of His most sweet Mother Mary
"piseonse XXI ON THE. "PRAISE of the most sweet. name of Jesus and of His most sweet Mother Mary.
"My spirit is sweet above honey: and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb" (Ecclus.
24:27), Brothers, these words of eternal Seige are worthily and also yery nobly ascribed to the Mother of Mercy, out of whom arose the sun of justice,
Christ: Sweet Jesus, Sweet Mary, and there is no bitterness in them, but the highest devotion, gentleness, love and mercy without end. Blessed is he who stays close to the footsteps of the humble
Jesus and devotedly places his trust in His Mother, in order to find favor in their sight. Therefore, most faithful servant of God, gather together again in one small bundle the deeds which Jesus did and spoke about, and they will reveal to you more than all the treasures of the world. Also turn over in your mind carefully the acts and words of the most holy Mother of Jesus, and they will be full of comfort for your soul and sweeter than all spices. The body is pleased with fragrant odors and is restored by the nourishment of food; however, the soul is maintained, is strengthened and made glad by true virtues and
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holy meditations. In. fact, the more one applies himself. to perfection in his studies, and the more he puts himself under the guidance of the more distinguished teachers, so.much the more clearly is he taught, and the more quickly does he reach, the height of happiness. The greatest teachers of virtue and the light of all sanctity are Jesus and Mary, whom you ought to place before yourself for a means of measuring your insignificance and, as it were, to see in person. Join yourself to them; show yourself friendly and devoted to them. Wherever you hear anything said about Jesus and Mary, listen attentively there, spend a long time there, and consider what instruction and hidden pleasure are to be found therein. And also as. often as you come to accomplish the divine work, or when you. are called to do common labor, or to attend to some personal matter, first raise your eyes to heaven and call upon Jesus and Mary especially, humbly entrusting yourself to their perpetual care. Offer yourself also to their gracious purpose in all your activities, that your action may be pleasing to God, advantageous to your neighbor, and profitable to yourself. May your intention always be pure, your good will earnest, your work careful, your speech considerate,..persevering in accomplishments, in the praise of the Holy Name of Jesus, and the honor of His blessed Mother. Begin to praise, adore, and to love them here below, in order that you may be
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worthy of reigning with them in the future, and also to praise, bless, and commend them forever with the holy angels. The praise of Jesus is pleasant and noble, the praise of Mary is desirable and beautiful.
Therefore, praise when glad, pray earnestly when sad, for they are worthy of the praise of all and to be called upon for assistance as well at all times.
The more that you cultivate their praise, so much the more will you increase in their love and grow stronger in the grace of devotion. They will never forget you, if you do not forget them. And if you should neglect them —and may this never happen — or if you should conduct yourself badly — which may God forbid by all means —or if you should become indifferent in performing your devotions —and may God not permit that —it will be necessary to reprimand yourself with the proper punishment and to be brought back to your senses by misfortune, in order that you may learn to conduct yourself more carefully with God and to guard more vigilantly in the future the grace that is given.
And then be mindful of these benefactors and deplore your carelessness and your great ingratitude, into which you have foolishly fallen. Happy is he who deserves to bear the encouragement of Jesus in spirit so that he may reform himself for the better, until, after bitter tears, he may again be transported into a joyful ecstasy. For the devotion of Jesus exceeds all the sins of the world, and the liberality of
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Mary can never be exhausted. O if you could greatly increase in your love and praise of Jesus and serve
His Blessed Mother Mary worthily and devotedly!
But what will you do, for in truth you are not worthy to call them by name to any extent, since you are a frail, lukewarm, and thoughtless man, frequently displeasing in many things also? Therefore, how will you give praise, since praise is not well sounding from the mouth of a sinner? For it is proper for the holy to be praised by the just and the worthy. Therefore, are you to be silent or to say something? Alas for you if you do not praise, and alas for you if you open unworthy lips. What will you do to gain mercy, and not commit offense?
