Chapter

  1 Prol |            announced by Gabriel to Mary, and was fulfilled in Christ."
  2 Prol |         conceive praises worthy of Mary, when the illuminated mind
  3 Prol |          St. Augustine, addressing Mary, says: "What shall I, so
  4 Prol |         not fail in the praises of Mary, when Augustine, that most
  5 Prol |           feeble, say in praise of Mary, when, if all our members
  6 Prol |            proclaim the praises of Mary, when I hear Jerome, a man
  7 Prol |        stone to a mountain? And as Mary has already been so adequately
  8 Prol |            St. Jerome, speaking of Mary, says: "If I am to speak
  9 Prol |        praise given by Heaven; for Mary has been excellently preached
 10 Prol |     succeed in a task before which Mary's unique and zealous panegyrist,
 11 Prol |          life, grace, and glory of Mary, it is not unfittingly termed
 12 Prol |   unfittingly termed the Mirror of Mary. Oh, do thou, therefore,
 13 Prol |           wish thee blessing. Hail Mary, etc.~
 14 I    |          ANGELICAL SALUTATION~Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord
 15 I    |          HEAR, O most sweet Virgin Mary, hear things new and wonderful!
 16 I    |        unheard-of salutation:~Hail Mary. This name, Mary, is not
 17 I    |  salutation:~Hail Mary. This name, Mary, is not inserted here by
 18 I    |        each and everyone say, Hail Mary. O truly gracious and venerable,
 19 I    |         becoming to the dignity of Mary."~In this sweetest of salutations
 20 I    |      useful was the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was most pure, because
 21 I    |  excellence of her Child. How pure Mary was because of the absence
 22 I    |       Again, how full of grace was Mary by the abounding plenitude
 23 I    |            how secure and firm was Mary by the Divine Presence is
 24 I    |           is with thee. Rightly is Mary safe and secure, when the
 25 I    |              Again, how worthy was Mary, because of the dignity
 26 I    |              Again, how useful was Mary, by the excellence of her
 27 I    |            beloved, in what manner Mary, because of her immunity
 28 II   |              CHAPTER II FREEDOM OF MARY FROM THE THREEFOLD WOE OF
 29 II   |            ETERNAL PUNISHMENT~Hail Mary, full of grace. Let us all
 30 II   |            to the most holy Virgin Mary because of her absolute
 31 II   |       which Ave is rightly said to Mary. For there are three faults,
 32 II   |           for the absence of which Mary is rightly saluted by the
 33 II   |         the most innocent heart of Mary, as St. Bernard says: "Mary
 34 II   |        Mary, as St. Bernard says: "Mary had no fault of her own,
 35 II   |            what could the heart of Mary repent when she had never
 36 II   |        perfume of virtue." Because Mary was far from this woe of
 37 II   |         the most innocent mouth of Mary! Therefore Blessed Ambrose
 38 II   |        nothing evil in the eyes of Mary; nothing prolix in her words,
 39 II   |         her deeds." On the lips of Mary there was nothing of the
 40 II   |         under thy tongue." Had not Mary on her lips this most pure
 41 II   |            so entirely absent from Mary, therefore is she rightly
 42 II   |            a woe was every deed of Mary and the whole of her life!
 43 II   |         the most innocent and holy Mary was without woe in thought,
 44 II   |    Secondly, we must consider that Mary was not only free from the
 45 II   |          the most holy Nativity of Mary, who was not only free from
 46 II   |            Because the Nativity of Mary was so far removed from
 47 II   |          how far from this woe was Mary when she conceived and brought
 48 II   |          bring forth, therefore is Mary saluted with Ave.~Again,
 49 II   |        dissolution was the body of Mary, as we universally believe.
 50 II   |         wood, because the flesh of Mary never became corrupted.
 51 II   |     dissolution or corruption." As Mary was entirely free from the
 52 II   |           we have to consider that Mary was not only immune from
 53 II   |          of the grace and glory of Mary, for whom, instead of the
 54 II   |          of ivory" (3 Kings X, 8.) Mary is the Throne of Solomon,
 55 II   |          more grace than others as Mary obtained on earth, so great
 56 II   |         evil-doers in hell. But to Mary, in contradistinction to
 57 II   |          If you look diligently at Mary, there is nothing of virtue,
 58 II   |          the Lord has prepared for Mary eternal light in Heaven,
 59 II   |         miraculously dark forever, Mary, the Mediatrix, the throne
 60 II   |            the Most Blessed Virgin Mary was free from the. threefold
 61 III  |           THE MEANINGS OF THE NAME MARY~Ave Maria. As we have said
 62 III  |         the name of the Virgin was Mary" (Luke I, 27.) This most
