family prayer | Memorare | Marian devotion
I’m a convert, so my journey with the Blessed Mother started late in life. At the beginning of that journey, I read everything about the faith I could find. I was overwhelmed for the most part but determined. When our boys were little, I learned to pray the Rosary when they took their naps. Most of the time I fell asleep during the prayer, but I did learn it.
The arrival of our daughter brought fear into my prayers. My mother and I didn't get along. My fears of being the mother that she was to my own daughter began to overtake me. I reached out to the Blessed Mother.
This began my practice of Hail Mary-ing my way through everything. If I was afraid, I would immediately start the prayer; if I was overwhelmed, angry, happy, or sad—whatever was happening in my life—I would whisper a Hail Mary.
As the years went by, I felt mothered, guided, and comforted. Now, I’m learning a new prayer (which is also one of Venerable Patrick Peyton's Favorites):
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. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. (Our Catholic Prayers: Memorare)
Obviously, this is not new, but I had only heard of it a few years ago. The line "that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided" solidified what was in my heart the first time I recited a Hail Mary.
During the remainder of this month, let’s remember that we are never left unaided.