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May 16

"The conviction that Mary is close to those who are suffering or in situations of serious danger has prompted the faithful to invoke her as 'Benefactress.' The same trusting certainty is expressed in the most ancient Marian prayer with the words, “We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin (from the Roman Breviary)."

-St. John Paul II

Today's Reflection

Note the phrase, “trusting certainty.” List some reasons why you think the Blessed Mother is worthy of our trusting certainty. “Benefactress” is a woman who does good. As daughter of the Father, mother of the Son, and spouse of the Holy Spirit, why is Mary the exemplary benefactress? In what one way can you seek to emulate her today?

May 15

“…that good Mother makes herself so present and so near to her faithful servants, to enlighten them in their darkness and their doubt, to strengthen them in their fears, and to sustain them in their struggles and difficulties, that…this virginal path to find Jesus Christ is a path of roses and honey.”

-St. Louis Grignion de Montfort, True Devotion, 152

Today's Reflection

The definition for “helper” includes the idea of one who causes an improvement in a situation or person. How does this quote show Mary to be a helper? How can her very presence improve us or our situation? What might be the “roses” and “honey” that Mary uses to make our path to Jesus sweet even in trials and fears and setbacks? Have you experienced her maternal beatitude in this way? How?

May 14

“The love that this good mother bears us is so great that as soon as she perceives our wants, she comes to our assistance. She comes before she is called.”

-Richard of St. Lawrence

Today's Reflection

Consider Mary’s love in light of her title of Immaculate Conception (Paragraphs 490-493 Catechism of the Catholic Church). Why do you think her love is the greatest love any creature can have for another? To what extent does this increase your confidence in her maternal beatitude?

May 13

“Christians call upon Mary as “Helper,” recognizing her motherly love which sees her children’s needs and is ready to come to their aid, especially when their eternal salvation is at stake.”

-St. John Paul II

Today's Reflection

Nothing draws on the strings of a mother’s heart more than a child in need. What does this say about those moments in your life when your needs are greatest? How do you think Mary responds when she sees a child in the greatest peril of all – possible damnation? Who are you most concerned about today? What would Mary have you do?

May 12

“Have recourse to Mary, who is the hope of sinners; and if you fear that she may refuse to take your part, know that she cannot do so because God Himself has imposed on her the duty of succoring the miserable.” -St. Bonaventure

Today's Reflection

According to St. Bonaventure, why should we never fear a refusal from Our Lady? To what extent does this insight give you courage, hope, and confidence? Continue your novena prayer and add to it the prayer to Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

Prayer to Our Lady of Prompt Succor

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, ever Virgin Mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God, you are most powerful against the enemy of our salvation. The divine promise of a Redeemer was announced right after the sin of our first parents; and you, through your Divine Son, crushed the serpent’s head.

Hasten, then, to our help and deliver us from the deceits of Satan. Intercede for us with Jesus that we may always accept God’s graces and be found faithful to Him in our particular states of life.

As you once saved our beloved city from ravaging flames and our country from an invading army, have pity on us and obtain for us protection from hurricanes and all other disasters.

(Silent pause for individual petitions.)

Assist us in the many trials which beset our path through life. Watch over the Church and the Pope as they uphold with total fidelity the purity of faith and morals against unremitting opposition.

Be to us truly Our Lady of Prompt Succor now and especially at the hour of our death, that we may gain everlasting life through the merits of Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us!

Amen.

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May 10

“Mary exercises her role as ‘Advocate’ by co-operating both with the Spirit, the Paraclete, and with the One who interceded on the Cross for his persecutors (cf. Lk 23:24), whom John calls our ‘advocate with the Father’ (1 John 2:1). As a mother, she defends her children and protects them from the harm caused by their own sins.”

-St. John Paul II

Today's Reflection

Define “advocate.” According to Pope John Paul II, what is the nature of Mary’s advocacy in her maternal role? To whom does she advocate for us or defend us? Why? What does she obtain for us through each? What makes her such an effective intercessor? What is your area of greatest need today? Ask Mary to be your advocate.

May 9

“By her maternal charity, [Mary] cares for the brethren of her Son, who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are led into their blessed home. Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.”

-Documents of Vatican II, Lumen Gentium, 62

Today's Reflection

How does this statement define Mary’s spiritual maternity and her role in the salvation of souls? Consider Mary’s selection by God to be the mother of His Son. In light of Sacred Scripture, how did she care for Him physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually? What does this tell you about her maternal beatitude toward you and her role in your own salvation? Tomorrow’s Grace Line tells you about one way Mary carries out her mission.