 63 III  |           and worthy a virgin. For Mary means a bitter sea, star
 64 III  |       illuminated or illuminatrix. Mary is interpreted lady. Mary
 65 III  |          Mary is interpreted lady. Mary is a bitter sea to the demons;
 66 III  |         all creatures she is lady.~Mary is interpreted: "a bitter
 67 III  |           demons. Note in what way Mary is a sea, and in what way
 68 III  |          at once a sea and bitter. Mary is a sea by the abundant
 69 III  |        overflow of her graces; and Mary is a bitter sea by submerging
 70 III  |           by submerging the devil. Mary is indeed a sea by the superabounding
 71 III  | superabounding Passion of her Son; Mary is a bitter sea by her power
 72 III  |     drowned.~Consider, first, that Mary is called a sea because
 73 III  |           all the saints flow into Mary. For the river of the grace
 74 III  |          of the angels enters into Mary; and the river of the grace
 75 III  |         the patriarchs enters into Mary; and the river of the grace
 76 III  |           the Apostles enters into Mary; and the river of the grace
 77 III  |            the martyrs enters into Mary; and the river of the grace
 78 III  |         the confessors enters into Mary; and the river of the grace
 79 III  |            the virgins enters into Mary. All rivers enter into the
 80 III  |          is, all graces enter into Mary. Therefore, she above all
 81 III  |           if all grace flowed into Mary, through whom such grace
 82 III  |           For St. Augustine says: "Mary, thou art full of grace,
 83 III  |           Consider, secondly, that Mary in the Passion of her Son
 84 III  |    beautiful and bitter, signified Mary, beautiful indeed by the
 85 III  |           her Son.~The two sons of Mary are the God-Man, in His
 86 III  |          and man, in his humanity. Mary is the Mother of one in
 87 III  |           Mother!" The two sons of Mary were both slain in the Passion;
 88 III  |           of mind. And, therefore, Mary's soul was filled with exceeding
 89 III  |        Christ." Thou seest now how Mary was a sea of the Holy Spirit;
 90 III  |             Thirdly, consider that Mary is a bitter sea to the devil
 91 III  |           and full of fear is this Mary to the demons ! Therefore,
 92 III  |      patronage, and the example of Mary; they flow and melt like
 93 III  |         name, devout invocation of Mary, and diligent imitation
 94 III  |           seest now in what manner Mary is a sea by the abundance
 95 III  |     Passion, and how to the devils Mary is a bitter sea by the power
 96 III  |           Now we must consider how Mary is interpreted "Star of
 97 III  |           name is most suitable to Mary, for she fulfills the office
 98 III  |            certainly the office of Mary, our Star, who directs those
 99 III  |          virtue of the light which Mary, the Star of the sea, hath
100 III  |          for us." Very properly is Mary compared to a star of the
101 III  |     radiance, and her utility. For Mary is a most pure star, a most
102 III  |       country.~First consider that Mary is a most pure star by living
103 III  |            fitted to our Star. For Mary is indeed prior, or before,
104 III  |           most worthy, most great; Mary is purer than the sun, and
105 III  |          firm from those who fell. Mary is prior to and purer than
106 III  |       saints in piety!" Behold how Mary is a most pure Star by the
107 III  |            Secondly, consider that Mary is a most radiant star by
108 III  |          of God, who is the ray of Mary, our star; this is that
109 III  |           most truly radiant Star, Mary, whose ray has penetrated
110 III  |     penetrates even into hell." As Mary was a most pure star, by
111 III  |             Thirdly, consider that Mary is a most useful star, by
112 III  |        Magi most surely to Christ. Mary is that star which in the
113 III  |        look upon the star, call on Mary." Therefore, lest thou shouldst
114 III  |           follow the star, imitate Mary. It is the safest of paths
115 III  |         the name of the virgin was Mary."~Mary is also interpreted
116 III  |           of the virgin was Mary."~Mary is also interpreted illuminatrix
117 III  | illuminated by the glory of Him is Mary, who, as she was illuminated
118 III  |   Therefore, we must consider that Mary, the illuminated, is a light-giver
119 III  |          the rewards of her glory.~Mary is the light-giver by the
120 III  |         felt this when he said: "O Mary, by the magnificent example
121 III  |             Secondly, consider how Mary is light-giver by the benefits
122 III  |       forth in a pillar of cloud." Mary is to us a pillar of cloud,
123 III  |        Psalm, "He spread a cloud."~Mary is a pillar of fire. What
124 III  |            where is day? Take away Mary, this Star of the Sea, and
