“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…”
The Memorare is one of the most powerful prayers in our Catholic treasury. As seen in its opening line, the Memorare begins with the simple acknowledgment of Our Blessed Mother’s constant presence in our lives.
By emphasizing the simple fact that Our Lady is our steadfast companion and help, the Memorare becomes a prayer of confidence and consolation…and it has a miraculous reputation that precedes it.
The Memorare is sometimes attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who lived in the 12th century, but its original author is actually unknown. It appears in a longer 15th-century prayer, Ad sanctitatis tuae pedes, dulcissima Virgo Maria (“At your holy feet, sweetest Virgin Mary”).
Despite its most likely being composed some centuries before, the Memorare was not popularized until the 17th century when another Bernard, Fr. Claude Bernard, was miraculously healed through the prayer.
Amazed by his healing, Fr. Claude knew that the Lord wanted him to propagate this powerful prayer. He printed over 200,000 leaflets with the prayer on it. From France to England to Germany, Fr. Claude printed and distributed the miraculous prayer in as many languages as he could.
Through his dedication to this prayer, Fr. Claude helped carry the miraculous healing intercession of Our Lady throughout the world. It eventually became the favorite prayer of many powerful saints such as St. Francis de Sales and St. Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa insisted upon the Memorare’s power, saying that it never once failed her in times of great need.
Here is the full Memorare:
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.
Let the miraculous reputation of the Memorare inspire you to deeper confidence in Our Lady’s constant friendship. She is our most powerful intercessor and longs to bring us to her Son. You can honor Our Lady and remind yourself of her loving presence with this beautiful Amazonite Rosary Bracelet. Handcrafted with Marian-inspired beads, this bracelet powerfully combines stunning Marian imagery with the power of the Rosary and the Miraculous Medal. This beautiful heirloom bracelet is available today from The Catholic Company!
