Introduction
As Catholics, our relationship with the Virgin Mary is an extension of our love and devotion to Jesus Christ. We see Mary as the Mother of God, not in a way that elevates her to the level of the Divine, but as the earthly mother who gave birth to Jesus, who is both human and divine. “The Church confesses that Mary is truly ‘Mother of God’ (Theotokos)” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 495). We understand that Mary plays a special role in intercession, that is, she prays for us to her Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ. This article aims to introduce you to some powerful prayers you can say to seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
The Basis for Mary’s Intercession
Before we get to the prayers, let’s first address the question: why do we believe Mary can intercede for us? According to the Catechism, “Mary’s function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power” (Catechism, 970). We recognize Jesus as the sole mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), but believe that Mary’s unique role as the Mother of God allows her to intercede for us in a special way.
The Hail Mary: The Quintessential Marian Prayer
The Words
The most recognized Marian prayer is the “Hail Mary.” It begins with the Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,” (Luke 1:28) and continues with Elizabeth’s exclamation, “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,” (Luke 1:42). The prayer ends by asking Mary to pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
The Significance
In saying the Hail Mary, we are not just repeating ancient greetings; we are recognizing the unique role that Mary plays in the history of salvation. We are also asking for her maternal intercession, fully aligned with the Church’s teaching that “By asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the ‘Mother of Mercy,’ the All-Holy One” (Catechism, 2677).
The Rosary: A Chain of Prayers
The Basics
The Rosary is not just one prayer, but a series of prayers. It combines the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be to form a “garland” of prayers that meditate on significant events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.
Why it’s Powerful
The Rosary is often described as a powerful weapon against evil and a strong intercessory tool. “The Rosary is ‘the summary of the whole Gospel,’ (Catechism, 971), offering us a chance to meditate on key moments in the life of Jesus Christ, with Mary as our guide. It unites our hearts with hers, allowing us to more fully partake in the mysteries of Christ’s life, passion, and resurrection.
The Memorare: A Quick but Effective Plea
The Words
The Memorare is another powerful prayer asking for Mary’s intercession. Though its origins are unclear, it has been attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The Memorare essentially says, “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.”
The Significance
The Memorare is an urgent plea for Mary’s help in times of trouble. It is not an official prayer from the Bible or the Catechism but is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and endorsed by many saints and popes for its efficacy.
When to Seek Mary’s Intercession?
The Church teaches that we can and should seek the intercession of Mary and the saints in all aspects of our lives. From struggles with sin to moments of thanksgiving, Mary’s motherly care is always available to us. “By her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation” (Catechism, 969).
Conclusion
The Hail Mary, the Rosary, and the Memorare are all powerful prayers through which we can seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The universal teaching of the Catholic Church encourages us to call upon Mary as our intercessor, understanding that her role complements the singular mediation of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
“Devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship” (Catechism, 971). As such, these prayers are more than just words; they are an embodiment of our Catholic faith, a faith that acknowledges the special role of the Virgin Mary in our journey towards eternal life with God.