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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…)

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 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…)