Nothing is better for gaining the good will of the most gracious Jesus and of His most compassionate
Mother Mary, than to humble yourself in all things and to submit to all, and also to put yourself in the last place, judging yourself truly unworthy and vile, and reducing yourself to nothing if you imagined anything good. In this way God will be pleased, and Jesus will have compassion on you. Mary also will pray for you, and you will be consoled in your humility. You will not be frightened by their face but you will receive abundantly, giving hymns of praise in return. But if you cannot praise worthily, do what you are able to do, express what you have the ability to express. For your pious intention will assist you, until you become richer in expressing your devotions
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in a better manner. They who are highly esteemed and very devoted, praise sublimely and devoutly, but they who. have little of the oil of fervent devotion, let them offer up even this gladly to the Son of devotion and to~the Mother of grace. It seems proper to be silent on account of the transcendent. glory and dignity of the sublime Son of the Virgin Mother, but since Mary does not despise the lowly and sinners, she will mercifully receive your outcry in the assemblage of those praising her, as the holy prophet says, "he poor and needy shall praise thy name" (Ps. 73:21). For that reason it is right to pray a little as an incentive for devotion, and if this is not done for the greatest part orderly and clearly, nevertheless one's prayer may be of a more humble nature and of a more evident love to the best of one's power.
Who are the more exalted in heaven, and the more humble on earth? Are they not Jesus and Mary? Jesus made Himself One who served; Mary called herself a handmaid. The whole world has tried and not found wanting the love of both; the dwellers of heaven extol their nobility; the multitude of angels adore them. O if you were able to be in the midst of them and with unwearied voice to praise greatly the sweet name of Jesus and of the dearest
Virgin Mary. O how good and delightful it is to serve them who have served us faithfully as well as humbly. Sons of mankind, serve the Lord, who. has
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condescended so often to serve you. Serve the Mother of .God, who has disclosed to you an example of holy service.
O how becoming it is to honor these most excellent protectors who are able to help more than all others can, through whose hands the heavenly judgments pass and are accomplished. Therefore every hour they should be prayed to for help, who defend us against the enemies of body and soul and who contribute eternal joy to those who serve them. In any necessity, resort to Jesus and Mary; make known to them all your troubles; acknowledge your sins of omission; deplore your sins of commission. Seek pardon, gain repentance, renew hope, promise amendment, and be well assured of the help of grace. If you fall into danger easily, take care to rise again more quickly.
They willingly consent to the prayers of the suppliant, they do not despise the sighs of the poor; but the holy angels will rejoice concerning you, when you will turn away from all the ugliness of sin wholeheartedly and will choose a better life after the model of Christ and of the Mother of blessed Jesus. If only you will avoid giving offense, they will not deny the assistance desired. And if you will show due respect, they will show the most steadfast solicitude for you. Amen.
A PRAYER To You, O Lord Jesus, and to Your most holy
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Mother the Virgin Mary, I commend my soul and my body to be preserved to life everlasting. O Jesus and Mary, my only hope, may your kindness assist me in every trial and sorrow. You are my most powerful protectors, to be loved above all the saints.
I, poor and a stranger in this world, do not have such faithful and dear friends among all that are dear and known to me, as I confidently hope I have in you.
Discourse XXIII
CONCERNING THE DEVOTED SERVICE of
the Blessed Virgin and the remembrance of her name.
"My memory is unto everlasting generations"
(Ecclus. 24:28).
Mary is the friend of poverty, the way of humility, the model of patience, and perfect in all things.
