: Wisdom is sweet for your soul. If you find it, you will have hope, and your hope will not perish. Proverbs 24:14
Reflection: Mary is both the Mother of the Shepherd and the Mother of the Lamb. That is why she is all our confidence and all our hope!
St. Germanus (469-576AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, bishop of Paris
Prayer: O Mary, you are the world's best hope because you are the Mother of the Redeemer. I place all my hope in you -- for today, for tomorrow, and for ever.
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Scripture meditation: But now that you are free from sin and slaves to God, the fruit that you have leads to holiness and results in eternal life. Romans 6:22
Reflection: Blessed are those who cherish your Name, O Mary. Your favor will sustain them in the midst of trial, and they will bring forth fruits of salvation.
St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231AD)
Mini-Bio: Portuguese; Franciscan preacher and reformer, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, may your holy Name be ever on my lips and in my heart. Let it be the key to a holy life on earth and the password to a blessed eternity in heaven.
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Scripture meditation: Observe … the commandment … : love the Lord, your God; walk in all his ways; keep all his commandments; cling to him; and serve him with all your heart and soul. Joshua 22:5
Reflection: Love the Immaculata! Confide in her and consecrate yourself to her without reservation. Strive to do everything as she herself would do it in your place, especially by loving God as she loves Him. < xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" prefix="o" namespace="">
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941AD)
Mini-Bio: Polish; Franciscan priest, founder of Knights of Mary Immaculate, martyr
Prayer: O Mary, I give myself completely to you. Help me to love you, to follow your example in all things, and to love God as you did all your life__________________________________________________________________________
Scripture meditation: The eyes of all hope in you …; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalms 145:15-16
Reflection: The Motherly Heart of Mary has a great desire to give us grace. This desire is even greater than our desire to receive grace!
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 forever looking for ways to give us grace. Grant me the grace I need for this day, and let me remember to ask for the same thing each day.
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Scripture meditation: Associate with a devout person whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments. … In addition, trust your own judgment. Sirach 37:12-13
Reflection: Jesus has given us the Heart of His Blessed Mother. Therefore, you can and you must make use of that Heart to love God. For Mary's Heart is truly yours, and you must love God with all 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 Immaculate Heart of Mary, I entrust myself to you. Help me to follow your inspirations and make my heart like yours, which is in turn like the Heart of Jesus.
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Scripture meditation: Do not be anxious and say, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" … All these things shall be given you besides. Matthew 6:31-33
Reflection: Place yourself in Mary's hands; she will think of everything and provide for the needs of soul and body. Therefore, be at peace, be at complete peace, with unlimited confidence in her!
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941AD)
Mini-Bio: Polish; Franciscan priest, founder of Knights of Mary Immaculate, martyr
Prayer: O Mary, Mother of Hope, I entrust my life into your hands. Fill me with Christian optimism, so that I will be able to confront any situation with equanimity.
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Scripture meditation: Mercy and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall sprout from the earth, and justice shall look down from heavens. Psalms 85:11-12
Reflection: Mary is the Virgin most truthful, the soil from which, in the words of the Psalmist, Truth shall spring. May she grant us the grace to be truthful in heart, word, and deed in all things.
St. Joan of Valois (1464-1505AD)
Mini-Bio: French; foundress of the Order of the Annunciation. Although many thought she was ugly, she replied: The value of a person comes not from the beauty of the body, but from the beauty of the soul.
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of Truth Himself. Make me know the Truth, so that I may always love the truth, speak the truth, and live the truth.
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Scripture meditation: I became established in Zion. Thus, in the beloved city he gave me a resting place; in Jerusalem I exerted my power. Sirach 24:10-11
Reflection: The word "Jerusalem" in this text signifies the Church Triumphant in heaven as well as the Church Militant on earth. Indeed, the Mother of the Creator has power both in heaven and on earth. < xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" prefix="o" namespace="">
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are the "Virgin Most Powerful." Make me a better person and make the world a safer place to live in from both a natural and a supernatural point of view.
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Scripture meditation: You shall watch for me, and you shall find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, and I will bring you back. Jeremiah 29:13-14
Reflection: We must pray to Mary and call upon her. She is admirable for herself and lovable for us. As in the Gospel, Mary now intervenes with her Son and obtains from Him miracles that the ordinary course of things would not allow.
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, you know our human needs and sorrows. Grant that I may have recourse to you in all my anxieties and always obtain God's gracious help.
