The Marian Month

Most Anglican churches are named for a patron saint (like Oswald--and we are the only Canadians to keep his banner flying!) the Holy Trinity or some important event in the life of Christ. We try to follow in the footsteps of our Patron Saint--and look at the incredible work Oswald did in spreading the gospel!  

The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord,  has had many prayers and devotions created to glorify the attributes of obedience, acceptance of the will of God, humility... Traditionally, most often in the Catholic faith but also in the Anglican community, May is known as the Marian month. Here are a couple of pictures from the house of the Virgin Mary in the hills above Ephesus. The wall is crammed with petitions written out --in a score of different languages!--asking for intercessions from Christ's Mother.

Here are some of the prayers assiciated with Mary. Please feel welcome to use these prayers as they speak to you.

THE HAIL MARY

The first two lines of this prayer are the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary, when he announces that she is with child (Luke 1:28). The second two lines are the words of Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary, when both are with child (Luke 1:42). The last for lines come to us from deep in history, from where and from whom we do not know.

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

THE ANGELUS

We've all seen Millet's depiction of farm workers pausing in their labours to recite the Angelus. It's usually said around noon or at 6 in the evening. The Angelus is a reminder that the Son of God came to earth as a human baby in order to take on our sins and burdens. It is customary to bow one’s head when coming to the words, “And the Word became flesh.”

V. The angel spoke God’s message to Mary,
R. and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
V. Hail, Mary …
R. Holy Mary …

V. “I am the lowly servant of the Lord:
R. let it be done to me according to your word.”
V. Hail, Mary …
R. Holy Mary …

V. And the Word became flesh
R. and lived among us.
V. Hail, Mary …
R. Holy Mary…
V. Prayer for us, holy Mother of God,
R. that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

V. Let us pray.

Lord,
fill our hearts with your grace:
once, through the message of an angel
you revealed to us the incarnation of your Son;
now, through his suffering and death
lead us to the glory of his resurrection.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

THE MEMORARE

This is the prayer of the 12th century monk, Bernard.  

Remember, most loving Virgin Mary,
never was it heard
That anyone who turned to you for help
was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,
though burdened by my sins,
I run to your protection
for you are my mother.

Mother of the Word of God,
do not despise my words of pleading
but be merciful and hear my prayer.
Amen.