The Catholic Defender: Prayer to Our Lady of Grace

The most well-known traditional devotion to Mary under this title is the Prayer to Our Lady of Grace (Mother of Graces), which was notably a favorite of St. Padre Pio.

The title Our Lady of Grace is closely linked to the Miraculous Medal apparitions to St. Catherine Labouré. The brief prayer inscribed on the medal is "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." 

O Mary, Our Lady of Grace, with hearts full of trust, we come before you, seeking your loving intercession.

A prayer of  Saint Therse to Our Lady of Grace

You are the mother of mercy and the fountain of all grace; pour forth your blessings upon us.

We ask for healing in body, mind, and spirit, that we may find comfort in our trials and strength in our weaknesses.

Wrap us in your mantle of protection, and guide us closer to the heart of your Son, Jesus.

Help us to accept God’s will with faith and courage, and lead us to live lives that reflect His love and light.

Our Lady of Grace, we place all our needs in your care, trusting that through your prayers, we will receive the graces we seek. Amen.

During the November 27 apparition, Catherine observed that Mary wore rings of precious gemstones. While most of the stones radiated magnificent light rays down toward the earth, some remained dark. When Catherine wondered about this, Mary explained: 

"These rays symbolize the graces I shed upon those who ask for them. The gems from which rays do not fall are the graces for which souls forget to ask." 

Because of this specific visualization—Mary standing on the globe with open arms pouring divine favor upon humankind—the posture became universally known in Christian art and statuary as Our Lady of Grace (or Our Lady of Graces)

During the vision, a golden, oval frame formed around Mary, bearing an inscription in gold letters: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Catherine then watched the vision rotate to reveal the reverse side. Mary commanded her to have a medal struck matching this exact presentation, promising that all who wore it around their neck with confidence would receive abundant graces.

The symbolic elements given to Catherine represent a summary of Catholic theology regarding Mary's role in salvation history.