Health of the Sick
Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence. – Saint Francis de Sales
 
In these unique and difficult times we continue to seek the blessings of the Lord through the intercession of Mary, the ever-virgin Mother of God.  This title – “Health of the Sick” – is one of many included in The Litany of Loreto, which has its own unique history… in short, like the various litanies used by the Church (e.g.: The Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, The Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, etc. …) the Litany of Loreto, a favorite prayer of many, invokes the intercession of Mary under her various patronages as we seek the blessings of God.
 
The Mother of God, like every good mother, comes to the aid of her children whenever they call upon her – especially when they are suffering or lost.  It follows the natural course of spiritual adoption, the truth that just as the Lord himself had a Mother so too, made members of His Mystical Body through Baptism would also receive His Mother as our own in the Sacrament of Salvation.  As Children of God, through Baptism, we instinctively find recourse to Mary, Health of the Sick, when we face illness.  No doubt, this is a timely title for us… Pope Francis recently turned to Our Lady under this title in public prayer in Rome.
 
The Ancient Roots of Marian Devotion
 
Through our devotion to Mary we find ourselves close to our ancestors in the faith – Christians from the very foundation of the Church have sought the favor of God through imploring the Blessed Virgin.  A few insightful and inspiring quotes make this point clear – both in consideration of who and when this teaching was made, as well as the content of their exhortation:
 

• He who is devout to the Virgin Mother will certainly never be lost. – Saint Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35 AD  – c. 108/140)
• O sinner, be not discouraged, but have recourse to Mary in all you necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind of necessity. – Saint Basil the Great (330-379)
• The world being unworthy to receive the son of God directly from the hands of the Father, he gave his son to Mary for the world to receive him from her. – Saint Augustine (354-430)

 
Of note, there is the “oldest known Marian Prayer” – Sub Tuum Praesidium – of which (a bit of internet research showed continued support of the ancient nature of this prayer…) there is a record dating back to 250 AD in Egypt, this artifact is known as the “ Rylands Papyrus P 470” and records the prayer in Greek.  This prayer is well-known and is the foundation of the Memorare Prayer.
 
 
… as her little children…
 
We began our post today with that simple quote from Saint Francis de Sales: “Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence.”
 
And so, let us take the good saint’s wisdom as our guide!
 

The Memorare
 
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine 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.
 
Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us!
 
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!