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Scripture meditation: Store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, nor robbers break in and steal! For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. Matthew 6:20-21
Reflection: Mary is my great treasure. She is my All after Jesus. She is my honor, my tenderness, and the storehouse of my virtues! I do everything in and through her.
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 greatest treasure after Jesus. Help me to prize you above everything, remain united with you, and reach your Son Jesus through you.
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Scripture meditation: Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her own home. Luke 1:56
Reflection: The heart of our good Mother Mary is all love and mercy. She desires nothing else but our happiness. We need only have recourse to her and we will be heard.
St. John Vianney (1786-1859AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, spiritual director, Patron saint of parish priests
Prayer: O Mary, you visited Elizabeth on a mission of mercy even while bearing Jesus. Teach me to be concerned for others and bring Jesus to them by my visits.
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Scripture meditation: Hear now, all you who fear God, and I will tell you the great things he has done for me. I cried to him for help, and praised him with my tongue. Psalms 66:16-17
Reflection: Every day at Evening Prayer, the Church sings the "Magnificant," Mary's hymn of praise. This habitual remembrance of the Lord's Incarnation enkindles the hearts of the faithful, and the frequent meditation of Mary's examples confirms them in virtue.
St. Bede the Venerable (673-735AD)
Mini-Bio: English; priest, monk, scholar, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, teach me to unite myself with the Church in the Liturgy of the Hours each day. Let me recite your magnificent hymn of praise often.
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Scripture meditation: Abide in me, and I in you. … Whoever abides in me and I in him will bear much fruit, for without me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5
Reflection: It was the prerogative of Mary to conceive Christ in her womb. But it is the heritage of all the elect to bear Jesus in their hearts.
St. Peter Damian (1001-1072AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Benedictine prior, spiritual writer, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you bore Christ in your heart as well as your body. Help me to bear Him always within my heart by doing the things that are pleasing to Him.
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Scripture meditation: For you were slain and have redeemed us for God with your blood, those from every tribe and language, people and nation. Revelation 5:9
Reflection: God is the Father of the world's construction, and Mary is the Mother of its reconstruction. For God generated the One through Whom everything has been made. And Mary gave birth to the One through Whose work all things have been saved.
St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; archbishop, abbot, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Co-Redemptrix with your Divine Son. Help me to unite all my words and actions with your Heart and the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the salvation of the world
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Scripture meditation: But if anyone sins, we have an advocate with God the Father, Jesus Christ the just one. He is propitiation for our sins … and those of all the world. 1 John 2:1-2
Reflection: In heaven Mary remains always in the presence of her Divine Son. There she is continually praying on behalf of sinners.
St. Bede the Venerable (673-735AD)
Mini-Bio: English; priest, monk, scholar, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, in accord with the will of your Divine Son, you are the Refuge of Sinners. Beg Him to forgive my past sins and help me to avoid sin in the future
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Scripture meditation: She has set her table. She has sent out her maids to invite to the tower … :"Let whoever is a little one come to me." Proverbs 9:2-4
Reflection: Nowhere do we find Jesus nearer to us and more adapted to our weakness than in Mary, since it was for that reason that He came and dwelt in her. Everywhere else He is the Bread of the strong, the Bread of the Angels, but in Mary He is the Bread of children..
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 bring Jesus to us in a way we can understand. Let me come to know Jesus more deeply, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more closely.
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Scripture meditation: O Lord, … you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, so that it will always remain. It is you, O Lord, who blessed it, and it will be blessed forever. 1 Chronicles 17:26-27
Reflection: Without the consent of Mary, God would not become Man. The reasons for this were first that we might feel under great obligation to her and second that we might realize that the salvation of all is left to her care.
St. Peter Damian (1001-1072AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Benedictine prior, spiritual writer, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are entrusted with our salvation. Keep me safe from the snares of the devil. Help me to say often: "Immaculate Heart of Mary, be my salvation."
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Scripture meditation: She is found by those who search for her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her; those who rise early to seek her will not have to toil. Wisdom 6:12-14
Reflection: The Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Auxiliatrix, Adjutrix, and Mediatrix. These however are to be so understood that they take nothing away from nor add anything to the dignity and efficacy of Christ the one Mediator.
Vatican II: Lumen Gentium/The Church, 62 (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 our Advocate with God. Grant that I may call upon your intercessory power and so be able to bring forth the fruits that your Divine Son expects from me.
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Scripture meditation: A shoot shall spring up from the stump of Jesse, and out of his roots a flower shall blossom. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. Isaiah 11:1-2
Reflection: The birth of the Mother of God is the prelude to the union of the Word with flesh. Today the Virgin is born, tended and formed, and prepared for her role as Mother of God, Who is the universal King of the ages.
