Hope

O great Queen, we take refuge in your protection. After God, you are all my hope.

- St. Ephrem (306 – 373)

Scapular

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 18th century copper engraving.

Since the 15th century, popular devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has focussed on the scapular, also known as the brown scapular, a sacramental associated with promises of Mary’s special aid for the salvation of the devoted wearer.

There are two different types of scapulars: the habit of the Carmelite order and a small layman’s version. On the engraving Mary is holding a small scapular in her right hand, meant to be worn around the neck.

A traditional formulation of Mary’s promise to scapular wearers is: “Take this Scapular. Whosoever dies wearing it shall not suffer eternal fire. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger and pledge of peace”.

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Hail

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

The famous Catholic prayer to Mary. Click here to find the prayer in almost all of the world’s languages.

Star

If the storms of temptation arise, if you crash against the rocks of tribulations, look to the star, call upon Mary! If you are tossed about on the waves of pride, of ambition, of slander, of hostility, look to the star, call upon Mary! If you begin to be swallowed up by the abyss of depression and despair, think of Mary! In dangers, in anxiety, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary! When you are terrified by judgement or in despair, think of Mary!

If she holds you, you will not fall, if she protects you, you need not fear.

- St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Guadalupe

 

The Virgin of Guadalupe as she appeared to the Indian St Juan Diego in Mexico City in December 1531. This is by far the most loved image of Mary in the world. In my view it is also the most beautiful one.

Visit sancta.org to read all about the image, its history and devotions.

Welcome

Welcome to All about Mary, a new page about Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

I am a young Catholic with a great devotion for Mary. I often find it astounding how much she means to people and how much they love her. And that includes non-religious people and those of other faiths.

On this page I want to celebrate the Virgin Mary’s past and present significance by sharing with you images, stories, devotions, traditions and prayers relating to this great woman, who all generations were to call blessed.

Ave Maria! Hail Mary!