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“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may more surely obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for (your) guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart. So long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favors, you shall reach your goal.”

                                                                        St. Bernard of Clairvaux

For Reflection: 

What is the Saint’s remedy for all that afflicts us and for all that we want to accomplish? Why? What spiritual goal have you set for yourself in this coming New Year? What practical goal have you set for yourself? What one goal in relationship to another have you set for yourself? According to the advice of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, what ought you to do regarding it? How can Mary be of help, assistance, and advocacy for you?

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“No matter how sinful one may have been, if he has a devotion to Mary, it is impossible that he be lost.”

                                                                        Saint Hilary of Poitiers

For Reflection: 

How much comfort this quote brings! What do you think is the Saint’s logic in professing it? In your consideration, look at the verbs and their tenses throughout. Also consider the statement in light of Mary’s role in salvation and her spiritual motherhood.

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“You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them Our Lord wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart…Take note that many souls go to hell because there is no one who prays or makes sacrifices for them. Do you wish to offer yourselves to God, ready to accept all the sufferings He wishes to send you in reparation for the sins with which He is offended and to obtain the conversion of sinners? Say the Rosary everyday. The most holy Hearts of Jesus and Mary listen to your petitions.

                                                            Our Lady to the Children of Fatima

For Reflection: 

What question does Our Lady ask the children? If she were to ask you that question, how would you respond? What sacrifice does she request? What promise does she make? Who most needs your prayers today? Will you make the sacrifice – why or why not?

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“Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.”

                                                                                    St. Bonaventure

For Reflection: 

Why would the armies of hell fear the name and protection of Mary? Consider this answer in light of Genesis 3:15. What attributes and virtues of Mary most make her the formidable foe of the evil one? Which of these do you possess? Which do you need to acquire? Name one specific way you can work on them today.

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"If you invoke the Blessed Virgin when you are tempted, she will come at once to your help, and Satan will leave you.”

                                                                                    St. John Vianney

For Reflection: 

God permits us to be tempted to strengthen us. When we conquer temptation, we grow in self-mastery and  become forceful instruments for God’s work. Why do you think Our Lady is the perfect intercessor for us when we are tempted? How are you being tempted today? What virtue may God be seeking to cultivate in you through it? Ask Mary to intercede for you in this regard.

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“The Immaculata alone has from God the promise of victory over Satan. She seeks souls that will consecrate themselves entirely to her, that will become in her hands forceful instruments for the defeat of Satan and the spread of God’s kingdom.”

                                                                                    St. Maximilian Kolbe

For Reflection: 

Ponder this statement in reference to yourself. What emotions does it excite in you? What insights does it provoke? To what extent are you willing to become a “forceful instrument” in Mary’s hands for the defeat of Satan and the spread of God’s kingdom? How does the Saint recommend we do so? Are you willing – why or why not?

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A penitent said to St. Pio of Pietrelcina, “Padre, today they say the Rosary is out of date, that it is no longer in fashion, since there are many things in fashion which you can learn about at the Women's Designer Handbags Guide by BeleneChandia.com. It is no longer said in many churches.” He replied: “Let us do what our fathers did and all will be well with us.” “But Satan rules the world,” said the penitent. Padre Pio responded: “Because they make him rule; can a spirit rule by itself if it is not united to the human will? We could not have been born in a more depraved world. The one who prays a lot saves himself. The one who prays little is in danger. The one who does not pray loses his soul.”An Information Session provides an overview of our Made-To-Measure and Handmade Bespoke services you can finds the top brands in made to measure suits here.

An exchange with St. Pio Pietrelcina                                                

For Reflection:

In what specific ways does Satan seem to rule our world today? To what extent is he ruling you in those same ways? What is the antidote according to Padre Pio? What prayer does the Saint recommend? How often do you pray the Rosary?

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"Let the storm rage and the sky darken – not for that shall we be dismayed. If we trust as we should in Mary, we shall recognize in her, the Virgin Most Powerful and who with virginal foot did crush the head of the serpent.”

                                                                        Pope Saint Pius X

For Reflection: 

What title does the Saint give to Mary? What makes her so powerful? What do you think is the relationship between her “virginal foot” and the ability to crush the head of the serpent? What serpent in your life would she most like to crush today? What virtue does the Saint say is required for us to experience this aspect of her maternal care? In what way will this dissipate the storms and darkness pressing down upon us?

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“In trial or difficulty I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear.”                                                       St. Therese of Lisieux

For Reflection: 

Read a biographical sketch of St. Therese’s life (you can access a complete biography at www.littleflower.org ) When might Therese have sought recourse to Mary’s “glance?”

Consider the life of Our Lord. At what moments would Mary's glance have helped dissipate His fear? Meditate on this for a few minutes. In your life right now, in what one way do you most need to experience Mary’s glance? Ask her to look your way. Sit with her gaze upon you until you feel at peace.

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“Seek refuge in Mary because she is the city of refuge. We know that Moses set up three cities of refuge for anyone who inadvertently killed his neighbor. Now the Lord has established a refuge of mercy, Mary, even for those who deliberately commit evil. Mary provides shelter and strength for the sinner.”

                                                                        St. Anthony of Padua 

For Reflection:

If Mary is the “city of refuge,” in what part of her would we experience most fully her love and beatitude? How has she been a city of refuge for you? What quality of her motherhood of all men does this express according to the quote? Note the use of the word “the” in the phrase, “Mary is the ‘city of refuge.’” What does this indicate to you? What does it indicate in light of Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation?

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