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.

“Breathe freely and take courage, O wretched sinners, this great virgin who is the Mother of your God and Judge is also the Advocate

of the whole human race.”

-St. Thomas of Villanova

St. Thomas of Villanova gives us one good reason why Mary is such an effective Advocate. What is it? Why should this cause us to “breathe freely and take courage?” What is the sin you most need to be freed from or what is one consequence of a past sin from which you most need liberation? Entrust this to Mary by writing a prayer to her specifically for this. Make it a “novena of prayer.” Journal about your experience at the end of the nine days.

“I have placed you in the care of my holy Mother, as a deposit in trust, so that she may fashion you according to my pattern.”

-Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque

Read Psalm 139: 13-16. Consider the way a baby is “fashioned” by God in the womb of its mother. Now, think of God fashioning you in this way spiritually within the heart of Mary according to the pattern of His Son. Why is Mary the perfect “place” for us to be entrusted? What would mark the maternal care she would provide for those given to her by her Son?