53 Memorare

The Memorare is a prayer that reminds us that Mary is our protector and one to whom we can ask for help. It is thought that St Bernard of Clairvaux may have written the prayer in the 12^th century. In the 17^th century, a priest called Father Claude Bernard used the prayer often in his work with the sick and those in prison and he believed that Mary truly helped him in his work. The Church teaches that Mary is the Mother of the Church and our mother as well “in the order of grace” (which means spiritually) as we read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 969).

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 with this confidence,

I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;

to thee do I come;

before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions,

but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. 

Link to he above video which is a modern musical version of the Memorare  

CCC 2675 Beginning with Mary's unique cooperation with the working of the Holy Spirit, the Churches developed their prayer to the holy Mother of God, centering it on the person of Christ manifested in his mysteries. In countless hymns and antiphons expressing this prayer, two movements usually alternate with one another: the first "magnifies" the Lord for the "great things" he did for his lowly servant and through her for all human beings the second entrusts the supplications and praises of the children of God to the Mother of Jesus, because she now knows the humanity which, in her, the Son of God espoused.

For further information about St Bernard of Clairvaux 

St Bernard of Clairvaux 1090-1153