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Marian Devotions [Daily Devotions for the Poor Souls in Purgatory] [Lauds from the Office of the Dead] The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary It is an ancient tradition that at the age of three, the Blessed Virgin Mary was solemnly offered to God in the Temple by the hands of the high priest. She lived in the apartments of the Temple and spent her early years in prayer and work in the holy service of God. This first consecration by Our Lady of herself to God was pleasing to Him above measure. The Father looked upon her as His beloved Daughter; the Son, as the One chosen to become His Mother; the Holy Ghost, as His Immaculate Spouse. Under the patronage of our Heavenly Mother, let us imitate her example by consecrating ourselves to God, and persevere therein our entire life long. Mary speaks: I have asked the Lord for one thing, and this I shall seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; that I may enjoy the delights of the Lord and visit His temple. (Ps. 26: 4) In the holy dwelling place I have ministered before Him. (Ecclus. 24:14) Whoever is a little one, let him come to me. (Prov. 9:4) Gracious and lovable art thou in thy splendor, O holy Mother of God! Show me thy countenance. Let thy words sound in my ears, for thy voice is sweet and thy countenance is beautiful. Turn to us in thy beauty and loveliness! Come forth in majesty and reign! Hail Mary O blessed Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, Temple of the Lord, sanctuary of the Holy Ghost, thou alone, without an equal, hast pleased our Lord Jesus Christ! Hail Mary Blessed indeed art thou, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our Lord. Draw us, O Immaculate Virgin; we shall come after thee, breathing the sweet fragrance of thy virtues! Hail Mary 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 by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother! To thee to do we come; before thee we pray, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer us. Amen. Hymn: "Ave Regina Coelorum" Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned, Glorious Virgin, joy to Thee, V. Grant that I may praise thee, O holy Virgin. Let us Pray: O God, Who hast willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary, herself the dwelling-place of the Holy Ghost, should this day be presented in the Temple, grant we pray Thee, that through her intercession we may be found worthy to be presented in the temple of Thy glory; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Mary, Mother of Divine Providence Through her motherly prayers the Blessed Virgin Mary can influence the designs of Divine Providence in our regard. Her intercession with God is more powerful than that of the saints. When Jesus entrusted us to the care of His Mother, He gave her to us to be our very own. She proves her motherly love for us by providing for our spiritual and temporal needs. Let us appeal to our Mother of Divine Providence, for she both understands our needs, and is most willing to help us. And the wine having run short, the Mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "What wouldst thou have Me to do, Woman? My hour has not yet come." His Mother said to the attendants, "Do whatever He tells you." (John ii. 3-5) Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, intercede for us! Hail Mary... Mary speaks: He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich He has sent away empty (Luke i. 53). Prayer Our
Lady of the Miraculous Medal of the Immaculate Conception In 1830 the Blessed Virgin appeared to Catherine Labouré, a Sister of Charity, and, showing her the pattern of a medal, said to her, "Have a medal struck after this model. Persons who wear it will receive great graces." It has since become known as the "Miraculous Medal," because of the many miracles which have been wrought through it. Let us honor the image of our Immaculate Mother as a token of our love for her. A great sign appeared in Heaven; a Woman clothed with the sun, and the moon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Apoc. 12:1) Glorious things are said of thee, O City of God! Thou art the Glory of Jerusalem; thou art the Joy of Israel; thou art the Honor of our people. Hail Mary Thou art the Gate of Heaven and the Morning Star, O Virgin Mary, Mother of the eternal King, and our Queen! Make us pleasing to Thy Son, for all virtue, honor and glory shine forth from thee. O holy Mother of God, we fly to thy patronage. Our Mother, our Queen, take us as thine own. Hail Mary O Mary, perform miracles and work marvels anew! Make thy power appear glorious! Hasten the time of our deliverance and be mindful of thy promises. Let mankind proclaim thy wondrous deeds. Hail Mary Mary speaks: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of holiness He has covered me, as a bride adorned with her jewels. (Isa. 61:10) Prayer
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