From the beginning of the birth of Jesus she led a life of extreme poverty, and even to His death on the cross, she was patient constantly. May it be agreed to follow her, for it is right to honor her with humble and pious devotion, and it is also expedient, day by day, to consider what gratitude and particular love should be shown to her most earnestly. You would readily be glad with Mary in heaven; even so, endure readily poverty and contempt with Mary on earth. Consider her humble manner and her maidenly sense of propriety among her friends; restrain your fickleness and avoid violent disturbances. Take care not to offend Jesus and Mary with idle words and unworthy deeds. For it is not trivial to offend such dear protectors. They see everything that you do, and just as you prove yourself by amendment, just so will you find that
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they will come to your assistance. However, your good sense prevails over your wickedness, and their kindness moves you to repentance. If you know your faults, change your state for the better. Remain steadfast in doing good and devoutly give thanks to God for the gifts He has bestowed on you.
Indeed the Blessed Mary did this when she was filled with the Holy Ghost and carried Jesus in her womb. Learn by the example of her gentleness to endure dutifully the burdens that come your way and yield to the divine plan, just as it was planned from eternity. Jesus will be your aid; Mary will be a faithful Mother to you; see that you are a good son and a devoted slave ready to do all the good possible:
Do you wish to do what is pleasing to the Blessed Virgin?
A VERSE "Be humble, patient, sober, chaste, and | respectful.
Be fervent, kind, inwardly devoted in mind.
Rarely be away, read, write, and pray very often."
The service to Mary should not seem long nor irksome. It is pleasant and joyful to serve sucha
Lady with heart and voice. For it will not be without noteworthy reward, however little it may. be that is performed in her honor. The humble Mother
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does not despise small services; the dear Virgin gladly accepts little gifts when they are offered voluntarily and devotedly. She knows that we are not able to give great things, nor does the merciful
Lady, the gentle Queen, exact the impossible from those who serve her. That noble character who brought forth mercy for the entire world does not know how to be unmerciful to the poor and needy.
O how graciously she receives those who serve her faithfully, she who, by her warnings and miracles, has so frequently changed the lives of those living wretchedly here on earth. How many would have been condemned for eternity or would have persisted stubbornly in despair unless the most kind
Virgin Mary had pleaded for them with her Son.
Therefore it is deservedly said concerning her, that she is the commiserator of the afflicted and the helper of all sinners. She does not ask for, nor have need of, any thing from us, she, whose commands the heavenly powers are waiting to serve. She likes any good we do whenever she requires service from us; she longs for our salvation whenever she asks that praise be bestowed on her. And whenever she observes the memory of her name being celebrated, she then seeks an occasion for doing good to us, for she is happy in return to reward those who serve her. She is very faithful in what she promises and very generous in her gifts. She is filled with rapture and always takes pleasure in the singing of the
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angelic choirs. Nevertheless she is'made happy with the services of men, in order that the honor of God and the salvation of many may thereby be more widely increased. She is touched by the tears of the afflicted; she is moved to pity by the sorrows of the oppressed; she hastens to the aid of those in danger of the devil; she is favorably disposed to the prayers of the devoted. If anyone resolutely and humbly seeks her protection and invokes her sweet and glorious name, he will not depart from her emptyhanded. She has many who are greatly devoted to her, and the choirs of the angels obey her, whom she is able to send to the relief of the destitute.
She orders the devils lest they dare to molest anyone who places himself under her power and direction. The evil spirits greatly fear the Queen of Heaven and they run away as from fire, on hearing her holy name. They are terrified at the holy and sacred name of Mary, which to Christians is the most amiable and renowned everywhere. They do not dare to appear nor are they able to perform their foul practices, where they know the name of Holy Mary is evident. As though a clap of thunder came out of the heavens, they are thrown to the ground at the name of Holy Mary; and the more often it is said and the more ardent the desire with which it is invoked, the more quickly and the further they run away from it.
