Memorare
Attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century) and spread in the 17th century by Father Claude Bernard. The prayer of trust in Mary for difficult causes.
Also known as: Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
When to pray
In difficult situations and as part of novenas to Our Lady.
Latin text
a saeculo non esse auditum, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia,
tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum.
Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo virginum, Mater, curro;
ad te venio; coram te gemens peccator assisto.
Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi.
Origin
The "Memorare" prayer is often mistakenly attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, but its authorship is generally credited to Father Claude Bernard, a 17th-century French priest, who popularized it. He widely disseminated it, especially among those condemned to death, to foster Marian devotion. It is not part of the official liturgy but is a beloved prayer of supplication in popular devotion to the Virgin Mary.
In other languages
Lembrai-vos (Memorare) (Português) · Acordaos (Memorare) (Español) · Ricordati, o piissima Vergine Maria (Memorare) (Italiano) · Pomnij, o Najświętsza Panno Maryjo (Polski) · Alalahanin Mo (Tagalog)