August 13

No title has drawn so many to the feet of Mary than that of Refuge of Sinners. Dating back to the time of St. Germanus of Constantinople in the 8th century, this title is associated with the image of Mary as the New Eve. Where Eve was responsible for the suffering of humans since their fall from Heaven, the Virgin Mary is viewed as the source of all healing. She is the new Eve who cannot eliminate the damage created by Eve, but who can limit it. Her fullness of grace, her position among the disciples of Christ, and her title as Mother of God are seen as assurances that the Virgin Mary is a powerful intercessor.

"By asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the Mother of Mercy, the All-Holy One. We give ourselves to her now, in the today of our lives, and our trust broadens further, already at the present moment, to surrender wholly to her care at 'the hour of our death.' May she be there as she was at her Son's death on the Cross. May she welcome us as our mother at the hour of our passing to lead us to her Son, Jesus, in paradise." (Catechism No. 2677)

O most holy and pure Virgin! O my Mother! You who are the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the world, the advocate and refuge of sinners! I, a most wretched sinner, now come to you. I honor you, great Queen, and give you humble thanks for the many favors which have come to me in the past through your intercession. I love you, Lady most worthy of all love, and by the love which I bear you, I promise ever in the future to honor you, and to do what lies in me to win others to your love. Receive me as your servant, and cover me with the mantle of your protection, you who are the Mother of mercy! And since you have so much power with God, implore him to deliver me from all temptations, and to give me the grace ever to overcome them. Pray for me that I may love Christ in this world as you love him, and intercede for me that I may have the grace of a good death. O my Mother! by your love for God I beseech you to be at all times my helper, but above all at the last moment of my life. Cease not your supplications until you see me safe in heaven, there for countless ages to bless you and, your holy company, to worship and adore your Son, for ever and ever. Amen. - prayer by St. Alphonsus Liguori