by St. Alphonsus Liguori,
Doctor of the Church


TAKEN FROM THE GLORIES OF MARY
Eccles. Approval, 1852




EIGHTH DEVOTION
Of Alms given in Mary's honor

Clients of the Blessed Virgin are accustomed to give alms to the poor in honor of the Divine Mother, especially on Saturdays. That holy shoemaker, of whom Saint Gregory speaks in his dialogues [his name was Deusdedit], used on Saturdays to distribute all his earnings of the past week to the poor. Hence, a holy soul in a vision saw a sumptuous palace, which God was preparing in Heaven for this servant of Mary, but its construction only went on on Saturdays. Saint Gerard never refused anything at any time for which he was asked in Mary's name. Father Martin Guttierez, of the Society of Jesus, did the same, and in consequence acknowledged that he had never asked Mary for a grace which he had not obtained. This servant of hers having been put to death by the Huguenots, the Divine Mother appeared to his companions, accompanied by Virgins, who, by her direction, wrapped the body in linen, and carried it away. Saint Eberhard, bishop of Saltzburg, practiced the same devotion, and, on account of it, a holy monk saw him as a child in the arms of Mary, who said: "This is my son Eberhard, who never denied me anything. Alexander of Hales who had the same devotion, being once asked, in the name of Mary, by a Franciscan lay brother, to join the order, immediately complied, gave up the world, and became a friar. Let, therefore, no client of the Blessed Virgin think it too much to give a trifling alms every day in her honor, and to increase it on Saturdays. If they can do nothing else, they should at least perform some other act for the love of Mary; such as visiting the sick, praying for sinners, and for the Souls in Purgatory, etc. Works of mercy are very pleasing to the heart of this Mother of Mercy.


NINTH DEVOTION
Of having frequent recourse to Mary

Of all devotions, there is none so pleasing to our Mother as that of having frequent recourse to her intercession, seeking her help in all our wants; for example, when we have to give or ask advice, in dangers, afflictions, and temptations; and particularly in temptations against purity. The Divine Mother will then certainly deliver us, if we have recourse to her with the antiphon, "We fly to thy patronage, etc.;" or with the 'Hail Mary;' or by only invoking the most holy name of Mary, which has particular power against the devils. Blessed Santi, of the Order of Saint Francis, being once tempted with an impure thought, had recourse to Mary: She immediately appeared to him, and placing her hand on his breast delivered him. It is also useful on these occasions to kiss or press to our heart our Rosary or Scapular, or to look at an image of the Blessed Virgin. It is well also to know that Benedict XIII granted fifty days' indulgence to those who pronounce the names of Jesus and Mary.


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