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 Mary, Our Hope

1. In the beautiful prayer known as the Salve Regina or Hail Holy Queen, the Church salutes Mary as "our life, our sweetness and our hope." Mary is our hope because she gave us our Saviour, Jesus, and because she prays to Him continually for the graces which we need. Following the example of Luther, modern Protestants raise the objection that Mary cannot be regarded as a source of hope because all our trust should be placed in God. Anyone who places his trust in creatures draws down God's curse upon himself, they say, and they go on to quote from Jeremias: “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man.” (Jer. 17:5) But this is true only when we trust in creatures independently of God, as if we can derive any good from them without recourse to God. We invoke Mary, however, as the Mother of God and our mediatrix with Him. She is our hope in so far as she obtains for us from God the graces and favours which we require. St. Bernard assures us that God has placed in Mary's hands all the riches which He wishes to bestow on us. (Serm. De aquaed.) "He will never experience eternal ruin," says St. Anselm, "for whom Mary has once prayed." St. Bernard calls upon Mary as the foundation of all his hope. (Serm. De aquaed.) Let us remember that Mary is our loving Mother who wishes us to pray to her because she knows that if she intercedes on our behalf, she will certainly be heard. It should be most consoling to us to have such a good and powerful Mother in whom we can safely trust in every peril and in every necessity. Let us pray to her with love and faith in the certainty that we shall be answered in the way that is best for us. Let us say along with St. John Damascene: “O Mother of God, if I place my trust in you I shall be saved. If I am under your protection, I have nothing to fear, because to be devoted to you is to possess a weapon of salvation which God grants only to those whom He desires to redeem.” (Serm. de Nat., cap.4) 2. These expressions of confidence in Mary's powerful intercession should not lead us astray, however. They hold good with absolute certainty only for those who have true devotion to Mary. Even if they are sinners, such clients of Mary must have at least the good intention of changing their lives and never offending God anymore. Sin and sincere devotion to Our Lady cannot co-exist. "Relinquish every intention of sinning," St. Gregory VII wrote to the Princess Matilde, "and you will find Mary more eager to help you than any earthly mother." (Lib. I, Ep. 47) We should ask, furthermore, for spiritual favours first of all. Later we can ask for temporal favours if they are to our spiritual advantage. Finally, if we are to have a true devotion to Mary, we must love and imitate her as well as pray to her. Anyone who sincerely tries to do all this is certain of salvation. 3. O Mary, my Mother, I place my trust in you because I know that your intercession is all-powerful with your divine Son, Jesus. Help me to detach myself completely from sin and to conquer my rebellious inclinations. Grant that I may imitate the shining example of your sanctity in such a way that you may be truly my hope and my sure refuge now and at the hour of death. Amen. (Antonio Cardinal Bacci)

Many dioceses will be ordaining new priests during the month. The following is a novena which calls upon a saintly patron of priests each day to intercede, guide, and strengthen them in holiness, pastoral charity, and fidelity to the Gospel. ⸻ Day 1 – St. Joseph, Guardian of the Church and Model of Fatherhood Intention: For a heart of humble obedience and silent strength. St. Joseph, faithful guardian of Jesus and protector of the Holy Church, you lived your vocation in quiet trust and unwavering fidelity. Intercede for these deacons that they may embrace priesthood with your humility and courage. Prayer: St. Joseph, chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary and foster father of the Son of God, guide these servants as they prepare for sacred ordination. Teach them to listen, to obey, and to serve without seeking recognition. Obtain for them a father’s heart for God’s people. Amen. ⸻ Day 2 – St. John Vianney, Patron of Parish Priests Intention: For pastoral zeal and love for souls. St. John Vianney, humble Curé of Ars, your life was poured out for the salvation of souls in the confessional and pulpit. Pray that these deacons may burn with love for Christ’s flock. Prayer: Holy Curé of Ars, obtain for them perseverance in prayer, courage in sacrifice, and zeal for souls entrusted to them. May they never tire of bringing mercy to the repentant. Amen. ⸻ Day 3 – St. Peter, Rock of the Church Intention: For faithfulness to Christ and courage in leadership. St. Peter, chosen by Christ to shepherd His Church, you stumbled yet were restored by grace. Intercede that these future priests may remain steadfast in faith. Prayer: Prince of the Apostles, strengthen them to proclaim the truth without fear, to shepherd with humility, and to remain faithful even in weakness. Amen. ⸻ Day 4 – St. Paul, Apostle to the Nations Intention: For missionary zeal and bold proclamation of the Gospel. St. Paul, tireless preacher of Christ crucified, your life was consumed by the mission of the Gospel. Pray that these deacons may be fearless witnesses of Christ. Prayer: Apostle to the Gentiles, inflame their hearts with apostolic courage. May they preach Christ faithfully, endure trials patiently, and run their race with perseverance. Amen. ⸻ Day 5 – St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Eucharist Intention: For love of truth and reverence for the Holy Eucharist. St. Thomas Aquinas, you gave the Church profound insight into the mystery of God and the Eucharist. Intercede for wisdom and purity of heart. Prayer: Angel of the Schools, obtain for them clarity of mind, purity of doctrine, and profound reverence for the Blessed Sacrament they will soon consecrate. Amen. ⸻ Day 6 – St. Alphonsus Liguori, Teacher of Moral Theology Intention: For compassion in confession and sound moral judgment. St. Alphonsus, gentle guide of souls and doctor of moral theology, you showed the merciful heart of Christ to sinners. Pray for wisdom in guiding consciences. Prayer: Loving pastor of souls, teach them to balance truth with mercy, justice with compassion, and firmness with tenderness in the confessional. Amen. ⸻ Day 7 – St. Charles Borromeo, Shepherd of Reform Intention: For holiness and reform of life. St. Charles Borromeo, tireless reformer and shepherd, you renewed the Church through holiness and discipline. Intercede for integrity of life. Prayer: Holy bishop, obtain for them purity of intention, discipline in prayer, and zeal for the renewal of God’s people. Amen. ⸻ Day 8 – St. Francis de Sales, Gentle Doctor of Love Intention: For gentleness, patience, and pastoral charity. St. Francis de Sales, your gentleness won many souls to Christ. Pray that these future priests may reflect the meekness of the Savior. Prayer: Gentle saint, teach them patience with the weak, kindness in correction, and charity in all things. May their words heal rather than wound. Amen. ⸻ Day 9 – St. Gregory the Great, Shepherd of Shepherds Intention: For wisdom in governance and fidelity in priestly service. St. Gregory the Great, wise pope and teacher of pastors, you guided the Church with prudence and holiness. Pray for these deacons on the threshold of priesthood. Prayer: Great Doctor of the Church, obtain for them wisdom in leadership, fidelity in service, and perseverance in holiness. May they be good shepherds after the Heart of Christ. Amen. ⸻ Concluding Prayer for All Nine Days Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, look with mercy upon all those preparing for ordination to the Sacred Priesthood. Through the intercession of Your saints, form them into holy priests—faithful, joyful, and courageous witnesses of Your love. May their lives be conformed to Yours, their ministry fruitful, and their hearts ever set on Your glory. Who live and reign forever and ever. Amen

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