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Memorare

1 min

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.

Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria,

non esse auditum a saeculo,

quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia,

tua implorantem auxilia,

tua petentem suffragia,

esse derelictum.

Ego tali animatus confidentia,

ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater,

curro, ad te venio,

coram te gemens peccator assisto.

Noli, Mater Verbi,

verba mea despicere,

sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen.

About this prayer

A beloved prayer of petition to the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing confident trust in her intercession. Its name comes from its opening word in Latin: 'Remember.'

History

The Memorare is traditionally attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century), though its actual origin is uncertain. It was popularized in the 17th century by Fr. Claude Bernard, known as 'the Poor Priest,' who distributed over 200,000 leaflets of the prayer in Paris. He attributed many conversions and answered prayers to its recitation. The prayer's power lies in its bold confidence — it dares to claim that no one who has fled to Mary's protection has ever been left unaided.

How to pray it

Pray the Memorare with confident trust, especially in times of need. Many saints recommend praying it repeatedly — St. Thérèse of Lisieux once prayed nine Memorares in succession for a particular intention. It can be prayed at any time of day.

Portuguese text: Opus Dei, *Devocionário* — [opusdei.org](https://opusdei.org/pt-br/prayers/section/?section1=195&section2=)

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