A MISSIONARY’S PRAYER TO MARY IMMACULATE

Bishop Vital Grandin OMI had been a missionary bishop in Canada for 47 years. Not long before his death in 1902 he composed this prayer to Mary Immaculate. As we prepare for our patronal feast tomorrow,  I share it with you.

Prayer to Mary Immaculate

O good and most loving Immaculate Mother, in my fears and my concern for the eternal salvation of the dear souls of this Mission, seeing so much misery and so many needs, I entrust them to you today. I commend everyone: children and adults. I consecrate them. I give them to you. Since you are the Mother of the Good Shepherd, defend them against the enemies of their salvation…

I myself a poor sinner, place myself under your protection. My end is near; the Good Lord is going to call me. Very soon I will say: “Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart, my soul and my life.” Obtain for me from the Most Sacred Heart of our good Master the ultimate grace of perseverance.

Ah, Lord, cast your eyes on the Divine Mother, who is also my Mother. It is she who presents to you this oblation; It is her immaculate heart that I give you. Ah, take me from the arms of my dear Mother. O Holy Virgin, what happiness. I am your privileged son, your Oblate! O my Mother, I come to consecrate myself entirely to your service! Yes, Mother, I promise not to neglect anything to make you loved and respected by all. O my Mother, receive me in the bosom of your merciful goodness. All my life, I swear to love, respect, and trust you like my mother. Oh! Do not abandon me in trouble, in pain, and especially at the hour of death. You know my nothingness, my sinfulness, so, pray incessantly for me, a poor sinner.

Bishop Vital Grandin OMI