Mary, the last word on our lips, Mary: Day 313

Mary, the last word on our lips, Mary: Day 313 May 29, 2016

year_with_mary_alphonsus_2Mary, the last word on our lips

St. Alphonsus recalls the words and experiences of several holy men who witnessed to the power of Mary’s name when invoked at death.

“The invocation of the sacred names of Jesus and Mary,” says Thomas à Kempis, “is a short prayer, which is as sweet to the mind, and as powerful to protect those who use it against the enemies of their salvation, as it is easy to remember.”

“Blessed is the one who loves your name, Mary!” exclaims St. Bonaventure. “Yes, truly blessed is the one who loves your sweet name, Mother of God! For your name is so glorious and admirable, that no one who remembers it has any fears at the hour of death.” Such is its power, that none of those who invoke it at the hour of death fear the assaults of their enemies.

Oh, that we may end our lives as did the Capuchin father, Fulgentius of Ascoli, who died singing, “Mary, Mary, the most beautiful of creatures! Let’s depart together!” Or to die as blessed Henry the Cistercian died, who passed away in the very moment that he was pronouncing the most sweet name of Mary.

We must beg God to grant us, then, that at death the name of Mary may be the last word on our lips. This was the prayer of St. Germanus: “May the last movement of my tongue be to pronounce the name of the Mother of God.” Sweet and safe is the death that’s accompanied and protected by that saving name. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . .  .

Am I worried that when I am dying, the Enemy of my soul may come to  tempt or harass me? In that hour I need only call out the name of Our Lady, which sends demons fleeing.

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Bonaventure: Mary, come and meet my soul when it is depart- ing from this world, and take it in your arms. Come then and comfort me with your presence. Be my soul’s ladder and way to heaven. Obtain for it the grace of forgiveness and eternal rest.

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