Prayer for a happy death, Mary: Day 311

Prayer for a happy death, Mary: Day 311 May 27, 2016

year_with_mary_alphonsus_4Prayer for a happy death

St. Alphonsus asks Our Lady to remember that when she left this world, she promised not to forget us. He asks for a happy death so that he can be united with her and her Son in heaven.

Most sweet Lady and our mother, you’ve already left the earth and

reached your kingdom. There, as queen, you’re enthroned above all the choirs of angels, as the Church sings in her liturgy: “She is exalted above the choirs of angels in the celestial kingdom.”

We well know that we sinners aren’t worthy to possess you in this valley of darkness. But we also know that you, in your greatness, have never forgotten us miserable creatures. Though you have been exalted to such great glory, yet you have never lost compassion for us poor children of Adam. Instead, it has even increased in you.

Mary, from the high throne, then, to which you are exalted, turn your com- passionate eyes upon us, and pity us. Remember too that in leaving this world, you promised not to forget us. Look at us and help us.

See what storms and dangers constantly surround us, and will surround us until the end of our lives. By the merits of your happy death, obtain for us a holy perseverance in our friendship with God, so that we may finally leave this life in God’s grace. In this way, we too will one day come to kiss your feet in paradise, and join the blessed spirits in praising you and singing your glories as you deserve.

—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Talk about death is strenuously avoided in our culture, but the reality of death remains. Am I willing to risk having an uncomfortable conversation by encouraging my loved ones to pray for a happy death?

CLOSING PRAYER

From “The Seven Dolors of Mary at the Death of Jesus”: O holy Virgin, I beg you that, at my departure from this world, you would turn your merciful eyes toward me, so that in my last agony I may be consoled and strengthened by the light of your face.

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