Prayers to Mary Most Holy, Mother of God

Mary, the Mother of Jesus, holds a special place in the Catholic faith. She is often referred to as the Mother of God or the Queen of Heaven. She is revered for her purity, her devotion, and her unwavering faith in God. And so, Catholics all over the world turn to her in , asking for her intercession and guidance in their lives.

One of the most common to Mary is the Hail Mary. This simple but prayer is recited daily by millions of Catholics, and it asks Mary to intercede for us with her son, Jesus. The prayer goes:

Hail Mary, full of ,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Hail Mary is often prayed as part of the rosary, a meditative prayer that focuses on the life of Jesus and his mother. The rosary consists of repeating the Hail Mary prayer while meditating on specific mysteries from the life of Christ. By reciting the rosary, Catholics hope to deepen their connection to Christ and to Mary, and to feel their presence in their lives.

Another popular prayer to Mary is the Memorare. This prayer is a plea for Mary’s intercession in times of difficulty and distress. It goes:

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.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
Despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

The Memorare is a reminder that Mary is always there for us, ready to offer her motherly love and protection. By turning to her in prayer, we can find comfort, strength, and guidance in our struggles.

Finally, there is the prayer known as the Ave Maris Stella, or Hail, Star of the Sea. This prayer is a hymn of praise to Mary as the Queen of Heaven and the refuge of sinners. It goes:

Hail, O Star of the ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.

Taking that sweet Ave,
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva’s name.

Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother,
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us Incarnate,
Did not thee despise.

Virgin of all virgins,
To thy shelter take us,
Gentlest of the gentle,
Chaste and gentle make us.

Still, as on we journey,
Help our weak endeavor,
Till with thee and Jesus,
We rejoice forever.

Through the highest heaven,
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.

The Ave Maris Stella reminds us that Mary is more than just the Mother of Jesus. She is a powerful intermediary between humanity and God, and she guides us towards love, forgiveness, and salvation.

In conclusion, Mary Most Holy, Mother of God, is a central figure in the Catholic faith, and her intercession is sought by millions of believers around the world. By reciting simple, heartfelt prayers like the Hail Mary, the Memorare, and the Ave Maris Stella, Catholics hope to deepen their connection to Mary, and to feel her love and protection in their lives. As the Mother of Jesus and the Queen of Heaven, Mary is a beacon of hope, mercy, and compassion, reminding us of the transformative power of faith and prayer.