SIXTH DAY
Meditation: MARY OUR PERPETUAL HELP IN SORROW
Sin is the only real evil in the world and the cause of every other evil. It was on account of sin that death and all miseries came into this world. It is in punishment of sin, that GOD visits us with many ills and temporal misfortunes. Yet GOD, in punishing the sinner does not wish the death of the sinner, but rather that he be converted and live. For this cause also He has given us Mary to be our perpetual help in sorrow and tribulations. Mary's protection is far more powerful and efficacious than we imagine. What is the reason why GOD who was wont to punish so rigorously in the Old Law is now so lenient and indulgent in regard to sinners? GOD does so primarily out of love for His Son. Who is "always living to make intercession for us." Yet, He does so also out of love for Mary, the Mother of His Son, who is ever pleading in our behalf; so that it is true to say: Were it not for Mary's intercession, the world by reason of it's iniquities, would long since have perished. How many a poor sinner has obtained forgiveness of sin, because he had recourse to Mary! In her tender compassionate heart all men find a safe harbour and a secure resting place. Here the poor find relief; the sick have their health restored, the sorrowful find consolation, and the abandoned a safe refuge. What then should we poor mortals do in our sorrows and tribulations with Mary! Hence we should be truly grateful to GOD for having given us Mary to be our perpetual help, so that by appealing to her Mother's heart, we may escape the penalties our sins justly deserve.
PRAYER TO BE SAID EACH DAY AFTER THE MEDITATION
O Mother of Perpetual Help, behold me a miserable sinner at thy feet; I have recourse to thee and put my trust in thee. O Mother of Mercy have pity upon me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners, be then my refuge and my hope. Help me for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to me, who recommend and dedicate myself to thee as thy perpetual servant. I bless and thank GOD for having in His mercy given to me this confidence in thee, the pledge as I believe of my eternal salvation. Alas! Too often in past times have I miserably fallen, because I had not recourse to thee! I know that with thy help I shall conquer. I know that thou will help me if I recommend myself to thee; but i fear lest in the occasions of falling I should cease to call upon thee and so should lose my soul. This, then, is the grace I seek from thee; and I conjure thee, as far as I know how and can, to obtain it for me; namely, in the assults of hell always to have recourse to thee and to say to thee: O Mary help me; Mother of Perpetual Help, suffer me not to lose my God.
Five "Hail Mary's" to obtain the special favours you seek -- then: -- Holy Mary, assist the miserable, help the faint hearted, cheer those that weep, pray for the people be the advocate of the clergy, intercede for all devout woman; let all feel thine aid who implore thy perpetual help.
V. Thou has been for us, Our Lady, a refuge.
R. A helper in needs and tribulation.
LET US PRAY
Oh almighty and merciful GOD, who hast given us to venerate the picture of Thy most Blessed Mother, under the special title of Perpetual Help, graciously grant that, amidst all the changes of our journey through life, we may be so defended by the continual protection of the same Immaculate, ever Virgin Mary, that we may deserve to obtain the rewards of Thy eternal Redemption; Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit; world without end. Amen.