St. Andrew of Crete (660-740AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; Archbishop, monk, hymnist
Prayer: O Mary, the birth of Jesus from you was the dawn of our salvation. May the celebration of your birthday bring the world closer to lasting peace and redound to my salvation.
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Scripture meditation: When the Lord has brought you into the … land that flows with milk and honey, you shall celebrate this sacred rite in this month. Exodus 13:5
Reflection: Mary is a land that, though it has never been sown, brings forth fruit that gives food to all creatures. She is a land on which rest the blessings of the Lord.
St. Theodore the Studite (759-826AD)
Mini-Bio: Asia Minor; abbot, major monastic reformer and theologian. An important writer, especially against the Iconoclasm heresy.
Prayer: O Mary, you are the "land that flows with milk and honey." Fill me with the blessings that flow from such a Divine land, so that I too may bring forth fruits worthy of salvation.
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Scripture meditation: The Lord does not delay in his promises, but is patient for your sake, not wanting anyone to perish, but all to turn to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Reflection: Mary does not know how to refuse compassion. She has never learned how to let the comfortless go away uncomforted. And so, she will persuade her Son to pardon me.
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of Compassion. Help me to show compassion to others, so that I may benefit from your compassion and that of your Divine Son.
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Scripture meditation: Wait yet a little and I will show you. I still have some things to say in God's behalf. Job 36:2
Reflection: Mary is the echo of God. If we say "Mary," she will answer "God." That is why union with her is always followed by union with God.
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 the Echo of God. Let me imitate you in echoing the teaching of Jesus to others both in my words and in my deeds.
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Scripture meditation: Just as the living Father has sent me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will live because of me. John 6:57
Reflection: Every grace granted to human beings has three degrees in order: From God it is communicated to Christ; from Christ it passes to the Blessed Virgin; and from the Blessed Virgin it comes to us.
St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, Franciscan vicar general, preacher, reformer
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Channel of Divine Grace for us. Grant that I may be receptive to every grace earmarked for me and may cooperate with it to the full.
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Scripture meditation: Ephraim is my favored son; he is a tender child. … I still remember him. My heart stirs for him, and I will surely show him compassion. Jeremiah 31:20
Reflection: Mary far surpasses all other mothers in glory and holiness as well as in kindness and sweetness. Come before her with a contrite and humbled heart. You will find her more prompt and more tender in loving you than all other mothers.
Pope St. Gregory the Great (540-590AD)
Mini-Bio: Roman; pope, abbot, liturgist, reformer, statesman, Doctor of the Church. He helped the poor while spreading and strengthening the faith. He wrote extensively on moral and theological subjects.
Prayer: "O Mother of the Word Incarnate, to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me."
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Scripture meditation: The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a person finds it he hides it again; then, filled with joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44
Reflection: Every good, every help, and every grace that human beings have received and will receive from God until the end of time came and will come to them by the intercession and through the hands of Mary. When we find Mary, we find all!
Blessed Raymond Jordano
Mini-Bio: I have no biographical information on this person, please e-mail me if you can provide some bio. information.
Prayer: O Mary, you are the "treasure hidden in a field." Let me be willing to give up all things so that I may never be separated from you and your Divine Son.
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Scripture meditation: Eye has not seen nor has ear heard, neither has it entered the human heart … what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
Reflection: Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, and the human heart has not felt what God has prepared for those who love Him. Who, then, can dare speak about what God has prepared for His Mother!
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 now enjoying the ineffable reward prepared for you. Let me dwell often on the joys that await me if I remain faithful to God's will for me
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Scripture meditation: My just one is near, my savior has gone forth …; the coastlands look for me and wait patiently for my arm. Isaiah 51:5
Reflection: Because Jesus redeemed us, He is our Lord and our King. In the same way the Blessed Virgin is our Lady and our Queen on account of the unique manner in which she assisted in the Redemption, offering her Son to the Father for the salvation of the world.
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, most noble Queen of the world, plead for peace and salvation in our behalf, for you have brought forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of us all.
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Scripture meditation: God made two great lights: a greater one to rule the day, and a lesser one to rule the night. Genesis 1:16
Reflection: The moon, standing between the sun and the earth, transmits to the earth whatever light it receives from the sun. In like manner, Mary stands between God and human beings and pours His grace upon us.