125 III  |      darkness?" Thou hast seen how Mary is a lightgiver by her most
126 III  |             thou shalt now see how Mary is an illuminatrix by her
127 III  |             Thirdly, consider that Mary is also illuminatrix by
128 III  |      excellent work of the Lord is Mary. This work, as it was full
129 III  |           Heaven. Thus, therefore, Mary, giving light by her glory,
130 III  |          wonder if the presence of Mary illuminates the whole of
131 III  |           saith . "The presence of Mary lights up the whole world,
132 III  |           lamp." So thou seest how Mary is illuminatrix by her light-giving
133 III  |            we have to consider how Mary is interpreted "lady." Such
134 III  |         hell.~First, consider that Mary is the Lady of angels; for
135 III  |            the Queen we understand Mary our Queen; the two servants,
136 III  |      servants, the lady of whom is Mary our Queen, are all creatures,
137 III  |        from among us men. Truly is Mary Queen of the Angels. St.
138 III  |            world follows its Lady, Mary. It follows her, bearing
139 III  |         virtues and the example of Mary. But the angelic intelligences
140 III  |          are the handmaids on whom Mary, their Lady, as it were,
141 III  |       powerful by commanding them. Mary leans upon all the angels
142 III  |            thee."~Now consider how Mary is the Lady of men in this
143 III  |           The handmaid of the Lady Mary is every human soul, yea,
144 III  |      always look upon the hands of Mary, so that by her hands we
145 III  |          pass through the hands of Mary." By the hands of this Lady
146 III  |           acceptance, the hands of Mary, if thou wouldst not be
147 III  |              Thirdly, consider how Mary is the Lady of the demons
148 III  |         rod of power is the Virgin Mary. She is the rod of Aaron,
149 III  |             This rod is the Virgin Mary, a rod of power against
150 III  |    protection."~Now thou seest how Mary is the Lady of angels in
151 III  |           demons in hell. Also how Mary is a bitter sea, the Star
152 III  |         the Light-giver, the Lady. Mary is the Star of the sea to
153 III  |           us pray most devoutly to Mary and say: "O Mary, Bitter
154 III  |       devoutly to Mary and say: "O Mary, Bitter Sea, help us, that
155 III  |           bitter sea of penance! O Mary, Star of the Sea, help us,
156 III  |          the sea of this world ! O Mary, Lightgiver, help us, that
157 III  |        illumined in glory ! O Lady Mary, help us that by thy government
158 IV   |            THE NAME OF THE BLESSED MARY IS FREE FROM ALL VICE AND
159 IV   | RESPLENDENT WITH EVERY VIRTUE~Hail Mary. This most sweet and affectionate
160 IV   |           so loving a virgin named Mary. For she is Mary, in whom
161 IV   |      virgin named Mary. For she is Mary, in whom there is no vice,
162 IV   |          with every virtue. She is Mary, who was entirely immune
163 IV   |           diligence against sloth; Mary by her poverty was detached
164 IV   |          which we find the name of Mary written.~First, Mary was
165 IV   |            of Mary written.~First, Mary was most humble. She is
166 IV   |           most humble. She is that Mary of whom St. Luke says: "
167 IV   |           whom St. Luke says: "And Mary said, 'Behold the handmaid
168 IV   |           and profound humility of Mary! Behold the archangel speaks
169 IV   |            the archangel speaks to Mary; Mary is called full of
170 IV   |          archangel speaks to Mary; Mary is called full of grace;
171 IV   |          Holy Spirit is announced; Mary is made Mother of God; Mary
172 IV   |        Mary is made Mother of God; Mary is set before all creatures;
173 IV   |          set before all creatures; Mary is made the Lady of Heaven
174 IV   |         therefore, doth Bede say: "Mary never exalted herself by
175 IV   |         not humble themselves with Mary and with Christ, but grow
176 IV   |       Lucifer. But the humility of Mary was most certainly not in
177 IV   |            sinner. For she is that Mary of whom it is said in St.
178 IV   |     hardness of the sinner! Behold Mary, who is without all sin,
179 IV   |          of satisfaction."~See how Mary was most loving by her charity.
180 IV   |           charity. For she is that Mary of whom St. Luke saith: "
181 IV   |           of whom St. Luke saith: "Mary rising up with haste, went
182 IV   |         See how this visitation of Mary was full of charity. In
183 IV   |          description of that visit Mary is four times named and
184 IV   |        heart, in word and in deed. Mary had charity to her neighbor
185 IV   |            and therefore, arising, Mary went with haste into the
186 IV   |            haste to the crib; that Mary went with haste to render
187 IV   |         tardy in works of charity! Mary, again, cherished charity
