Memorare, O Piissima Virgo Maria

Attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153).

The Memorare is one of the most treasured Marian prayers in the Catholic tradition, expressing absolute confidence in the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Its name comes from the Latin word meaning ‘remember,’ which opens the prayer.

The Prayer

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.

About This Prayer

The Memorare was popularised in the 17th century by Claude Bernard, known as ‘the poor priest’, who distributed over 200,000 copies of it. St Teresa of Calcutta prayed the Memorare daily and encouraged others to do the same. Its boldness — asserting that Mary has never failed anyone who sought her help — reflects the Catholic conviction of Mary’s powerful maternal intercession.