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you flood us with Christ's supernatural brightness. Grant me the graces to flee the proximate occasions of sin and remain true to my Christian vocation.
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Scripture meditation: Strenuous labor is the lot of all human beings … from the day when they emerge from their mother's womb until the day when they return to the mother of us all. Sirach 40:1
Reflection: Mary is a Queen because she is a Mother, the Immaculate Mother of God, a completely Divine Mother. She is thus the Queen of heaven and earth, of Angels and human beings.
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941AD)
Mini-Bio: Polish; Franciscan priest, founder of Knights of Mary Immaculate, martyr
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mother of all the living and Queen of all. Watch over me by your motherly care. And intercede with the King of kings on my behalf.
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Scripture meditation: Let us confidently draw near the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Reflection: The life-giving graces flow from Christ the Head, through the Blessed Virgin, into His Mystical Body. Mary received the great honor from God that no one should obtain any grace except through her hands.
St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, Franciscan vicar general, preacher, reformer
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Mediatrix of all graces. Let me ask you each day for the graces I need to lead a truly Christian life, and obtain them for me from your Divine Son.
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Scripture meditation: A woman from the crowd cried out … "Blessed is the womb that bore you. …." He, [Jesus] replied, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Luke 11:27-28
Reflection: Mary is blessed most of all because she heard the word of God and carried it out. She preserved the Truth in her mind even more than she preserved the Flesh in her womb.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430AD)
Mini-Bio: North African; bishop, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are the first among the believers in Christ. Increase my faith in your Divine Son. Make it so alive that it will shine out even in the littlest thing I do.
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Scripture meditation: Anything defiled shall not enter into it nor anyone who practices abomination and deceit, but only those who appear in the book of life of the Lamb. Revelation 21:27
Reflection: Those who enjoy the favor of Mary are recognized by the citizens of heaven. And those who bear her stamp, that is, those who have the grace to be her servants, are inscribed in the Book of Life.
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Book of Life for your servants. Help me to be so devoted to you that I will remain free from serious sin and deserve to have my name written in that Book
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Scripture meditation: At that time, Mary arose and went into the hill country in haste to a town of Judah. She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:39-40
Reflection: In the interior life and in the apostolate, let us always work with Mary. For then everything becomes easier and more certain, quicker and more delightful.
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 were forever working for the Christian apostolate. Teach me to work with you so that I may obtain the best fruits from this activity, which Jesus commanded us to do.
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Scripture meditation: Mary kept in mind all these things, pondering them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and lauding God for all they had heard and seen. Luke 2:19-20
Reflection: O faithful soul, imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary. Enter into the temple of your heart in order to be spiritually renewed and obtain forgiveness of your sins. Remember that God looks at the intentions behind our works rather than 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 meditated continually on the things God sent into your life. Help me to meditate daily on the events that touch my life and to discern God's hand and will in them.
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Scripture meditation: And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord; and my spirit rejoices in God my savior." Luke 1:46-47
Reflection: May each one of us possess the soul of Mary to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. And may each one of us possess the spirit of Mary to rejoice in God.
St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397AD)
Mini-Bio: German; bishop, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you magnified the Lord by your life as well as your words. Obtain for me the grace to glorify the Lord and rejoice in Him by the purity of my life.
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Scripture meditation: Can a woman forget her infant, be without mercy for the child of her womb? And if she should forget, I shall never forget you. Isaiah 49:15
Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary is like a mother who has many children. She is always busy going from one to the other!
St. John Vianney (1786-1859AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, spiritual director, Patron saint of parish priests
Prayer: O Mary, you are more devoted to the salvation of your children than any earthly mother can be. I thank you for your loving concern for me, which will only rest when I am in heaven with you.
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Scripture meditation: I cry to you from the ends of the earth when my heart becomes weary. You will set me high on a rock giving me rest, for you are my refuge. Psalms 61:3-4
Reflection: If you wish to live supernaturally and holily, pray to the Mother of God. When you see yourself becoming lost in activity, make contact with our Immaculate Mother by frequent interior appeals.
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941AD)
Mini-Bio: Polish; Franciscan priest, founder of Knights of Mary Immaculate, martyr
Prayer: O Mary, you always listen to our prayers. Help me to remain united with you in prayer despite the many activities that cry for my attention at every moment of the day.
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Scripture meditation: Mary … shall bring forth a son and you shall call his name Jesus, because he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:20-21
Reflection: By becoming the Mother of God, Mary was the means of the salvation of sinners. In the same way, sinners are saved by proclaiming her praises.
