Memorare

Remember,
most loving Virgin Mary,
never was it heard
that anyone who turned to you for help
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
though burdened by my sins,
I run to you for protection
for you are my mother.

OR

Remember,
O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that any one who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins my Mother;
to thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful;
O Mother of thy Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy clemency hear and answer me.
Amen.

---

The legacy of Memorare

The Memorare is a well-known and beloved Catholic prayer. It is also one of the most ancient prayers in the Catholic Church. The prayer is attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot and doctor of the Church who lived in the 11th and 12th centuries. The prayer was originally written in Latin and was known as the “Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria.”

The Memorare is a prayer of intercession to the Virgin Mary. It is a powerful prayer that asks for the protection, guidance, and assistance of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is often recited in times of great need or difficulty, and is believed to bring comfort and peace to those who say it. Over the centuries, the prayer has been translated into many different languages and has become widely known throughout the world.

The prayer begins with the words, “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.” These words emphasize the power of Mary’s intercession and the belief that she is always there to help us in our times of need. The prayer goes on to ask for Mary’s assistance and protection, ending with the words, “pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”