Again, the holy angels and the spirits of the a
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are joyful; rejoicing at the devotion of the faithful, because they so fondly, diligently, and frequently call to mind the memory of Holy Mary, whose name, worthy of all honor, extends to all parts of the churches which are particularly consecrated to her name. And it is proper and worthy for the Mother to be honored by those on earth before all the saints of God whom all the angels adore with the highest praise. And so the name of Mary is to be venerated by all the faithful, to-be loved always by the devoted, to be cherished by members of religious communities, to be commended to those in the world at large, to be made known to sinners, to be recommended to the oppressed, and to be prayed to for. assistance in all dangers. She is the closest to God and the dearest to the Son of God, her
Blessed Jesus, being able confidently to intercede for the weeping sons of Adam so that He may forgive their sins and come to their assistance in their dangers. For when the opportunity presents itself, she does not delay to whisper a good word to her
Son and to beg His mercy for the needy. And she will also be heard most promptly in all matters entrusted to her, on account of the extraordinary awe and respect held for her, since her gracious Son
Jesus, the source of salvation of mankind, shows His respect for her by denying nothing. For that reason let everyone who is faithful and devoted, and anxious to avoid the shipwrecks of this world, and
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to arrive at the port of eternal salvation — let him seek refuge with our Lady Saint Mary whose unspeakable love tastes more pleasant to the unfortunate and clings to them more firmly, so that properly one should trust in her more abundantly. Assuredly compassion increased with her from childhood, nor has it forsaken her in heaven so that now she could be forgetful of her poor, but it has filled her more fully and more suitably. And although she is the noblest of all, and enveloped with the most blessed joys, nevertheless she is not forgetful of her humility through which she deserves most worthily to be exalted above all others. And therefore she has learned to stoop condescendingly to the level of her inferior servants, rejoicing to become the adviser of the unfortunate and also to be called the Mother of orphans. Amen.
Discourse XXIV
CONCERNING THE SORROW AND CON-
SOLATION of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"I yielded a sweet odour like the best myrrh"
(Ecclus. 24:20).
The examples of the dear Virgin Mary are to be meditated on by you with the most perfect love.
For she, like choice myrrh, bestowed fragrant fruit in patience and was most delightfully refreshed with the overabundant consolation of divine sweetness. And you also will discover an excellent consolation, if you have carried the name of Mary engrafted on your heart. For you will have many gifts, if you will be happy with Mary. The love of holy Mary drives away all the passionate ardor of carnal desires and bestows the consolation of chastity. The love of holy Mary causes anyone to despise the world and to serve Christ in humility.
The love of holy Mary protects one from all bad company, and instructs one in the purity of the religious life. Therefore love holy Mary and you will enjoy a special grace. Call to Mary for assistance and you will obtain the victory. Honor Mary and you will receive an everlasting reward. 'Two blessings especially are gathered by often recalling
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to mind Mary's holy way of life: In good times she teaches you to praise God from the depths of your heart; and in times of misfortune, to remain patient. She herself without ceasing praised God most highly for benefits received — benefits which she received from Him to an extent surpassing all others. She always showed herself gentle in the afflictions of this world and chose the wretched conditions rather than the favorable. She passed no day without sorrow, yet she was not without great consolation in her distress. For indeed every trial endured for Christ sweetens and gladdens, and the more repeatedly anyone is injured by the blows of.misfortune, so much the more does he deserve to be blessed with more worthy gifts. For the Blessed Virgin suffered exceedingly for the offenses of the world and for the wickedness of many. She was moved with pity for those truly repentant and severely tempted. She suffered for the great ingratitude of men, for whom
God the Father had sent His only-begotten Son made Man from love that they might return to Paradise lost in time past by Adam. She suffered on account of the ruin of the wicked who neglected to hear the word of God, who loved the world rather than heaven, and sought deceitful wealth rather than true virtues. She suffered on account of the oppression of the innocent and the violence of the bad; the derision of the poor and the haughtiness of the proud; the neglect of divine worship and the
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transgression of heavenly commands... And. because the. whole world was put in a bad condition and few arranged to see the eternal light which' shone upon the world, the Mother of the greatest: tenderness was full of feelings of compassion. In these matters she was most patient, living a life filled with' martyrdom, uttering tearful prayers with sobs for the salvation of souls. And as for that, if you wish to a greater extent to direct your attention to what and how much she suffered in the persecution and Passion of her beloved Son, you will certainly find that she drank to the dregs as many bitter draughts in life as Jesus had moments of bodily pains in His lifetime. For when did Jesus suffer any desertion and abandonment by men that she did not become disconsolate through compassion? If she suffered when she lost Jesus about an hour, how much did she weep when she saw Him crucified and die? This is well known to those loving Jesus, because this motherly love in suffering greatly went beyond the general manner of the devoted. Therefore, if you long to test the power of the grief in the Mother, think of the strength of the love in the Virgin.