St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; archbishop, abbot, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Refuge of Sinners. Help me to receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily, so that my sins will be forgiven and I will sing your praises forever.
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Scripture meditation: Beloved, we are the children of God now; what we shall be has not yet appeared. We do know that when he appears, we shall be like him. 1 John 3:2
Reflection: Mary is the living "mold of God." It was in her that God was made a true man. It is also in her that human beings can be truly fashioned into God, insofar as that is possible for human nature, by the grace of Christ.
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 the mold of Christ. Form us into the image of your Divine Son. Help me to be like Jesus, so that I may be forever a true child of God.
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Scripture meditation: Beloved, we are the children of God now; what we shall be has not yet appeared. We do know that when he appears, we shall be like him. 1 John 3:2
Reflection: Mary is the living "mold of God." It was in her that God was made a true man. It is also in her that human beings can be truly fashioned into God, insofar as that is possible for human nature, by the grace of Christ.
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 the mold of Christ. Form us into the image of your Divine Son. Help me to be like Jesus, so that I may be forever a true child of God.
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Scripture meditation: Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? The one with innocent hands and a pure heart. Psalms 24:3-4
Reflection: To whom shall we look except to you, O Mary? Your most pure glance is on this poor world, enveloping and bathing it in an atmosphere of purity.
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 the Immaculate Conception, "our tainted nature's solitary boast." Help me to have clean hands and a pure heart so that I can ascend to the heavenly mountain of the Lord.
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Scripture meditation: The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to [Jesus] … and worshipping him, asked for a favor. He said to her, "What is your wish?" Matthew 20:20-21
Reflection: When Mary asks for graces from God, she does not ask but, so to speak, commands. For her Son honors her by refusing her nothing.
St. Peter Damian (1001-1072AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Benedictine prior, spiritual writer, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O most powerful Advocate, "help the helpless, strengthen the fearful, comfort the sorrowful, pray for the people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God, and assist all those devoted to you."
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Scripture meditation: All my words are just, in them is no evil or wickedness. They are right to those who understand. Proverbs 8:8-9
Reflection: What a wondrous book is the Heart of Mary! Blessed are those who read with intelligence what is written therein, for they will learn the science of salvation.
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, most wise, help me to contemplate the science of salvation found in your Immaculate Heart. Grant that I may imitate you in all things, for you were the perfect follower of Jesus.
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Scripture meditation: And whatever you do, in word or in acts, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Reflection: We must accomplish all our actions through Mary, with Mary and in Mary. In that way, we will also accomplish them all through Jesus, with Jesus, and in Jesus.
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, through your Immaculate Heart I offer all my prayers, works, and sufferings to Jesus. I offer them for the intentions of His Sacred Heart and the salvation of the world.
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Scripture meditation: Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Reflection: During her earthly life Mary lived in continual prayer. Therefore, all who are devoted to her must pray -- and pray continually.
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 know the secret of prayer. Let me be convinced that more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Whenever I slack off in my prayer life, gently lead me back to it.
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Scripture meditation: A path shall be there called the holy way, the unclean shall not pass over it. … And on it shall walk the delivered. Isaiah 35:8-9
Reflection: May the Blessed Virgin Mary help me to live a holy life and die a holy death. Then at the last instants of my life, may she come to my assistance and lead me to heaven.
St. Dominic Savio (1842-1857AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; child visionary, founder of the Company of the Immaculate Conception
Prayer: O Mary, you led St. Dominic along the "holy way" during his short life on earth. Lead me too along this way of holiness so that I may one day join him and you in the eternal holiness of heaven.
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Scripture meditation: Receive my instruction and not silver, and choose knowledge before gold. For wisdom is better than precious stones, and no object of desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:10-11
Reflection: Read attentively the book of purity that is Mary, written by the finger of God. Read the holiness, the love, the kindness, the humility -- in short, read the vast fullness of all the virtues.
St. Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; archbishop, Augustinian provincial, university professor, reformer, chaplain to the emperor
Prayer: O Mary, help me to learn from you how to lead a Christian life. Let me strive to imitate the virtues you exhibited, for you were the closest follower of your Divine Son Jesus on earth.
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Scripture meditation: God is love, and whoever abides in love lives in God and God in him. In this way, love is brought to perfection among us. 1 John 4:16
Reflection: The Heart of Mary constituted a perfect empire for the Divine Love, which always reigned therein. And it caused to reign therein all the laws of God, all the maxims of heaven, and all the Christian virtues.