188 IV   |          in her words; she is that Mary of whom it is said: "When
189 IV   |            heard the salutation of Mary." Charity in greeting our
190 IV   |      cultivated. The Angel salutes Mary; Mary saluted Elizabeth;
191 IV   |            The Angel salutes Mary; Mary saluted Elizabeth; the Son
192 IV   |      saluted Elizabeth; the Son of Mary saluted those whom He met
193 IV   |       Rabbi !" Oh, how sweetly did Mary know how to salute! O Mary,
194 IV   |         Mary know how to salute! O Mary, deign to greet us by thy
195 IV   |          greet her with Ave Maria. Mary not only had charity in
196 IV   |        deeds. For she is that same Mary of whom it is said: "Mary
197 IV   |          Mary of whom it is said: "Mary remained with her about
198 IV   |          remained at her post." As Mary in all things had charity
199 IV   |          God. For she is that same Mary who said: "My soul doth
200 IV   |             Therefore, the soul of Mary most befittingly magnified
201 IV   |           flesh."~Thirdly, see how Mary was most meek by gentleness,
202 IV   |    adversity. For she is that same Mary to whom it is said, according
203 IV   |            And he (Simeon) said to Mary His Mother: Behold this
204 IV   |  compassion it pierced the soul of Mary, never dealt it a mortal
205 IV   |       dealt it a mortal wound. For Mary never killed the executioners
206 IV   |            more so was our martyr, Mary, in her spiritual martyrdom?
207 IV   |           patience and meekness of Mary, who was not only most patient
208 IV   |            of the carpenter and of Mary?' and a little further on: '
209 IV   |          how far from the grace of Mary most meek are they who are
210 IV   |          how untiring and diligent Mary was by her assiduity in
211 IV   |        good works. For she is that Mary of whom it is said: "They
212 IV   |          mind, with the women, and Mary, the Mother of Jesus" (Acts
213 IV   |            of Jesus" (Acts I, 14.) Mary, by persevering indefatigably
214 IV   |           and not to faint. And if Mary prayed so sedulously on
215 IV   |           implore the patronage of Mary: that while we serve her
216 IV   |         from Heaven." But see, our Mary was not only untiring and
217 IV   |        heart. For she is that same Mary of whom it is said in the
218 IV   |           the Gospel of St. Luke: "Mary kept all these words, pondering
219 IV   |          her heart" (Luke II, 19.) Mary was never idle or slothful,
220 IV   |            works.~It was thus that Mary remained three months with
221 IV   |        relative." Alas, how unlike Mary is the wretched sluggard
222 IV   |          Fifthly, see how detached Mary was by her poverty. For
223 IV   |      poverty. For she is that same Mary of whom it is said: "They
224 IV   |            it is said: "They found Mary, and Joseph, and the infant
225 IV   |   shepherds found the poor Mother, Mary, and the poor Infant in
226 IV   |           great was the poverty of Mary, of which St. John Chrysostom
227 IV   |        greatness of the poverty of Mary, and whoever is poor, may
228 IV   |         consoled by the poverty of Mary, and of Jesus Christ. Far
229 IV   |         rich kings, found the poor Mary and her poor Son, as it
230 IV   |         Sixthly, see how temperate Mary was by sobriety. For she
231 IV   |          sobriety. For she is that Mary to whom it is said: "Fear
232 IV   |         whom it is said: "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace" (
233 IV   |          found grace." Never would Mary have found grace, unless
234 IV   |             unless grace had found Mary temperate in food and drink.
235 IV   |           Luke I, 31.) Never would Mary have conceived God in her
236 IV   |          How far from the grace of Mary are they who so often exceed
237 IV   |        drink !~Seventhly, see that Mary was most chaste by virginity.
238 IV   |         virginity. For she is that Mary of whom it is said: "The
239 IV   |         The name of the virgin was Mary" (Luke I, 27.) We have as
240 IV   |            resplendent chastity of Mary: the Evangelist, Mary herself,
241 IV   |           of Mary: the Evangelist, Mary herself, and the Angel.
242 IV   |         the name of the virgin was Mary" (Luke I, 27.) In her virginal
243 IV   |          27.) In her virginal mind Mary was even more chaste, as
244 IV   |          intend to know a man. But Mary was most chaste of all in
245 IV   |           from the time the Virgin Mary was divinely overshadowed
246 IV   |          enriched. By thy Child, O Mary, thy virginity was gifted,
247 IV   |       saith: "Truly do we proclaim Mary to be both Virgin and Mother,
248 IV   |          how far from the grace of Mary are they who are not chaste,
249 IV   |            since the sweet name of Mary is of such favor as we have
250 V    |        GRACE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY IS TRUE, IMMENSE, MANIFOLD,
