I hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day. For some it might be a tough holiday, in which case I hope you found consolation.
I was certainly spoiled. Stephen made me a charcuterie board for lunch, and steak and veggies for dinner. Everything was delicious. He also planted some Azaleas in our back yard and it looks so good! We went for a walk in a local park, and read lots of Lord of the Rings. It was a good day.
As we conclude this series I would love any feedback about whether or not this was interesting/helpful to you. This way I can plan more content accordingly. Today I’m going to share some Marian prayers, as well as some reading and other resources for you to learn more about this dear Saint and how important she is.
PRAYER
The Holy Rosary
I’ll be honest, this one is REALLY tough for me. My mind wanders every two seconds to what I need to get done, what I’m going to wear tomorrow, whether or not I should buy that thing, or when Stephen is getting home. The reason I persevere is that SO many saints have encouraged this specific devotion I just can’t ignore it.
If you’re like me and this is a hard one, try breaking it up throughout the day or just committing to one decade for now. I have to believe it’s worth the effort, and that even the most pitiable attempt will be blessed.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This one is so beautiful, especially good for if you are in a group or praying with someone else.
The Magnificat
Again, so lovely. And I love that she herself said these words as we know from Scripture. This is a good one for giving praise—something most of us need to do a LOT more of.
The Memorare
Quick and easy, good for when you are in a tight spot and just really need some help ASAP.
The Angelus
This is another good one for if you are in a group or with someone else. My husband and I pray this one regularly. I didn’t memorize it until after I started dating him. It’s a nice practice to drop whatever you’re doing and say this at 6, 9 and 12. My funniest memory of this is when I was furniture shopping with my brother and his Angelus alarm went off, he was completely unphased and started praying it out loud right there in the shop.
Undoer of Knots
Sometimes you just really need help untying your shoe laces, am I right? JK! This prayer is obviously not for help with literal knots, but those emotional or spiritual ones that occasionally plague us. To me a ‘knot’ is something you’re really having a hard time with and are just not sure what the solution is. It could be something interior, like body image, or something exterior, like a disagreement in your marriage. In any case, this prayer is for those things that are really weighing on our hearts.
There are many others. So if none of these suit you, a quick Google search will provide ample more options. Let me know your favorite!
READING
The Virgin Mary Compared to the Air We Breathe
This poem is everything. So beautiful. So wise.
The May Magnificat
Another beautiful one from Gerard Hopkins.
The Reed of God
This is a short, beautiful classic about Mary’s humanity.
True Devotion to Mary
Another classic piece by St. Louis De Montfort. This one is intense, and requires some commitment, but the graces are abundant!
The World’s First Love
You just can’t go wrong with Fulton Sheen, and his love for Mary is so evident.
The Marian Option
Carrie Gress is so wise and easy to read. She explains the importance of Our Lady beautifully.
RESOURCES
Marian Apparitions—Godsplaining
Why Pray the Rosary—Pints with Aquinas
I hope this helps you celebrate and grow closer to our Lady this month.
Cheers,
Miranda
Miranda Kate 