Hail, sweet Mary!, Mary: Day 106

Hail, sweet Mary!

The abbot Venerable Louis de Blois rejoices in the abundant sweetness of the Blessed Virgin.

Hail, sweet Mary! Foreshadowed under many types and images, you were promised by various sayings of the prophets, and the ancient fathers sighed after you with earnest longings. Take me, O my Lady, for your poor servant. Adopt me, my Mother, for your son. Grant that I may be among the number of those who are written in the memory of your virgin heart, whom you teach, direct, cherish, and love.

Hail, sweet Mary! God honored you with so great a privilege as to preserve you free from original sin, and he adorned you with unique graces and precious gifts. O Virgin most renowned! O Virgin most peaceful! O Virgin most pure! You who are the one chosen child among a thousand, don’t reject me because of my iniquities, and because I am stained with the filth of sin. Instead, hear me crying out to you in misery. Comfort me, for I earnestly desire you; and help me, for I hope in you.

Hail, sweet Mary! Your birth was for ages desired and expected by the nations. You enlightened the world with a new light, and gladdened it with an unheard-of joy. O tender Virgin of most perfect innocence! Obtain for me true holiness of life. Remove from me whatever is displeasing to your virgin eyes. Have pity on me, O Lady, have pity on me; for your compassion increased with your tender years.

Hail, sweet Mary! The Lord adorned you with every beauty of form, and with all virtues, and made you most lovely. O most elegant, O most graceful Virgin! Adorn my soul, I beg you, with spiritual beauty. Implant in my heart the lively affections of holy chastity, so that I may please you, and give you accept- able service. —Blessed Abbot Louis de Blois, The Oratory of the Faithful Soul

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Do I ever experience a sweetness in conversation with Mary—a spiritual delight that spills like honey through my heart? What is it about my Lady that gives me such pleasure?

CLOSING PRAYER
From a prayer of St. Bonaventure: Mary, you are sweet toward those who love you, and sweet in giving yourself to those who seek you.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Paul Thigpen and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.