How great are the clemency and compassion of Mary.
STORY
In the life of Father Anthony de Colleli we find the following occurrence narrated: “A certain unfortunate woman was having illicit relations with two young men. One of these, prompted by jealousy, stabbed the other to death. Very much frightened by what had happened, the sinful woman went to confession to Father Onofrius. She related the following: After the murder the unfortunate man appeared to her, all black, bound in chains, and surrounded by flames. He held a sword in his hand with which he attempted to kill her. Trembling with fear she cried out: ‘Why do you wish to kill me? What have I done to you?’ The man, filled with rage, replied: ‘What, you wretch, you ask what you have done! It is your fault that I have lost my God.’ Immediately the woman called on the Blessed Virgin to help her, and at the sound of the name of Mary, the apparition vanished.”
PRAYER
O Mother of mercy, since you are so compassionate, and have so great a desire to render service to us poor creatures and to grant our requests, behold I, the most miserable of all men, have now recourse to your compassion, in order that you may grant me that which I ask. Others may ask what they please of you, – bodily health, and earthly goods and advantages; but I come, O Lady, to ask you for that which you desire of me, and which is most in conformity and agreeable to your most sacred heart. You are so humble; obtain for me humility and love of contempt. You were so patient under the sufferings of this life; obtain for me patience in trials. You were all love towards your neighbour; obtain for me charity towards all, and particularly towards those who are in any way my enemies. You were entirely united to the divine will; obtain for me entire conformity to the will of God in whatever way he may be pleased to dispose of me. You, in fine, are the most holy of all creatures; O Mary, make me a saint. Love for me is not wanting on your part; you can do all, and you have the will to obtain me all. The only thing, then, that can prevent me from receiving your graces is, either neglect on my part in having recourse to you, or little confidence in your intercession; but these two things you must obtain for me. These two greatest graces I ask from you; from you I must obtain them; from you I hope for them with the greatest confidence, O Mary, my Mother Mary, my hope, my love, my life, my refuge, my help, and my consolation. Amen.
