NEVER WAS IT KNOWN... NEVER!

One day, in the midst of a painful crisis, Mary caught my eye. I had grown up with the icon of our Mother of Perpetual Help. But that day its meaning opened up to me in a whole new way. I remembered what I had learned as a child: if you are ever in need, go to Mary. Jump into her arms like Jesus did in his own fright at the vision of His Passion. And you will find out, as countless others have, that Mary is indeed a Mother of perpetual help.

I remembered, too, an old prayer I had learned as a child: the Memorare - and the words "never was it known that anyone who sought your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided" leapt out at me. Never!  Perpetual! And hope stirred anew even in the midst of what seemed a truly hopeless situation.

One of my favorite scenes in the gospels is the wedding feast of Cana. I had noticed that it is Mary who sees the need as the wine has run out. It is Mary who encourages Jesus to action. And Jesus, seemingly changing His own time table, reveals His glory by changing water into wine - indeed into the best wine saved for last. How wonderful this revelation was to me: to see the inner connection between the gospel story of Cana, the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, and the Memorare. It has changed my life!

In that crisis years ago (and in many since) I have learned by experience that this is all true! I have been able to go to Mary of Cana, Mary of Perpetual Help, Mary of the Memorare with every need, every hope, every crisis, every suffering and disappointment. With confidence I have learned to entrust all to her motherly care. Of course, I have to be willing to heed Mary's words at Cana: "Do whatever Jesus tells you." I must be willing to admit, as well, that I am "sinful" and that I am "sorrowful".

If I am sincerely trying to do the will of God with a humble and contrite heart I can have the assurance of faith that my prayers to Our Lady will be answered beyond all hopes and expectations. Unbelievable situations that seemed so devastating and hopeless become the source of new life, new love, new opportunities. Every time! Every time! And what has happened in my life has happened for others. I have seen it. It can happen to you, too.

It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to be able to share this discovery with others. And they, too, have borne witness to the wonderful reality that if we pray the Memorare with confidence and love, and let Mary's eyes look out on us from the beautiful icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, that always, always, always, Jesus will reveal His glory.

O Mary, how can I thank you enough for all your special interventions, all your motherly care, all your beautiful love? All I can do is add my voice to the millions of your children and say, from the depths of my heart and soul, Ave Maria! Hail, Mary! And I will tell as many as I am able that it is true and that this prayer is for me and for anyone who wishes:

THE MEMORARE

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come; before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen"

And years later I still say: Amen! Amen! Amen!

Ave, Maria!

written by your grateful webservant

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