251 V    |            EXCEEDINGLY USEFUL~Hail Mary, full of grace. It has been
252 V    |          has been shown above, how Mary, because of the pure innocence
253 V    |           this grace, the grace of Mary, this admirable grace. Consider
254 V    |            utility of the grace of Mary. For the grace of Mary is
255 V    |          of Mary. For the grace of Mary is a most true grace, a
256 V    |          the truth of the grace of Mary. Of this Gabriel saith: "
257 V    |          XXXI, 31.) For the Virgin Mary, so full of grace, condemned
258 V    |             XXIV, 21.) The balm of Mary is the unction of grace,
259 V    |         balm of the Holy Spirit in Mary was not mixed, for it was
260 V    |          But because the grace of, Mary was so true and pure, therefore
261 V    |         her: "Whatever was done in Mary, was all purity and simplicity,
262 V    |            therefore, desires with Mary to find true grace, let
263 V    |       grace, let him approach with Mary to Him with whom it is found,
264 V    |        down. Let him bow down with Mary in true humility, whoever
265 V    |            to find true grace with Mary. For it is said in Ecclesiasticus: "
266 V    |       grace before God" (III, 20.) Mary, because she truly humbled
267 V    |         the grace because of which Mary is called "full of grace."
268 V    |            wherewith it is filled. Mary was an immense vessel, since
269 V    |          therefore, O most immense Mary, art more capacious than
270 V    |           enclosed within thee. If Mary's womb then had such immensity,
271 V    |           measure the immensity of Mary? Behold what is said in
272 V    |       depth of the abyss?" (I, 2.) Mary is a heaven, as much because
273 V    |          in heaven" (Ps. CII, 19.) Mary was also the earth which
274 V    |         its fruits" (Ps. LXVI, 7.) Mary is also an abyss in goodness
275 V    |           upon an abyss. Therefore Mary is a heaven, Mary is the
276 V    |        Therefore Mary is a heaven, Mary is the earth, Mary is the
277 V    |         heaven, Mary is the earth, Mary is the abyss. Who hath ever
278 V    |       manifoldness of the grace of Mary, of whom Ecclesiasticus
279 V    |       Syria, is the Blessed Virgin Mary. For "Syria" means watered,
280 V    |            truly the whole life of Mary was watered by grace, for
281 V    |         her mother. What wonder if Mary grows in the moisture of
282 V    |      examples, and the-benefits of Mary. Many are the branches,
283 V    |           blessed tree, the Virgin Mary! How wide-spreading to men,
284 V    |       Bernard sets forth, saying: "Mary has opened to all the bosom
285 V    |            utility of the grace of Mary. It is said: "A gracious
286 V    |          the grace of the gracious Mary; it is the finding of perpetual
287 V    |            useful was the grace of Mary both to herself and to us.
288 V    |            I say, was the grace of Mary to herself. For grace made
289 V    |            herself. For grace made Mary delightful, miraculous,
290 V    |           glorious in her kingdom. Mary was certainly delightful
291 V    |           the mind and the soul of Mary delightful with spiritual
292 V    |        glory?" Likewise grace made Mary miraculous in her offspring,
293 V    |           St. Bernard, speaking to Mary, said: "Understand, prudent
294 V    |          Son." Grace likewise made Mary glorious, wherefore it has
295 V    |              O truly happy finder, Mary, who is so great in this
296 V    |        LXXXIII. )~But the grace of Mary was not only most useful
297 V    |       human race. For the grace of Mary gathers in the evil, nourishes
298 V    |       therefore, that the grace of Mary gathers in souls to mercy,
299 V    |        typifies the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was truly a seer in
300 V    |    therefore, in the eyes of Booz, Mary in the sight of the Lord,
301 V    |             O truly great grace of Mary, by which many are saved
302 V    |      Therefore St. Bernard saith: "Mary, thou embracest with maternal
303 V    |        tremendous Judge." Likewise Mary nourishes the good with
304 V    |         fat his bones" (XXVI, 16.) Mary was indeed the diligent
305 V    |         woman of whom Bede saith: "Mary was silent about the secret
306 V    |           the help of the grace of Mary, are fattened by the unction
307 V    |          many souls by the help of Mary are nourished and fattened
308 V    |         can calculate how great in Mary herself was this fatness
309 V    |          St. John Damascene says: "Mary, planted in the house of
310 V    |            every virtue." Likewise Mary delivers all men from everlasting
311 V    |        been condemned to death. So Mary, our Esther, obtained such