Again, no one is able to express they joy of Mary, no one is capable of comprehending the profusion of her charm and the extent of her consolation; for there is far greater joy and consolation there, where a fuller infusion of grace and also a more frequent
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visitation of God is usual. From this both a more earnest love of divine praise always increases, and the condition of the entire inner man is altered.
Celestial grace does not allow a holy soul that loves God above all else to live without inner consolation but inspires it immediately to higher things, and prudently enlightens it in its actions, excites it in holy meditations, and makes it devout again returning thanks. However, the greater the grace and the holier the life, so much the more grateful the conscience and more devoted the prayer of praise.
For this way of life, separated from earthly commotion and not restrained by the basest desires, eagerly wishes every day to join the choirs of angels, is raised above present things, and ardently desires to enjoy the everlasting glory of the supreme Trinity, which glory none of the saints tasted beforehand so clearly in this life as the blessed and glorious Virgin
Mary, the most fervent suppliant created of all that contemplate and bless God. Do you also now at this moment imitate the Mother of God, listening attentively to the declaration of her praises, in order that you too may deserve by the prayers of the Virgin Mother to be counted in the number of the devoted. Strive carefully to follow most holy Mary in the footsteps of virtue spoken of before, in order to gain possession of the honor of celestial glory.
Be sufficiently disheartened on account of your carelessness in the past and because of your failings not
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yet mastered, by which you have offended God and all creation. You have acted badly in life, you have followed a listless course of conduct, in serving
Christ. Therefore it is your duty first of all to express sorrow for yourself, after that for your neighbor out of charity. Accordingly be moved with pity for the tisks taken by those who live badly, for whom eternal punishment threatens, unless they change from their evil way of life. Many do evil and do not know it; a greater number are fully aware of their wicked ways, nevertheless they do not correct their ways. It is your duty to be sorry and to pray for these so that God may give them the feeling of remorse for their salvation. Pray also for your friends and benefactors, for your opponents and detractors, that deserving grace may be given to the devout, to the offensive, a well-disposed thought, but to all, the peace of Christ with mercy. Pray that all may love
God and keep His commandments so that those creatures who are endowed with reason may glorify their Creator, on whose account God did all His wondrous deeds and laid aside His glory, humbly subject to Mary and Joseph. Again be grateful for the divine favors contributed most condescendingly to the entire human race through the most holy
Mother of God, showing continually reverence, and esteem also. For while the natural law commands us to give reverence and love at all times to the parents of our flesh, much more should the sons
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of the Church be thankful and obliging to the Mother of grace, and also love the Mother of God above their parents and all relatives.
You also ought to learn to ascend. with Mary to God with devoted praises and to. confide faithfully in her protection, and not to put your trust in your own strength lest your mind, weakened by your passions, should be impeded further, but every day inflamed with new desires it may without hindrance reach upward where the devout Virgin Mary, the glorious Queen of Heaven, reigns happily with Jesus, King of the angels. But alas, human infirmity compels us to descend again into this vale of tears after a brief taste of divine consolations. And then it' is again necessary to cry with a loud voice to the Mother of much compassion that she may remind her merciful Son that you have no wine of ardent desire, but that you long for the sacred anointment of devotion in order to praise Him with deserved veneration. For she 'is anxious for the helpless and for those who despise the world, and for those held in contempt in the world on account of Jesus and the doctrine of His Kingdom.
