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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.

If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith. DONATE

If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith. DONATE

May 6

“God the Father wishes to have children by Mary till the consummation of the world…”

-St. Louis Grignion de Montfort, True Devotion, 29

Today's Reflection

As the sister of Jesus Christ, Mary is your mother through the action of the Holy Spirit by God’s holy design. To what extent does this apply to every person who has ever had life and every person who will ever have life? Think of the person who causes you the most suffering. Consider this person in light of this understanding. What is your response?

May 5

“Although in the most pure womb of Mary there was but one grain of corn, which was Jesus Christ, yet it is called a heap of wheat because all the elect were virtually contained in it.”

-St. Ambrose

Today's Reflection

Consider St. Ambrose’s statement. By virtue of her conception of Jesus Christ, explain how you were, in a sense, “spiritually conceived in Mary” at the moment of the Annunciation? (For more insight, meditate on Eph. 1:4.) What is your interior response to this reality? Journal your insights.

If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith. DONATE