PRAYER OF THE DAY

To the Blessed Virgin Mary for May

O most august and blessed Virgin Mary!
Holy Mother of God!
Glorious Queen of heaven and earth!
Powerful protectress of those who love thee,
and unfailing advocate of all who invoke thee!
Look down, I beseech thee,
from thy throne of glory on thy devoted child;
accept the solemn offering I present thee of this month,
specially dedicated to thee,
and receive my ardent, humble desire,
that by my love and fervor I could worthily honor thee,
who, next to God,
art deserving of all honor.
Receive me, O Mother of Mercy,
among thy best beloved children;
extend to me thy maternal tenderness and solicitude;
obtain for me a place in the Heart of Jesus,
and a special share in the gifts of His grace.
O deign, I beseech thee,
to recognize my claims on thy protection,
to watch over my spiritual and temporal interests,
as well as those of all who are dear to me;
to infuse into my soul the spirit of Christ,
and to teach me thyself to become meek,
humble, charitable, patient,
and submissive to the will of God.

May my heart burn with the love of thy Divine Son,
and of thee,
His blessed Mother,
not for a month alone,
but for time and eternity;
may I thirst for the promotion of His honor and thine,
and contribute,
as far as I can,
to its extension.
Receive me, O Mary,
the refuge of sinners!
Grant me a Mother's blessing and a Mother's care,
now, and at the hour of my death.

Amen.