And therefore it is beneficial to know a hiding place from the sight of the enemy where you may be safe from the sharp arrows, where you may be concealed from the chilly horrors and the tempests of trouble. There is no safer place to hide than under Mary's protection, nor a swifter horse to
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as escape the clutches of the pursuer, than the prayer of faith sent forth into the sanctuary of the royal abode of Saint Mary. For Jesus Himself also went into this sanctuary, receiving from it the sacred parts of His body to vanquish:the prince of darkness. 'Therefore do you likewise enter under the protection of this sanctuary, praying day and night that you may be freed from all threatening evils through the merits of the most holy Virgin, being safely concealed under the most ample and most beautiful cloak of our Lady. For with holy Mary praying, the whole wicked 'rabble will hasten away.
With Mary assisting, you will escape all. dangers.
There the poor have a home, there the weak find a remedy, there the sad find comfort, there the troubled obtain: advice; there the destitute . get assistance. It will go well, very well with you, if you will show yourself so worthy and compliant to the gracious purpose of holy Mary, that you will obtain her influence now and glory in the future with all those chosen for salvation. Hold fast to her and do not send her away until she blesses you and conducts you with safe guidance to the heavenly palace.
Discourse XX V
CONCERNING THE EXCELLENCE
of the merits and concerning the privileges of the gifts of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all" (Prov. 31:29).
Beloved brothers, be faithful servants of Jesus Christ and devoted lovers of His most holy Mother the Virgin Mary, if you wish to be joyful with them forever in heaven. Then you will be beloved to God and to His Blessed Mother if you have been humble in heart and chaste in body, if in your whole way of life you have been modest, prudent, full of reverence to God and careful, gave no occasion of sin nor of just complaint. It is more for your salvation, for the honor of God, and the praise of the Blessed Virgin, that you let yourself be pious in praying, fond of reading, active in labor, at rest in the dormitory, awake in the choir, cheerful in singing, submissive in assembly, quick to accept correction, severe in keeping silent, sensible in recreation, circumspect in your glances and disciplined in all your manners. Therefore if you desire to praise the Blessed Virgin worthily, and to venerate her in the highest degree, then let yourselves be just like simple children of God without
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malice, without deceit, without vice, without lies, without anger, without quarreling, without grumbling, without mistrust, bearing all things opposed to you in brotherly love, with humility and patience, on account of Jesus and Mary, and imitate the lives of the saints, for your own peace and the edification of others and especially for fulfilling the glory of the Holy Trinity. In fact all bitter things are made sweet, all burdensome things are made light when the love of Jesus and the intimate remembrance of His kind Mother enter into the heart. If anyone wishes to prove this, let him frequently think of them, speak of them, read about them, sing of them, and pray to them.
However, in order that the most glorious merit of the most blessed Virgin Mary may become known to you somewhat, listen to a few of her many gifts and privileges, with which God has blessed and exalted her above all the holy angels and archangels in heaven and above all men on earth. This is the most sacred Virgin and the most beloved Mother of God of whom in holy
Church spread far and wide over the entire earth, is sung: "The holy Mother of God is exalted above the choirs of angels to the celestial Kingdoms."
