_The Feasts of the Blessed Virgin._
The days upon which the Blessed Virgin Mary shows herself bountiful of
her favours, are the feasts celebrated in her honour; and if we desire
to profit by them, we must sanctify them fervently. Let us approach
the Sacraments on those days, and propose to practise some particular
virtue of the Blessed Virgin, adapted to the mystery of the day. For
instance, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, let us propose to
practise purity of intention; on that of her Nativity, a renewal of
fervour, banishing all tepidity from our soul; on that of the
Presentation, detachment from those desires which require to be
mortified; on the Feast of the Annunciation, of the Visitation, on the
Feast of the Purification, obedience to Superiors; and on the Feast of
the Assumption, preparation for death. Such was ever the practice of
all the true servants of Mary; amongst others, of St. Bernardine of
Siena, of St. Gertrude, and of St. Vincent Ferrer.
Mary herself made known to St. Gertrude, as we read in the tenth
chapter of the 'Revelations' of this Saint, that she rewards this
practice with every kind of favour. On the Feast of the Assumption,
whilst the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass was being celebrated, the
Blessed Virgin showed the Saint a great number of young girls, whom
she carefully guarded under her rich mantle. 'My dear daughter,' said
she to her, 'behold here those souls who do all in their power to
celebrate this festival worthily.'
Brother Gerard, one of the first lay-brothers of the Congregation of
St. Alfonso de Liguori, had the most tender confidence in Mary. At the
approach of her feasts he took care to adorn all the altars of the
monastery, and his devotion was especially great to the Immaculate
Conception. He wished that the faithful would fast on all the vigils
of her feasts; on which days his nourishment was but a little bread
and water, and he gave himself the discipline to blood. During all her
novenas, he performed some abstinence or good work in her honour. When
he was allowed by his Superior, he spent the night preceding her
festivals prostrate before her altar in fervent prayer. It is narrated
by Fathers Petrella and Giovenale that the Blessed Virgin, touched by
the love of her servant, appeared to him during one of those nights,
and enriched him with favours of many kinds.
_Prayer of St. Gertrude to the Sacred Heart of Mary._--O Immaculate
Heart of Mary, I have nothing to offer you that is worthy of you; yet
how many thanks should I not render you for all the favours that you
have obtained for me from the Heart of Jesus! What reparation should I
not offer you for my languor during Divine service! I would wish to
render you love for love: the only good that I possess is the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, which you have yourself given to me. I offer you,
then, this treasure of infinite value--I can do nothing more, and
nothing less do you merit from me. Accept, then, this gift, which is
so dear to you; and nothing more do I desire except that you will
deign to accept, also, my poor heart. Amen.
_Ejaculation._--Mother of Good Counsel, pray for me.
_Practice._--Make a sincere act of contrition for the time that you
have spent away from God.