Refuge of sinners, pray for us!
This is the second invocation extending "Cause of our joy" one and implies conviction Our Lady Immaculate can help us all in temporary and spiritual needs and miseries - in overcoming sins. How true it is, for she gave us her Son who became man to break the bond of sin and Satan. She fully cooperated with Our Redeemer for conversion of sinners, she prayed, interceded and sacrificed many beginning in Bethlehem up to Golgotha's last moment. Her whole life on earth was dedicated to serve sinners. This is what she continue to do for us in Heaven, helping sinners to abandon sinful ways and to gain Heaven through Our Lord merits. Confirmation of this Catholic belief is founded on writings of Church's Fathers and theologians including St Alphonsus, St Bonaventura and St Blaise. For example, St Alphonsus says Our Lady's zeal for salvation of souls is so great she herself seeks them first to bring help. Furthermore, St Bonaventure think Our Lady, like Ruth from Old Testament, found favour in God's eyes for the very purpose of salvation of abandoned souls. St Blaise ensures us that even the worst of the worst sinner can obtain Our Lady's greatest assistance without delay when asked for. St Bernard of Siena cites the words of St Peter that Satan like a roaring lion looks for souls to devour, whereas Our Lady with great dedication and tirelessly looks for souls in need of help. We can certainly think about Mary as our help and refuge from the misery of sin and evil passions. We can always turn and cling to her in all spiritual needs and we can certainly ask her assistance not only for our needs but also for the conversion of those from our family or friends who went astray. She will always listen to our prayers for the conversion of sinners. How beautiful, true and powerful is the prayer said in trust and love: "Hail, Mary, full of grace, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death"
Holy card above from Holy Cards for Your Inspiration blog
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