The Memorare Prayer

The Memorare is one of the most beloved prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its name comes from the first word in Latin, meaning "Remember." This prayer expresses profound confidence that Mary has never failed to help those who seek her intercession.

The prayer is often attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, though it was actually popularized by a 17th-century French priest, Claude Bernard, who distributed over 200,000 copies. Mother Teresa of Calcutta prayed it constantly and called it her "express novena."

The Memorare - Full Text

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession
was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy
hear and answer me.

Amen.

Memorare (Latin)

Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria,
non esse auditum a saeculo,
quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia,
tua implorantem auxilia,
tua petentem suffragia,
esse derelictum.

Ego tali animatus confidentia,
ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro,
ad te venio,
coram te gemens peccator assisto.

Noli, Mater Verbi,
verba mea despicere;
sed audi propitia et exaudi.

Amen.

The "Express Novena"

Mother Teresa of Calcutta had a special devotion to the Memorare. She called it her "express novena" and would pray it nine times in a row when she needed urgent help. She taught her Missionaries of Charity to do the same.

To pray the Express Novena:

  1. Pray the Memorare nine times consecutively
  2. Each time, present your intention to Mary
  3. Trust that she will intercede for you

This practice can be done whenever you face an urgent need. Many people have experienced remarkable answers to prayer using this method.

Understanding the Memorare

The Memorare makes a bold claim: "Never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection... was left unaided." This isn't superstition—it's a statement of faith based on centuries of Christian experience.

The prayer acknowledges three important truths:

  1. Mary's constant faithfulness: Throughout history, those who have sought Mary's help have found it.
  2. Our unworthiness: We come as sinners, not claiming any merit of our own.
  3. Mary's mercy: Despite our sins, we trust in her maternal love and intercession.

The title "Mother of the Word Incarnate" reminds us that Mary's power to intercede comes from her relationship with Jesus—the Word made flesh. We honor Mary precisely because of her Son.

History of the Memorare

The Memorare has a fascinating history:

  • 15th century: The prayer appears in various forms in European prayer books
  • 17th century: Father Claude Bernard (not St. Bernard of Clairvaux) spread the prayer throughout France, distributing over 200,000 leaflets
  • Popular attribution: It became associated with St. Bernard of Clairvaux, though he likely didn't compose it
  • 20th century: Mother Teresa made it famous as her "express novena"

"If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon Our Lady. Just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me."

— St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Related Prayers