Therefore think back carefully to the events of the holy patriarchs in ancient times from whose root
Mary the Mother of God was born, like a rose without thorns among the thorns. For just as in
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times past Christ the Son. of God was' foretold by many holy men, patriarchs, and prophets, by judges and kings, by priests and levites, by doctors and scribes, by words, signs, and forms, as He who would be born of a Virgin for the redemption of the world and would suffer on the cross — so, very properly and wisely, by divine planning, the most blessed and most devoted Virgin Mary was shown by a figure beforehand and foretold by 'the consecrated virgins of that time, by distinguished women, by chaste widows, by pious prophetesses, and by other good women living virtuously and also, as-a protection of their chastity, confined with their maids in their homes and their rooms away from the presence of men. She is indeed by the testimony of holy scripture the Virgin most prudent of all virgins, the most modest of all women, the most beautiful of all maids, the noblest of all matrons, the loveliest of all ladies, the most illustrious queen of all queens, in whom all virginal grace, all moral virtue, all theological observation, all affectionate zeal, all worthy offerings, all perfection of sanctity, equally come: together, abide in and shine forth most completely;.who neither has, nor had, nor will have her like before her; nor. her equal' after her. And just as in 'times past the actual temple of Solomon was decorated more than all the temples on earth, and most widely known and most abundantly entiched, and was glorified magnificently by 'kings
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and the common people, so the spiritual temple of God which is the Blessed Virgin Mary, free from all blemish, outshines all the temples of the saints, and therefore ought to be honored and loved more.
, O truly illustrious descendant splendidly brought forth from the distinguished race of the patriarchs, nobly begotten from a priestly people, most worthily derived from the pontifical' rank, most truly foretold by the choir of prophets, most illustriously descended from the royal stock in .a direct line from David, most nobly sprung from the most illustrious tribe of Juda, most happily born of the Israel people, particularly selected from the chosen people of God, most happily arose by divine preordination unto the Light of the World from parents holy and religious and pleasing to God!
O happy and undefiled Virgin Mary, most worthy of all praise and honor, to be cherished by all with all love and respect! O magnificent jewel of virgins! you were predestined by God from God in the beginning and before all time to give birth at a predetermined time to the Redeemer of the world, longed for by the patriarchs, predicted by the prophets, chosen by many kings and the just, awaited:a long time by the most devoted people in Israel, and finally shown visibly to a suffering world by God in His compassion. O sacred and most renowned Virgin Mary! how excellent and praise-
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worthy is your name in all the earth. Surely from the rising even to the setting of the sun in various parts of the world, your name is praised by means of the gospel of Jesus Christ your Son, by Jews and Gentiles, by Greeks and Latins, by Romans and Germans; and more than that your glorious name each day is praised in all the churches of God, in chapels and cloisters, in fields and woods dedicated to God, by the humble and the great, by priests and doctors, and by the preachers of various Orders, all of whom alike long to praise you and proclaim you. For all the spirits of the just are aglow and rejoice to extol you even to the stars of heaven and to commend with loud voices your sanctity and beauty above the angelic dignity, and through the greatness of love. and the sweetness of devotion, they do not grow tired of singing, praying, meditatting, and celebrating your sacred festivals, according to the well-known word of wisdom: "They that eat me, shall yet hunger, and they that drink me shall yet thirst"
(Ecclus. 24:29). Praise and glory to God in the highest, who has given to you, O Mary, the greatest grace before all the daughters of mankind in the world, and now He has established your seat near the throne of your Son in the celestial kingdom, in a more prominent place above all the choirs of angels and saints, most beautifully made ready beforehand for you from eternity and enduring most fortunately forever.
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cel) O most venerable Virgin Mary Mother and Daughter of the eternal King, to be blessed by the mouth of all, to be venerated with all honor, most pure in virginity, most profound in humility, most fervent in love, most gentle in patience, most abundant in mercy, most devoted in prayer, most pious in meditation, most noble in contemplation, most pleasant in compassion, most prudent in counsel, most powerful in assistance. You are the palace of God, the gate of heaven, the garden of charm, the well of graces, the glory of angels, the joy of men, the model of character, the splendor of virtues, the light of life, the hope of the needy, the health of the sick, the mother of orphans. O Virgin of virgins, all sweet and beautiful, shining like a star, red as a rose, brilliant as a pearl, radiant as the sun and moon in heaven and on earth! O mild Virgin, innocent as a lamb, simple as a dove; wise as a noble lady, serving like a humble handmaid! O holy source, high cedar, fruitful vine, most sweet fig tree, most wide-spreading palm tree, in you all good things are to be found and through you eternal rewards are granted to us. Therefore we all ought to fly to you, like children to the lap of their mother and like orphans to the home of their father, as long as we live, so that we may be protected from all evils by your glorious merits and prayers.
