MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS

The plenitude of grace in Mary was such that its effects overflow upon all 

men. It is a great thing in a Saint when he has grace to bring about the 

salvation of many, but it is exceedingly wonderful when grace is of such 

abundance as to be sufficient for the salvation of all men in the world, 

and this is true of Christ and of the Blessed Virgin. Thus, "a thousand 

bucklers," that is, remedies against dangers, "hang therefrom." Likewise, 

in every work of virtue one can have her as one's helper. Of her it was 

spoken: "In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope 

of life and of virtue." Therefore, Mary is full of grace, exceeding the 

Angels in this fullness and very fittingly is she called "Mary" which means 

"in herself enlightened": "The Lord will fill thy soul with brightness." 

And she will illumine others throughout the world for which reason she is 

compared to the sun and to the moon.