312 VI   |            grace of the most sweet Mary. We will now consider the
313 VI   |        rewards.~First, consider in Mary the grace of the Gifts of
314 VI   |          Holy Ghost. To this grace Mary, giving thanks, could apply
315 VI   |            abundance of His gifts? Mary is that rod, and the Son
316 VI   |           that rod, and the Son of Mary is that flower, of whom
317 VI   |          or stem of the flower, in Mary herself? Let Mary, therefore,
318 VI   |       flower, in Mary herself? Let Mary, therefore, say in all security, "
319 VI   |           way and the truth was in Mary. The grace of the truth
320 VI   |         The grace of the truth set Mary in order in the truth above
321 VI   |            I say, of the truth set Mary in order above herself by
322 VI   |           set in order the soul of Mary in truth above herself,
323 VI   |          The grace of her life set Mary in order in a good life
324 VI   |          grace, I say, of life set Mary in order in a good life;
325 VI   |        fear. The grace of life set Mary in order in a most strong
326 VI   |          rests upon the flower. By Mary we approach to Christ, and
327 VI   |      Bernard well says, addressing Mary: "By thee we have access
328 VI   |              Secondly, consider in Mary the grace of the lips, or
329 VI   |           the grace of the lips in Mary that she could excellently
330 VI   |       another woman upon earth, as Mary was, in her glorious life,
331 VI   |           the grace of the lips in Mary if we diligently gather
332 VI   |          dropping from the lips of Mary, and indicating excellently
333 VI   |            11.) The seven words of Mary, spoken to the Angel, to
334 VI   |            of honey. To the Angel, Mary spoke the word of chastity
335 VI   |          and the word of humility. Mary had on her lips the word
336 VI   |         but base and carnal words. Mary spoke to the Angel the words
337 VI   |       elation on their lips. Again Mary spoke to men the word of
338 VI   |           of truth in instruction. Mary spoke the word of charity
339 VI   |           to speak to them at all. Mary spoke the word of truth
340 VI   |         them to evil deeds. Again, Mary spoke three times to the
341 VI   |           the failing of the wine. Mary had the word of praise to
342 VI   |            by these very benefits. Mary had the word of loving complaint
343 VI   |            lost him for many days. Mary spoke the word of compassion
344 VI   |         them to God. Behold now, O Mary, our advocate, it is still
345 VI   |           we have said, what power Mary hath with the King of kings,
346 VI   |          11.)~Thirdly, consider in Mary the grace of privileges.
347 VI   |            Gabriel, asserting that Mary had found grace, immediately
348 VI   |           High. We can perceive in Mary seven privileges, privileges
349 VI   |         immense graces, granted to Mary alone by God.~The first
350 VI   |             The first privilege of Mary was that she was, above
351 VI   |            The second privilege of Mary is that, above all men,
352 VI   |           of grace was poured into Mary." And, therefore, well doth
353 VI   |             comparing the grace of Mary with that of the angels
354 VI   |           that the glorious Virgin Mary merited greater privileges
355 VI   |             The third privilege of Mary was that she alone was a
356 VI   |    praising this privilege, says: "Mary chose for herself the better
357 VI   |        virginity. The privilege of Mary will not be given to another,
358 VI   |            The fourth privilege of Mary is that she alone is the
359 VI   |           excellent prerogative of Mary, that she merited to have
360 VI   |             The fifth privilege of Mary is that she alone above
361 VI   |        Augustine says: "No wonder, Mary, that God reigning in Heaven
362 VI   |             The sixth privilege of Mary was that she alone, above
363 VI   |         what would it avail us for Mary to have such great power
364 VI   |          this, saying: "We know, O Mary, that thou above all the
365 VI   |           The seventh privilege of Mary is that she, above all the
366 VI   |        saints, that the merits (of Mary) transcend those of all
367 VI   |        grace-belongs to the Virgin Mary." Behold how glorious is
368 VI   |       glorious is the privilege of Mary's glory that she, after
369 VI   |          privilege of the glory of Mary is, that whatever after
370 VI   |       pleasanter in glory, that is Mary's, that is in Mary, that
371 VI   |         that is Mary's, that is in Mary, that is by Mary. It is
372 VI   |        that is in Mary, that is by Mary. It is entirely the glorious
373 VI   |          the glorious privilege of Mary, that, after God, our greatest
374 VI   |           is our greatest glory, O Mary, to behold thee, to adhere
375 VI   |            the seven privileges of Mary by which we obtain the life
