“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart.” – St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Prayer for the Faithful at St. Francis Chapel
O Mother of Jesus, whose intercession strengthens the Church, conserve, increase and make fruitful this congregation at St. Francis Chapel. O Mary, you care for the brethren of your Son with a mother’s love; watch with maternal charity over all who rejoice today to be part of this family. Sustain our priests in their apostolate, protect travelers on their journeys, guide students who seek truth, heal the sick and afflicted, and be a bulwark for all the faithful who gather at this chapel in living out their vocations at home and in the marketplace. Blessed Mother, who have already reached the perfection of grace, mercifully pray for us that by the merits of your Son we shall increase in faith, hope and love till the consummation of heaven. Amen.
Reflection
We invite you to reflect on the significance of our Mother, Mary’s, name on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary.
Ven. Bruno Lanteri on the significance of Our Lady’s Name:
“As for Mary’s name, it means Mare-(sea). Mare Amarum- (Sea of bitterness). Stella Maris- (Star of the Sea). Illuminatrix- (Illuminator). Domina- (Lady).
She is called Mare because of the Grace that she received. It is said of the ocean, Omnia fulmina intrant in mare -(all rivers enter the sea). So much more can it be said of Mary, that all the rivers of grace of the Angels and Patriarchs, etc … are found in Mary.
Mare amarum– (Sea of bitterness), since her heart was soaked in the sea of anguish at the Passion of Jesus. Mare amarum for the demons, because of her power to submerge the demons themselves.”
Resolution
Pray the Ave Maris Stella