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 Heart was a burning vessel of God's love. Fill my heart with love for God and let me thank Him every day for His great love in sending His only Son to obtain my salvation.
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Scripture meditation: Holocausts and sin offering did not please you. Then I said, "As is written of me in the head of the book, Behold, I come to do your will, O God." Hebrews 10:6-7
Reflection: Mary's sole object in this world was to keep her eyes constantly focused on God so as to discover His will. Then when she had found out what God wanted, she did it.
St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, Franciscan vicar general, preacher, reformer
Prayer: O Mary, you are the obedient Daughter of the Father who cooperated with Him in the salvation worked by Jesus. In every situation make known God's will to me and help me to carry it out willingly.
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Scripture meditation: I was with him forming all things and was delighted every day playing in his presence, playing in the world. Proverbs 8:30
Reflection: So pleasing to God was Mary's humility that He was constrained by His goodness to entrust to her the Word, His only Son. And it was that dearest Mother who gave Him to us.
St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; Dominican tertiary, mystical writer, visionary, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, Mother of humility, teach me the humility that draws your Divine Son to the soul. May I desire to offer whatever I have to Jesus and do everything for His glory.
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Scripture meditation: Before they cry out, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
Reflection: Mary is more prompt than all the Saints in coming to our aid. She has a great desire to comfort us. The moment she is invoked, she welcomes our prayers and grants us her assistance.
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 ready to hear us at every moment. Let me remain united with you all my days and seek your powerful help in time of trial and temptation.
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Scripture meditation: Before they cry out, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
Reflection: Mary is more prompt than all the Saints in coming to our aid. She has a great desire to comfort us. The moment she is invoked, she welcomes our prayers and grants us her assistance.
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 ready to hear us at every moment. Let me remain united with you all my days and seek your powerful help in time of trial and temptation.
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Scripture meditation: Now therefore, children, listen to me. Hear instruction and be wise and do not reject it. Proverbs 8:32-33
Reflection: No one, O most holy Mary, can know God but through you. No one can be saved or redeemed but through you, O Mother of God. No one obtains mercy but through you, O full of grace.
St. Germanus (469-576AD)
Mini-Bio: French; abbot, bishop of Paris
Prayer: O Mary, reveal Jesus to me more and more. In getting to know the Son, may I also get to know the Father -- for Jesus said that this is eternal life.
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Scripture meditation: Be sober and alert. You enemy the devil goes about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him, and stand firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9
Reflection: The devil is always looking for someone to devour. In the same way, Mary is always looking for someone she can help in any way.
Pope St. Leo I (the Great) (400-461AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (440-461) Italian; pope, unifier, Doctor of the Church. He guided the destiny of the Church with prudence and wisdom during a time where people were disturbed over dogmatic controversies
Prayer: O Mary, you are especially vigilant in protecting those devoted to you. Defend me from the snares of the devil and keep me ever safe in your loving care.
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Scripture meditation: Abram believed God and it was credited to him as an act of righteousness. Genesis 15:6
Reflection: Mary is the heir and fulfillment of the faith of Abraham. Just as he is regarded as "our father," so Mary must with greater reason be regarded as "our Mother" in faith. Through Mary's faith and obedience, all the families of the earth are blessed, in accord with the promise made to Abraham (see Gen. 12:3)
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 are my Mother in faith. Let me model my faith after your own. Increase it from day to day, so that upon my death that faith may be changed into vision in heaven.
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Scripture meditation: For who is God but the Lord? What rock is there except our God? God who has girt me with strength and kept my way secure. Psalms 18:32-33
Reflection: We must look upon Mary as an accomplished model of every virtue and perfection that the Holy Spirit has fashioned in any simple creature. We will then be able to imitate her in the way suitable to each of us.
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 the Model of every virtue. Help me to study your life and imitate your virtues in the way God intends for me.
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Scripture meditation: And suddenly the Lord whom you seek, and the Messenger of his covenant whom you desire, shall come to his temple, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:1
Reflection: The Presentation in the Temple … is the celebration of the Mystery of Salvation accomplished by Christ. The Blessed Virgin was intimately associated in this Mystery as the Mother of the Suffering Servant of Yahweh, as the one who performs a mission belonging to ancient Israel, and as the model of the new People of God.
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, you felt joy and sorrow during the Presentation. Teach me to accept both joy and sorrow with equanimity, since God works everything out for our good.
