Let us not cease to hold out suppliant hands to Mary
In Mary we see how a truly good and
provident God has established for us a most suitable example of every virtue.
As we look upon her and think about her we are nor cast down as though
stricken by the overpowering splendor of God's power; but, on the contrary,
attracted by the closeness of the common nature we share with her, we strive
with greater confidence to imitate her. If we, with her powerful help, should
dedicate ourselves wholly and entirely to this undertaking, we can portray at
least an outline of such great virtue and sanctity, and reproducing that
perfect conformity of our lives to all God's designs which she possessed in so
marvelous a degree, we shall follow her into heaven.
Undaunted and full of courage, let us go on
with the pilgrimage we have undertaken even though the way be rough and full
of obstacles. Amid the vexation and toil let us not cease to hold out
suppliant hands to Mary with the words of the Church: "To thee do we send
up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears; turn then, most
gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us... Keep our lives all
spotless, make our ways secure, till we find in Jesus joys that will
endure."