#memorare

Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary,

(teenager, handmaid, friend, and mother)

that never was it known that anyone who fled 

(like you unto Egypt, Israel unto Ur, Adam from God)

(like God in your womb),

implored your help,

(from brother, enemy, whore, to lady)

or sought your intercession was left unaided. 

(Even as they fell deeper into hell, like the three children 

who went through fire and brimstone)

(in Heaven, in His Host, in Him;)

we turn to you, 

(Hodigitria, Eleusa, Panagia, Theotokos)

(never just girl, never without God, always the Theotokos, 

always the Virgin, maybe even of Virgins)

(To replace the mothers absent in childhood)

(Jewel of Jerusalem)

before you we stand, 

(like swine of Decapolis)

sinful and sorrowful.

(falling into the sea.)

(teenage girl of Nazareth, my peer, my sister, my Mother,)

(don't leave us to make our mud altars alone)

but in your mercy hear us and answer us.

February is dedicated to the Holy family

On August 20, the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a Doctor of the Church.

His writings and sermons greatly influenced Europe during the 12th century. His numerous efforts helped to avoid a schism in the Church in 1130.

Born in 1090, Bernard spent his early years near Dijon, France, before leaving to join the Cistercians at the age of 22.

He was well educated and so passionate about his faith that he convinced his brothers, his uncle, and many of his friends to join him at the abbey.

Bernard first entered the abbey at Citeaux, but only three years later, he was sent with 12 other monks to establish another monastery in the Diocese of Champagne.

The monastery came to be known as Clairvaux (Valley of Light). He led the other monks there as the abbot for the rest of his life.

St. Bernard knew how to harmonize the contemplative life with important missionary work, as the Pope noted in 2006.

However, the saint’s strict observance of silence and contemplation did not impede him from living a very intense apostolic life.

He said:

"His humility and commitment to tame his impetuous temperament were exemplary."

The Pope also highlighted the saint’s focus on the truth that God, who is love, created mankind out of love, and that man’s salvation consists of adhering firmly to Divine love, revealed through the crucified and risen Christ.

“The richness of St. Bernard’s preaching and his theology were not in pursuing new paths,” the Pope said, “but in succeeding to propose the truth of the faith in a clear and incisive way so as to fascinate the listener and lead the person to prayer.”

St. Bernard is also well-known for his Marian devotion, especially in using and promoting the "Memorare" prayer.  

He became widely known throughout Europe and was consulted by Popes and political leaders.

He died on 20 August 1153.

He was canonized by Pope Alexander III less than three decades later on 18 January 1174.

In August 2008, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the saint during his weekly general audience. 

He recalled that Pope Pius VIII labeled the “Honey-Sweet Doctor” for his eloquence and that he traveled throughout Europe defending the Christian faith. 

Benedict XVI added:

for Spiritual Warfare.

Time Sensitive Prayer Opportunities:

Indulgences Nov 1-8. Make a sacramental confession and a worthy Communion and visit churches and cemeteries to pray for the dead.

Say a “Memorare” after Holy Communion at Mass on Nov 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for Holy Mother Church.

V. At the Cross her station keeping, R. Stood the mournful Mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last.  Hail Mary… Holy Mary, Mother of God…

V. O sweet Mother! fount of love, R. Touch my spirit from above, make my heart with yours accord. Hail Mary… Holy Mary, Mother of God…

V. Let me, to my latest breath, R. In my body bear the death, of that dying Son of yours. Hail Mary… Holy Mary, Mother of God…

V. Christ, when You shall call me hence, R. Be Your Mother my defense, be Your Cross my victory. Hail Mary… Holy Mary, Mother of God…