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Scripture meditation: O All you who pass by the way, look and see whether there is any sorrow like my sorrow. Lamentations 1:12
Reflection: Human beings will never comprehend sufficiently the anguish and immensity of Mary's sorrows. Very few Christians partake of those sufferings and even fewer offer any consolation to her.
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, let me dwell constantly on your part in the Redemption, which entailed great sorrow for you. Teach me to compassionate with you in your sufferings and unite myself to them.
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Scripture meditation: My son, forget not my teaching, and let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you length of days and years of peace. Proverbs 3:1-2
Reflection: When Mary became the Mother of Jesus, true God and true Man, she also became our Mother. In His great mercy, Jesus wished to call us His brothers and sisters, and by this name He constituted us adopted children of Mary.
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, let me be devoted to you as my Mother and to Jesus as my Brother. Help me to follow your teaching, which is that of your Divine Son
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Scripture meditation: I love those who love me, and those who watch for me find me. Proverbs 8:17
Reflection: Blessed are those who abandon themselves into our Lady's hands. Their names are written in the Book of Life.
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, I entrust myself into your hands. I give you my body and my soul, my thoughts and my actions, my life and my death. Help me to love Jesus above all things
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Scripture meditation: You have wounded my heart. … You have wounded with one glance of your eyes, with one link of your necklace. Song of Solomon 4:9
Reflection: In danger, anguish, or doubt, think of Mary and call upon her! Following her, you will never lose your way. Praying to her, you will never sink into despair. Contemplating her, you will never go wrong.
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, let my mind and heart be ever focused on you. Watch over me as you lovingly watched over Jesus in His childhood during the Hidden Years at Nazareth.
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Scripture meditation: Thus do I look up to you … that I may behold your power and your glory. For your kindness is better than life; my lips shall proclaim your praises. Psalms 63:3-4
Reflection: In Mary's name, I say this to each one of you: She loves you, each and every one of you. She loves you very much. She loves you at every moment and without any exceptions.
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941AD)
Mini-Bio: Polish; Franciscan priest, founder of Knights of Mary Immaculate, martyr
Prayer: O Mary, I offer you deep thanks for your great love for all those redeemed by your Divine Son. Help me to respond to that love by loving my neighbor for the love of you and Jesus.
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Scripture meditation: Who is she that come forth like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as an army in battle array? Song of Solomon 6:10
Reflection: Mary is more exalted than the Patriarchs, greater than the Martyrs, more glorious than the Confessors, and purer than the Virgins. Therefore, she alone and without them, can do what they can accomplish only in union with her.
St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; archbishop, abbot, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, your Divine Son has placed His own mighty power into your hands. By that power, help me to flee all sin and practice my faith conscientiously day after day.
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Scripture meditation: All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you hear [God's] precepts. … And blessed shall you be coming in and going out. Deuteronomy 28:2-6
Reflection: Entrust to Mary any offering you wish to make to God. In this way, grace will return to its source the same way it came to us. Certainly, God could give us grace without going through Mary. But He chose not to do so.
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 graces God intends for me this day. Then offer your Divine Son all the good works that I do as a result of these graces.
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Scripture meditation: I put bracelets on your hands, a chain about your neck, … earrings in your ears, and a shining crown upon your head. Ezekiel 16:11-12
Reflection: How beautiful you are in the soul and resplendent in the body, Mary, my Mother. In this world, the Blessed Virgin was poor and unknown, but in heaven she is glorious and beautiful, the Queen of Angels.
St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231AD)
Mini-Bio: Portuguese; Franciscan preacher and reformer, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are all beautiful in both soul and body. I praise you as the Queen of heaven and earth. Let me appreciate your beauty and spiritual might ever more each day.
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Scripture meditation: She is the reflection of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the active power of God, and the image of his goodness. Wisdom 7:26
Reflection: Before her birth, the Prophets proclaimed the glory of Mary. They compared her to the sun. Indeed, the appearances of the Blessed Virgin can be compared to a beautiful ray of sunshine on a cloudy afternoon.
St. John Vianney (1786-1859AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, spiritual director, Patron saint of parish priests
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Sunshine of our lives. Let your rays of grace shine into my heart and cast out the darkness of sin and despair. Let me hope always in you
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Scripture meditation: You have remitted the gift of your people; you have forgiven all their sins. You have held back all your wrath; you have not lashed out with anger. Psalms 85:3-4
Reflection: Mary, every Virgin, is a true Mother of Mercy, who disposes Jesus to clemency. As a consoler of the human race, she never ceases to pour out before Him her prayer for the salvation of the faithful crushed by the weight of their sins.
