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The Catholic Church has a unique and profound devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Through the centuries, numerous prayers have been composed to honor her and seek her help. One of the most beautiful and touching prayers to Mary is penned by Don Tonino Bello, an Italian bishop who was known for his pastoral zeal and simplicity of heart.
Don Tonino Bello’s prayer to Mary reflects his deep love for the Blessed Mother and his unwavering faith in her role as our spiritual mother and advocate. The prayer captures the essence of Mary’s virtues and the significance of her intercession in our lives. Let us take a closer look at this inspiring prayer and what it tells us about the beauty and power of seeking Mary’s help.
The prayer begins with a heartfelt plea to Mary, addressed with a title that speaks of her maternal tenderness and compassion: “Mary, my mother, I entrust myself to you.” Don Tonino Bello acknowledges that he is weak and in need of support, but he is confident that Mary will be his refuge and his guide. He expresses his trust in Mary’s love and protection, saying: “Do not disappoint me, do not abandon me, do not forget me, my mother.”
The second part of the prayer exalts Mary’s virtues and her unique role in the salvation of humanity. Don Tonino Bello reveals the depth of his reverence for Mary by praising her as “the Mother of truth, the Queen of virtues, the Seat of wisdom, the Cause of our joy.” He recognizes Mary’s closeness to God and her willingness to intercede for us, saying: “You are at the right hand of the Father, listening to our prayers, presenting our needs, pleading for us.”
The prayer then takes a turn towards self-reflection and repentance. Don Tonino Bello recognizes his own sins and weaknesses and acknowledges that he needs Mary’s help to overcome them. He asks Mary to “purify my heart, enlighten my mind, guide my steps, and strengthen my will.” He entrusts his whole life to Mary and seeks her guidance in all his actions and decisions, saying: “Lead me always to your Son, that I may be faithful to him in all things.”
The final part of the prayer contains a plea for Mary’s intercession for all humanity. Don Tonino Bello acknowledges the sufferings and struggles of his brothers and sisters in the world and asks Mary to come to their aid. He prays: “Touch the hearts of those who are hardened, comfort the afflicted, console the sorrowful, heal the sick, protect the oppressed, deliver the captives, pray for the dying.”
In conclusion, Don Tonino Bello’s prayer to Mary is a beautiful and moving expression of the Catholic devotion to the Mother of Jesus. It reflects the profound trust and affection that we have for Mary as our spiritual mother and advocate. It also reveals the spiritual wisdom that comes from seeking Mary’s help in our lives. Mary is not only a model of holiness and virtue, but also a powerful intercessor who can bring us closer to God and help us in our struggles. Let us make this prayer our own and seek Mary’s intercession with a heart full of faith, hope, and love.
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