Always With You
Saintly Supplements
Mary Vitamin for Children
Topic: Our Lady will be with you always
Parental Prayer:
The first time St. Elizabeth Ann Seton read the words of the Memorare, she experienced a heavenly conviction that Mary was truly her mother, the mother she had longingly looked to heaven for since the death of her earthly mother. Even though Elizabeth Ann Seton was a Protestant at this time, she was nevertheless convinced of Our Lady’s heavenly aid.
In imitation of the loving trust of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, I will pray the Memorare so that my children may also be convinced and experience the presence of their heavenly Mother Mary.
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 kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen.
See Elizabeth Ann Seton A Self-Portrait; A Study of Her Spirituality in Her Own Words. Sister Marie Celeste, S.C. (Franciscan Marytown Press: 1986)
Preparation for Children:
Last time we spoke of the children’s mission and their going to heaven. Do you remember what Our Lady said?
“Yes, I shall take Jacinta and Francisco soon, but you will remain a little longer, since Jesus wishes you to make me known and loved on earth.”
When Lucia realized that her mission required more time than the others, she asked the Heavenly Lady,
“Must I remain in the world alone?"
The Heavenly Lady answered very sweetly,
Quote:
Our Lady of Fatima,
“Not alone, my child, and you must not be sad. I will be with you always, and my Immaculate Heart will be your comfort and the way which will lead you to God.”
Meditation:
Isn’t this beautiful? Lucia was worried about being alone. Our Lady assured Lucia that she would never be alone.
Mary’s words are for us as well. Jesus’ mother is your mother as well.
The Blessed Virgin Mary wanted to make sure that Lucia fully understood these special words. So, Our Lady opened her hands again so that the children experienced the great light of God again. Lucia describes the experience.
“She transmitted to us, for the second time, the reflection of that intense light. In it we felt we were submerged in God. Jacinta and Francisco seemed to be in that part of the light which was rising to Heaven, and I in the part spreading over the earth."
Resolution:
Can you remember today that your heavenly mother is with you?
Try to think of her one time today as your mother who is always at your side.
Let’s begin right now in the Rosary. We’ll try to say the Rosary as though Our Lady is truly with us.
Parental Action:
I didn’t follow up with an action with this meditation. But, as I write it up now, perhaps reading from St. Alphonsus di Liguori’s pamphlet,
How to Converse Continually and Familiarly With God, might be appropriate.
(Tan Books)
Point of Mental Prayer:
Cultivating the presence of God, the presence of Our Lady and our Guardian Angels, helps us to maintain a spirit of prayer throughout the day.
Link to Word document










