In April, we looked at the devotion to the Holy Eucharist and Holy Spirit. This month, the Church asks us to turn towards Mary, Mother of God. The Church, in Her infinite wisdom, gave each month a particular devotion.

Our Lady is a cornerstone of our faith as Catholics. We understand her not only as the Mother of God and a wonderful example of following God’s call of us all, but as our most powerful intercessor possible.

Immaculately conceived and born to St. Joaquim and St. Anne, Mary of Nazareth grew to become the young woman who would say yes to God’s will in participating in the Incarnation. She raised Jesus, and followed His way on the Cross. She was assumed into Heaven and crowned Queen of Heaven.  From there, she intercedes for us.  

In the month that has Mother’s Day in it, let us give thanks and praise for the gift of the Blessed Mother, our ultimate example of motherly love.

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Prayer

The Holy Mother has many devotional names, many of which appear in the Litany of Loreto. Please join me in praying the Litany:

1. Lord, have mercy.
2. Christ have mercy.
3. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us.
4. Christ graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Virgin of Virgins, [etc.]

Mother of Christ,

Mother of divine grace,

Mother most pure,

Mother most chaste,

Mother inviolate,

Mother undefiled,

Mother most amiable,

Mother most admirable,

Mother of good Counsel,

Mother of our Creator,

Mother of our Savior,

Virgin most prudent,

Virgin most venerable,

Virgin most renowned,

Virgin most powerful,

Virgin most merciful,

Virgin most faithful,

Mirror of justice,

Seat of wisdom,

Cause of our joy,

Spiritual vessel,

Vessel of honor,

Singular vessel of devotion,

Mystical rose,

Tower of David,

Tower of ivory,

House of gold,

Ark of the covenant,

Gate of heaven,

Morning star,

Health of the sick,

Refuge of sinners,

Comforter of the afflicted,

Help of Christians,

Queen of Angels,

Queen of Patriarchs,

Queen of Prophets,

Queen of Apostles,

Queen of Martyrs,

Queen of Confessors,

Queen of Virgins,

Queen of all Saints,

Queen conceived without original sin,

Queen assumed into heaven,

Queen of the most holy Rosary,

Queen of families,

Queen of peace.

1. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
2. Spare us, O Lord.
3. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
4. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
5. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

Have mercy on us.

1. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
2. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be freed from present sorrow, and rejoice in eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

The versicle and prayer after the litany may be varied by season. Thus, during Advent (from the fourth Sunday before Christmas to Christmas Eve):

1. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
2. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray. O God, who hast willed that by the message of an Angel, thy Word should receive flesh from the womb of the Virgin Mary: grant unto thy suppliants, that we who believe that she is truly the Mother of God, may be assisted by her intercession before Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

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Craft

Click here for a fun craft to do with your children about Mary!

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Next month

In June, we will take a look at the devotion to the Sacred Heart!