Pope St. Pius V (1504-1572AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1566-1572) Alexandrian; reformed the clergy with his friend St. Charles Borromeo. Made at least two meditations a day on bended knees in presence of the Blessed Sacrament. He instituted for the first Sunday of October the feast of the Rosary.
Prayer: O Mary, you continually plead for us before the throne of your Divine Son. Help me to show my gratitude for His mercy toward me by striving to avoid all sin in the future.
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Scripture meditation: But you are a God of mercy, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and full of love. Therefore, you did not forsake them. Nehemiah 9:17
Reflection: Have recourse to that dear Mary who is Mother of Mercy. She will take you into her Son's presence and use her Motherly intercession with Him on your behalf, so that He will be merciful toward you.
St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; Dominican tertiary, mystical writer, visionary, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, Mother of Mercy, never cease to intercede for me with your merciful Son. Let me remember that all human beings are fallible and I need God's mercy to reach my eternal goal.
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Scripture meditation: You are the glory of Jerusalem, the surpassing pride of Israel, the great honor of our people. You have done all this with your own hand. Judith 15:9-10
Reflection: Together with Jesus and through Jesus, she was the eternal enemy of the poisonous serpent, overcame him, and crushed his head with her virginal foot.
Blessed Pope Pius IX (1792-1878AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1846-1878) Italian; He proclaimed the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin as a dogma of the Church. His is the longest pontificate in the history of the papacy and was the last pope to hold temporal power.
Prayer: O Mary, in union with your Divine Son you have overcome the powers of evil. Come to my aid when evil threatens to overwhelm me, and deliver me from all danger.
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Scripture meditation: Shout and sing for joy, O City of Zion, for great is he in your midst, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 12:6
Reflection: When we say that Mary is the Mother of God, we speak of a dignity that is above every other dignity that can be named, or thought of, after that of God. Nothing equals Mary, for all is either above her, and this is God, or beneath her, and this is all that is not God.
St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; archbishop, abbot, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Virgin Most Venerable, for God alone can know your real greatness. Grant that I may venerate you as you deserve.
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Scripture meditation: I try to please everyone in all things, not seeking my own good but the good of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - 11:1
Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary was the nearest possible to Christ, for it was from her that He received His human nature. Therefore, she must have obtained a greater plenitude of grace from Him than all others.
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; Dominican philosopher, theologian, mystic, hymnist, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you are the most like Christ out of all human beings. Help me to imitate you in every way for in so doing I will also imitate your Divine Son as closely as possible.
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Scripture meditation: Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise in the city of our God. His holy mountain, most beautiful of all, is the joy of the whole earth. Psalms 48:2
Reflection: Our Lord had preserved the soul together with the body of the Blessed Virgin in that purity which became her who was to receive a God into her womb.
St. John Damascene (of Damascus) (675-749AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; priest, monk, theologian, poet, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you were given the grace of the highest holiness so as to be able to have God reposing in you. Help me to strive after the greatest holiness possible since your Divine Son dwells in me, too, by grace.
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Scripture meditation: All flesh was destroyed that moved upon the earth … from man even to beast. … Only Noah and those with him in the ark remained. Genesis 7:21-23
Reflection: Noah's ark was a type of Mary. As, by its means, human beings were preserved from the Flood, so are we all saved by Mary from the shipwreck of sin. There is this difference, however. In the ark few were saved, but through Mary the whole human race was rescued from death.
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 Ark of Salvation for all mankind. I entrust to you myself and my family as well as the whole world. Keep us all from eternal death.
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Scripture meditation: Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit life everlasting. Matthew 19:29
Reflection: To other human beings, grace has been given with measure. But to Mary, it has been poured out beyond measure!
St. Sophronius (634-639AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; patriarch of Jerusalem, monk, poet, ecclesiastical writer and central theologian for orthodox teaching
Prayer: O Mary, you are full of grace, possessing more than all the Angels and Saints combined. I bow down in awe at the breadth of your holiness, and I ask you to pray to the all-holy God for me.
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Scripture meditation: When they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier opened his side with a lance, and immediately blood and water poured out. John 19:33-34
Reflection: It is your Heart, O Mary, that is pierced with the steel of the lance. Much more so than the Heart of your Son, Who has already breathed His last.
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, let me grieve with you over the saving death of your beloved Son. "Holy Mother, pierce me through; in my heart each wound renew; of my Savior crucified."
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Scripture meditation: Through his torment, my servant shall justify many, and he shall bear their iniquities. … For he has borne