Mary, make me a saint!, Mary: Day 105

Mary, make me a saint!

St. Alphonsus sums up his prayer intentions when he asks for Mary’s help: Make me a saint!

Mother of Mercy, you are so compassionate, and have so great a desire to render service to us poor creatures and to grant our requests! So I, the most miserable of all men, now turn to your compassion, so that you may grant me what I ask.

Others may ask of you what they please: bodily health, and earthly goods and advantages. But I come, Lady, to ask you for whatever you desire for me, and whatever is most like, most pleasing to, your most sacred heart.

You are so humble; obtain for me humility and love of contempt. You were so patient in the sufferings of this life; obtain for me patience in trials. You were all filled with the love of God; obtain for me the gift of his pure and holy love. You were all love towards your neighbor; obtain for me charity toward all, and particularly toward those who are in any way my enemies.

You were entirely united to God’s will; help me to conform entirely to the will of God in whatever way he may be pleased to dispose of me. In short, you are the most holy of all creatures. Mary, make me a saint!

Love for me is not lacking on your part. You can do anything, and you have the will to obtain everything for me. The only thing, then, that can prevent me from receiving your graces is either neglect on my part in turning to you, or too little confidence in your intercession. These two things you must obtain for me. These two greatest graces I ask from you; from you I must obtain them; from you I hope for them with the greatest confidence, Mary, my Mother Mary, my hope, my love, my life, my refuge, my help, and my consolation. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
What does it mean to be a saint? What attitudes will keep me from receiving Mary’s help to become one?

CLOSING PRAYER
From a prayer of St. Bernard: O sovereign Lady of all things, saint of saints, splen- dor of the world, glory of heaven: Acknowledge those who love you; hear us, for your Son honors you by denying you nothing.

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