376 VI   |          therefore, we may implore Mary, as Abraham implored Sara: "
377 VI   |           grace" (Gen. XII, 13.) 0 Mary, our Sara, say that thou
378 VI   |          us.~Fourthly, consider in Mary the grace of rewards, on
379 VI   |          chaste above all women is Mary, the woman holy above all
380 VI   |          grace of the beatitude of Mary consists in seven gifts
381 VI   |        impatience ever appeared in Mary. St. Bernard says: "Diligently
382 VI   |         and if thou discoverest in Mary the least sign of rebuke,
383 VI   |           the glory of the body of Mary, what, thinkest thou, is
384 VI   |       whatever manner the gifts of Mary are expressed, it is certain
385 VI   |         what wonder if the soul of Mary is immersed in fecund love,
386 VI   |            is immersed the soul of Mary who was fed by the most
387 VI   |         womb? St. Augustine says: "Mary in brightness of soul enjoys
388 VI   |    Therefore, as the most glorious Mary exceeds all Saints in the
389 VI   |        This is eminently suited to Mary, of whom St. Jerome says: "
390 VI   |         Esther, the blessed Virgin Mary, at her Assumption was led
391 VI   |          St. Augustine, addressing Mary, says: "The Queen Mary,
392 VI   |  addressing Mary, says: "The Queen Mary, being led into the bridal
393 VI   |        beatified souls, so that in Mary there should be grace above
394 VI   |           how great grace of gifts Mary is enriched, with how great
395 VII  |         VII THE NINE PLENITUDES IN MARY, WHICH REPRESENT THE NINE
396 VII  |            to commend the grace of Mary; he wished also to insist
397 VII  |      conception of the Son of God, Mary was full (of grace), how
398 VII  |    plenitude." Well, therefore, is Mary said to be full of the illumination
399 VII  |           these nine plenitudes in Mary, which represent the nine
400 VII  |         First let us consider that Mary is full of the illumination
401 VII  |           This moon, therefore, is Mary. The full moon is Mary full
402 VII  |          is Mary. The full moon is Mary full of grace. Well is Mary
403 VII  |        Mary full of grace. Well is Mary compared to the moon, because
404 VII  |         truth. Therefore, the name Mary is well interpreted illuminatrix
405 VII  |           of this moon! Behold, if Mary was full of the light of
406 VII  |          fullness of the wisdom of Mary: "Heavenly wisdom built
407 VII  |       built for Himself a house in Mary: for He so filled her mind
408 VII  |     Secondly, let us consider that Mary is full of the outpouring
409 VII  |         its depth and magnitude in Mary, that she could well be
410 VII  |          together of waters, so in Mary is a gathering together
411 VII  |         graces, which entered into Mary, according to that word
412 VII  |          sea, how full of grace is Mary, St. Jerome declares, saying: "
413 VII  |           bestowed in part, but on Mary the whole plenitude of grace
414 VII  |         the full sea, let the full Mary, roar. Let it roar against
415 VII  |          Let the sea be moved, let Mary be moved, let her be moved
416 VII  |    contents. So the Blessed Virgin Mary, if she is moved by our
417 VII  |      Thirdly, let us consider that Mary is in very truth full of
418 VII  |          By the earth is signified Mary, of whom we read in Isaias: "
419 VII  |      humble, what more useful than Mary? She by her humility is
420 VII  |         our spiritual life through Mary. Well therefore doth St.
421 VII  |        depth of devotion He wishes Mary to be honored by us who
422 VII  |            fullness of all good in Mary, so that if we have any
423 VII  |           of this most full earth, Mary, are the works, the examples,
424 VII  |           of the most holy life of Mary. The Lord filled her with
425 VII  |     Fourthly, let us consider that Mary is full of the unction of
426 VII  |       Kings IV, 4. ) This woman is Mary, who was called "woman"
427 VII  |         and her benefits, which in Mary are all full of the oil
428 VII  |          Let us, therefore, say to Mary: 'Give us of your oil.'
429 VII  |             is admirably suited to Mary, of whose spiritual enclosure
430 VII  |              XLIV, 2.) The gate of Mary was closed by the lock of
431 VII  |        partakers of the mercies of Mary. Who these are, St. Bernard
432 VII  |            declares when he says: "Mary has opened the bosom of
433 VII  |      Fifthly, let us consider that Mary is full of the fecundity
434 VII  |         this throne, therefore, of Mary, on the throne, I say, of
435 VII  |          the throne of the mind of Mary by grace, and filled the
436 VII  |            the cloud" (ibid., 12.) Mary, therefore, the house of
437 VII  |            us consider in what way Mary was full of the perfection
