TWENTY-FIFTH VISIT
Visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Bernard says, that Mary is that heavenly ark, in which if we take timely refuge, we shall certainly be delivered from the shipwreck of eternal damnation: "She is the ark in which we escape shipwreck." [S. de B. M. Diep.] The ark in which Noe escaped from the general wreck of the world was indeed a type of Mary. But Hesychius says, that Mary is a more spacious, stronger, and more compassionate ark. [De S. M. Diep. hom. 2] Only a few men and a few beasts were received and saved by the former; but Mary, our ark, receives all who take refuge under her mantle, and with certainty saves them all. Unfortunate should we be had we not Mary! But still, my Queen, how many are lost! and why? Because they have not recourse to thee. And who would ever be lost had he recourse to thee?

Ejaculatory prayer. Grant, most holy Mary, that we may all and always have recourse to thee!

[From the Naples Edition.]

O my sovereign Queen! thou art the treasure of God, [Idiot. Cont. de V. M. c. 1] and in thy hands are deposited those stores of mercy which He wishes to bestow upon us. Thou hast said by the mouth of the prophet, that thou holdest in thy hands the treasures of Heaven, to enrich those who love thee. [Prov. xviii. 8] My loving Mother, I am an unfortunate sinner, and in the greatest need of help. Remember that I love thee with all my heart; yes, next to God, there is no object that I love so much as thee, because I know that this is due to thy unrivalled perfections. Have pity on me, and forsake me not; help me during life, and help me at the hour of death, that I may one day arrive at the enjoyment of thy happy society in the kingdom of Heaven.

Ejaculatory prayer.  O Mary! all my hopes are directed towards thee.

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