The Madonna of the Eucharist
BOTTICELLI
c. 1469-1479


  THIRTIETH VISIT
Visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Bernard affirms, that the love of Mary towards us cannot be greater or more powerful than it is; hence by her affection she is always abundant in her compassion for us, and by her power she is plentiful in the relief she affords us: "The most powerful and compassionate charity of the Mother of God abounds in tender compassion, and in kind relief: she is equally rich in both." [In Assumpt. s. 4]

So that, my most pure Queen, thou art rich in power, and rich in compassion; thou art able to save, and desirest to save all, I therefore beseech thee, now and always, in the words of the devout Blosius, saying: "O Lady! protect me in my combats, and confirm me when I am wavering." [Par. an. p. 2. c. 4] O most holy Mary, in this great battle in which I am now engaged with Hell, do thou always help me; but when thou seest me wavering and likely to fall, O my Lady! do thou then extend thy hand with greater promptitude, and sustain me with greater vigor. O God! how many temptations have I still to overcome before my death! Mary, my hope, my refuge, my strength, do thou protect me, and never allow me to lose the grace of God. And on my part I resolve always and instantly to have recourse to thee in all temptations, saying:

Ejaculatory prayer. Help me, Mary! Mary, help me!

[From the Naples Edition.]

O Mary, we are taught by thy servant St. Bonaventure to regard thee as the Mother of orphans. [Psalt. min. B. V.] Those unfortunate sinners, who have lost God, their Father, are orphans indeed. I fly then to thee, O merciful Mother: I have by my sins lost my Father; all my hope rests in thee, who still remainest as my Mother. I feel fresh confidence arise within me when I hear Innocent III ask, Who has ever called on Mary without being heard? [De. Ass. B. V. s. 3] Who was ever lost that had sincere recourse to her? I fly, therefore, to thy holy protection; have compassion on me; help me, and do not forsake me.

Ejaculatory prayer. O Mother of my God, augment daily my confidence in thee.


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