Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
we fly unto you,
O Virgin of virgins, our Mother.
To you do we come, before you we stand,
Sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word incarnate,
despise not our petitions
but in your mercy hear and answer us.
Amen.

 

 

The Memorare is of unknown origin. It has been attributed to St. Augustine, St. John Chrysostom, and—more likely—St. Bernard of Clairveaux (1091–1153). In its direct appeal to the power of Mary’s intercession in times of need, it captures the spirit of twelfth century Marian devotion.

united to the love that God has given us, a love that forgives, that challenges, that heals, and that instructs. The closer we draw to the God we worship, the closer we draw to what God loves and as God loves. Every religion celebrates this power of love. Nothing demonstrates the power of love more than its ability to give life to others. It is this desire to impart life to others that undergirds the sacraments of the Church.
     Community embraces the people all around us. There is a great deal of crowd action at a place like Boston College. But that is not community. Community is people working together for something that demands mutual trust, dedication, and a willingness to pass to generations yet to come a good that they have received and enriched.
     One of the richest experiences of community at Boston College occurs in a really good class. Professor and students lose themselves in the subject matter. Together they discover something that they could never find alone: knowledge shared and appreciated.
     When contemplative vision, compassionate care, and a commitment to practical service enrich community, then the community is going to be healthy and generative. Whether this happens in the liturgy or a retreat or a moment of worship or in the classroom or in a meeting of the Ignacio Volunteers or a faculty or staff meeting, this gathering of Boston College people can

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