438 VII  |        fullness it would seem that Mary abode, that she might truly
439 VII  |             Truly was the abode of Mary in the plenitude of the
440 VII  |      account of this, the abode of Mary is in the fullness of the
441 VII  |            of the impious; because Mary remains willingly with those
442 VII  |          He strike sinners. Before Mary there never was one who
443 VII  |     Seventhly, let us consider how Mary is full of the redolence
444 VII  |          of various flowers, so is Mary full of the fair fame of
445 VII  |          XXVII, 27.) This field is Mary, in whom the treasure of
446 VII  |           is the full fair fame of Mary, her full honor. Of this
447 VII  |            balm." The good odor of Mary was like cinnamon externally,
448 VII  |        suffering. The good odor of Mary was also like cinnamon in
449 VII  |      Eighthly, let us consider how Mary was full of the reflection
450 VII  |      wonderful work of the Lord is Mary, of whom it is said in Ecclesiasticus: "
451 VII  |         glory shines most fully in Mary, above all pure creatures.
452 VII  |         for the divine glory as in Mary. For the Lord has through
453 VII  |           For the Lord has through Mary glory because of the restoration
454 VII  |           the fullness of grace in Mary. Therefore, well does St.
455 VII  |           of the Lord is His work, Mary, because, as it is said
456 VII  |           the whole earth, full is Mary of the divine glory, which
457 VII  |              Ninthly, consider how Mary is full of the joy of eternal
458 VII  |      Eighthly, let us consider how Mary was full of the reflection
459 VII  |      wonderful work of the Lord is Mary, of whom it is said in Ecclesiasticus: "
460 VII  |         glory shines most fully in Mary, above all pure creatures.
461 VII  |         for the divine glory as in Mary. For the Lord has through
462 VII  |           For the Lord has through Mary glory because of the restoration
463 VII  |           the fullness of grace in Mary. Therefore, well does St.
464 VII  |           of the Lord is His work, Mary, because, as it is said
465 VII  |           the whole earth, full is Mary of the divine glory, which
466 VII  |              Ninthly, consider how Mary is full of the joy of eternal
467 VII  |            life !"~Thus you see in Mary the fullness of illuminative
468 VIII |                       CHAPTER VIII MARY SHARES ALL GIFTS WITH THE
469 VIII |           has been shown above how Mary, because of the purity of
470 VIII |           great thing to the great Mary from the great God! But
471 VIII |             The Lord, therefore, O Mary, but who, how great? The
472 VIII |            in a singular manner, O Mary. The Lord, I say, of all
473 VIII |           of thy virginal court, O Mary. We must consider, therefore,
474 VIII |          Lord of all things was in Mary in such a manner that He
475 VIII |        universal Lord, who is with Mary, is a Lord most powerful
476 VIII |            Esth. XIII, 9.) Behold, Mary, how great, how powerful
477 VIII |         with thee, O most powerful Mary.~Secondly, note that the
478 VIII |        universal Lord, who is with Mary, is a Lord most wise in
479 VIII |       knowest all things." Behold, Mary, what kind of a Lord, what
480 VIII |       prudent and most beautiful." Mary was so prudent and so beautiful
481 VIII |        wisdom and knowledge are in Mary." The Lord, therefore, is
482 VIII |          is with thee, O most wise Mary.~Thirdly, consider that
483 VIII |        universal Lord, who is with Mary, is most wealthy in His
484 VIII |         Him" (Rom. X, 12.) Behold, Mary, how rich, how great is
485 VIII |           and rewards, but thou, O Mary, by thy universal riches
486 VIII |          them all. Oh, how rich is Mary in glory, who was so rich
487 VIII |           St. Bernard exclaims: "O Mary, rich in all and above all,
488 VIII |            with thee, therefore, O Mary most rich.~Fourthly, consider
489 VIII |        universal Lord, who is with Mary, is the unfailing Lord of
490 VIII |     remainest for ever." Behold, O Mary, how great a Lord, how unfailing
491 VIII |          for ever." What wonder if Mary, in her Son, remains forever,
492 VIII |          when even the benefits of Mary in her servants remain forever ?
493 VIII |          Bernard says: "In thee, O Mary, angels find joy, the just
494 VIII |          with thee, O neverfailing Mary! Rejoice, O Mary, rejoice!
495 VIII |      neverfailing Mary! Rejoice, O Mary, rejoice! Behold the most
496 IX   |   particular Lord of ours was with Mary in such a manner that He
497 IX   |          our own Lord, who is with Mary, is a most loving Lord in
498 IX   |             Is. LXIII, 7.) Behold, Mary, what a Lord He is, how
499 IX   |          throne of divine mercy is Mary, the Mother of mercy, in
500 IX   |         with thee, O most merciful Mary.~Secondly, note that our