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Mary is the Peace-maker between Sinners and God.

STORY
In Braganza there was a young man, who, after giving up the confraternity, abandoned himself to so many crimes that one day, in despair, (more…)

Mary is so tender an Advocate that she does not refuse to defend the Cause even of the most miserable.

STORY
In one of our missions, after the sermon on the Blessed Virgin Mary, which it is always customary in our Congregation to preach, a very old man came to make his confession to one of the Fathers.  Filled with consolation he said, “Father, our Blessed Lady has granted me a grace.”  “What grace has she granted you?”  the confessor asked.  “You must know, Father,” he replied, “that for five-and-thirty years I have made sacrilegious confessions, (more…)

The Necessity of the Intercession of Mary for our Salvation.

STORY
In Germany a man fell into a grievous sin; through shame he was unwilling to confess it; but, on the other hand, unable to endure the remorse of his conscience, he went to throw himself into a river; (more…)

The Necessity of the Intercession of Mary for our Salvation.

STORY

The history of Theophilus, written by Eutychian, patriarch of Constantinople, and who was an eye-witness of the fact he relates, is well known.  It is attested by St Peter Damian, St Bernard, St Bonaventure, St Antonine, and by others quoted by Father Crasset.

Theophilus was archdeacon of the church of Adana, a city of Cilicia, and he was held in such veneration by the people that they wished to have him for their bishop, but he, out of humility, refused the dignity.  It happened that evil-disposed persons accused him falsely of some crime, and for this he was deposed from his archdeaconry.  He took this so much to heart, that, blinded by passion, he went to a Jewish magician, who made him consult Satan, that he might help him in his misfortune. (more…)

To thee do we sigh, mourning and weeping, in this valley of tears.

STORY
A young nobleman who was on a sea-voyage begun to read an obscene book, in which he took much pleasure.  A religious noticed this, and said to him:  “Are you disposed to make a present to our Blessed Lady?”  The young man replied that he was.  “Well,” the other answered, “I wish that, for the love of the most holy Virgin you would give up that book, and throw it into the sea.”  “Here it is, Father,” said the young man.  “No,” replied the religious, “you must yourself make Mary this present.”  He did so; and no sooner had he returned to Genoa, his native place, than the Mother of God so inflamed his heart with divine love that he entered a religious Order. (more…)

The Greatness of the Power of Mary to defend those who invoke her when tempted by the Devil.

STORY
In Reichersperg, in Bavaria, there was a canon regular of the name of Arnold, surnamed the Pious on account of the sanctity of his life, and who had the most tender devotion to our Blessed Lady.  When at the point of death, and having received the last sacraments, he summoned his religious brethren, and begged that they would not abandon him in his last passage.  Scarcely had he uttered these words, when, in the presence of all, he began to tremble, to roll his eyes, and bathed in a cold sweat, with a faltering voice said, “Ah, do you not see the devils who are endeavouring to drag me to hell?” (more…)

The Promptitude of Mary in assisting those who invoke her.

STORY
We read in the life of St Francis de Sales that he experienced the efficacy of this prayer.  When he was about seventeen years of age he was living in Paris, where he was pursuing his studies. At the same time he devoted himself to exercises of piety and to the holy love of God, in which he found the joys of paradise.  Our Lord, in order to try him, and to strengthen the bands which united him to himself, allowed the evil spirit to persuade him that all that he did was in vain, as he was already condemned in the eternal decrees of God. (more…)

Mary is the Hope of Sinners

STORY
St Antonine relates that there was a sinner who was at enmity with God, and who had a vision in which he found himself before the dread tribunal; the devil accused him, (more…)

Mary, our Hope.

STORY
St Gregory relates that there was a young woman named Musa, who was very devout to the Mother of God; to whom, when she was in great danger of losing her innocence by the bad example of her companions, Mary appeared one day with many saints, and said:  “Musa, do you also wish to be one of these?”  On her answering “Yes,” she added, “Well, withdraw from your companions, and prepare yourself, for in a month you shall come.”  Musa did so, and related the vision.  On the thirteenth day she was at the point of death, when the most Blessed Virgin again appeared, and invited her to come.  She replied, “Behold, I come, O Lady,”  and sweetly expired. (more…)

Mary our Sweetness; she renders Death sweet to her Clients.

STORY
Of St John of God, who was tenderly devoted to Mary, it is related that he fully expected that she would visit him on his deathbed; (more…)

Mary is also our Life, because she obtains for us Perseverance.

STORY
The history of St Mary of Egypt, in the first book of the lives of the Fathers, is well known.  At the age of twelve years she fled from the house of her parents, went to Alexandria, where she led an infamous life, and was a scandal to the whole city. (more…)

Mary, our Life, our Sweetness.

STORY
Father Bovio relates that there was a sinful woman, named Ellen, who entered a church, and by chance heard a sermon on the Rosary.  On leaving the church she purchased a set of beads, but wore them concealed as she did not wish it to be known that she had them. (more…)

Mary is the Mother of the penitent Sinner.

STORY
A noble youth named Eskil was sent by the prince, his father, to Hildensheim, a city of Saxony, to study; but he gave himself up to a disorderly life.  He afterwards fell so dangerously ill that he received Extreme Unction.  While in this state he had a vision: he found himself shut up in a fiery furnace, and believed himself already in hell (more…)

The Greatness of the Love which this Mother bears us.
Story:
Father Auriemma relates that there was a certain poor shepherdess, whose sole delight was to go to a little chapel of our Blessed Lady, situated on a mountain, and there, while her flocks were browsing, she conversed with her dear Mother and rendered honor to her. (more…)

How much our Confidence in Mary should be Increased
because she is our Mother

Story:

In the history of the foundation of the Society of Jesus in the kingdom of Naples,we read the following account of a young Scottish nobleman, named William Elphinstone. He was related to King James, and lived for some time in the heresy in which he was born. Enlightened by divine grace, he began to perceive his (more…)