But now hear the words of a certain doctor concerning the twelve stars in the crown of the blessed
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Virgin, by which Our Lady Saint Mary shines gloriously above all the saints in heaven. These twelve stars are the twelve privileges of her reigning splendor which she has with regard to all other citizens of heaven. For with regard to the Church militant, she has four gifts of surpassing resplendence filled with works of mercy. Because before all others she hears more favorably, condescends more humbly, acts with more ability, assists more frequently, as indeed experience teaches in the just causes of the Church which are hard to attain. In like manner with regard to the Church triumphant, she has these four outstanding privileges. Because she is exalted far above all others in heaven, she is more brilliantly resplendent, she is loved more fervently, she is honored more fully, as it is fitting to be thoroughly persuaded concerning her glorious merits.
Likewise with regard to the most beneficent Trinity, she has similarly four privileges or stars brighter than every heavenly body. Because before all others contemplating the glory of the eternal Trinity, she perceives the holy Trinity itself more clearly: she is more happily disposed toward It, she contemplates It more profoundly, and she enjoys It more abundantly than all in heaven, concerning which no one should doubt further.
But besides that, hear what St. Bernard says concerning those stars, Bernard the special lover of the Blessed Virgin and the pleasant doctor and
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
devoted instructor of the monks: "On her head," he says, "there are twelve stars. Who would set a value on these jewels? Who would describe the stars with which Mary's royal crown is set? It is beyond the ability of man to explain the nature of this crown, to discover its composition. However we, aS a measure of our smallness, abstaining from the perilous inquiry about mysteries, it appears perhaps not inconsistently, may take these twelve stars to mean the twelve privileges of stars with which Mary particularly is adorned.
Since the privilege of heaven, the privilege of the flesh, and the privilege of the heart are found in Mary. And if this group consisting of three is multiplied by four: we get by chance the twelve stars, with which the crown of our Queen shines before all.
Indeed the brightness first of all shines like gold to me in the birth of Mary, second in the salutation of the angel, third in the descent of the Holy
Ghost upon her, and fourth in the indescribable conception of the Son of God." Indeed it will be a mark of your earnestness to consider each alone more carefully, indeed let it be sufficient for you to have come to learn from me these few words from many more. If anyone wishes to know more fully the mystic meaning of the stars, let him read that sermon of blessed Bernard beginning with the following topic: "A sign appeared in the heaven," etc.
Therefore, beloved brothers, recall to mind often
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
and meditate upon these things on account of the extraordinary reverence and love of the most blessed
Virgin Mary, and for an act of thanksgiving, sing most joyfully hymns and canticles of joy on her feast days and on days in commemoration of her throughout the year. However, bow and bare your heads particularly before the altar of God, and in the presence of a figure of the Blessed Virgin genuflect humbly, as though you saw Mary present physically talking with the angel, or holding her
Son to her bosom, and after that with uplifted eyes full of confidence in the salvation longed for, most affectionately pray for the merciful assistance from the mother of mercy and say:
"O. most compassionate Mother of God Virgin Mary, Queen of heaven, Lady of the world, joy of the saints, consolation of sinners, hear the groans of the penitents, satisfy the desires of the devoted, help the needs of the weak, comfort the hearts of those in distress, assist those who are in agony, protect your servants who beseech you from the attacks of Satan, conduct your lovers with you to the reward of eternal blessedness, where, with your most loving Son Jesus Christ, you reign most happily forever. Amen."
(Finis )
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