The Catholic Defender: The Memorare
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
The 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.
The Memorare is a traditional Catholic prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing deep confidence in her maternal intercession and protection. Its name comes from the first word of the Latin text, meaning "Remember".
Latin Origin: The prayer is named after its opening Latin word, Memorare ("Remember").
a 15th-century Catholic prayer seeking the Virgin Mary's intercession.
Purpose: As a "prayer of confidence," it emphasizes the belief that Mary intercedes for those who seek her aid.
Usage: It is commonly used for personal petitions or as a concluding prayer in the Rosary.
"And Mary said, 'My soul glorifies the Lord. '" "O sinner, be not discouraged, but have recourse to Mary in all you necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind of necessity."
"And Mary said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. ' And the angel departed from her." "His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it]." "And Mary said, 'My soul glorifies the Lord.
popularized in the 17th century by Fr. Claude Bernard, rather than St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
The Memorare is frequently used in times of urgent need.
Context: It is part of the final petition: "O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me".
"Word Incarnate" refers to Jesus Christ (The Word) becoming human (Incarnate), as detailed in John 1:14, making Mary the mother of the Savior.
Mother Teresa: Known for her "Flying Novena," which involved reciting the prayer nine times.
St. Francis de Sales: Relied on this prayer daily.
The great popularizer of this prayer is Father Claude Bernard (1588−1641), who reportedly printed 200,000 leaflets in various languages as an aid to his ministry with prisoners. The prayer reminds us that conversion and repentance are always possible; no one is ever beyond the grace of God unless that individual refuses to surrender to divine grace.
The Vision: During a siege of Constantinople, Saint Andrew the Fool-for-Christ and his disciple Epiphanius witnessed the Virgin Mary in the air, surrounded by saints and angels, holding her veil out over the congregation.
Deliverance: Following this vision, the city was spared from destruction, either from a siege by the Saracens or a Rus' fleet (between 860-911).
Significance: The veil signifies the protection of the Mother of God, who offers her intercession to humanity.
Focus: It is not a feast of an event in her life, but of her ongoing, active intercession on behalf of the world.
The Virgin Mary is widely venerated as a powerful protector and intercessor who shields the faithful through her motherly care and divine grace. Devotion to her protection often focuses on her role as a mediator between humanity and her Son, Jesus Christ, offering spiritual and physical refuge
Mary, Help of Christians: This title emerged in the 16th century and identifies Mary as a specific protector of homes and families against dangers like fire, storms, and spiritual threats.
Crusher of the Serpent: Drawing from Genesis 3:15, Mary is often depicted as the woman who crushes the head of the serpent (Satan), symbolizing her power over evil and spiritual warfare.
Often attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, it is a plea for help based on the belief that those who seek Mary's protection are never left unaided.
The belief in Mary's protection is rooted in her status as the Mother of God (Theotokos) and her "privileged place in Heaven". Believers hold that her protection does not stem from her own power, but through her effective intercession with God, who empowers her to act as a "bulwark and protectress" for sinners.
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