her with grace, as the Angel said to her, “ Hail! full of grace! ” It is not for herself alone, but for us also, adds St. Peter Chrysologus, that she received this great treasure of grace, so that afterwards she might communicate it to her devout followers in every age.
Prayer of St. Ephraim.
O QUEEN of the universe, and most bountiful sovereign! thou art the great advocate of sinners, the sure port of those who have suffered shipwreck, the resource of the world, the ransom of captives, the solace of the weak, the comfort of the afflicted, the refuge and salvation of every creature. O! full of grace! enlighten my understanding, and loosen my tongue, that I may recount thy praises, and sing to thee that angelical salutation which thou dost so justly merit. Hail! thou who art the peace, the joy, the consolation of the whole world! Hail! Paradise of delight, the sure asylum of all who are in danger, the source of grace, the mediatrix between God and man!
Short prayer to remember and repeat. — “ Refuge of sinners, take pity on me.”
At the end of each visit, repeat the following prayer, in order to obtain the powerful patronage of the Mother of God:
MOST holy and immaculate Virgin, my Mother Mary, it is to thee, the Mother of my God, the Queen of the world, the advocate, the hope, and the refuge of sinners, that I have recourse to-day: I, who am the most miserable of all. I love thee, O most amiable Sovereign, and for the love I bear thee, I promise to serve thee always, and do all in my
