_St. Bernard's Love for Mary._
The luminous star of the Middle Ages, St. Bernard, who was the soul of
the Crusades instituted for the defence of religion and of civilized
Europe, the counsellor of Bishops, Popes, and Kings, may be said to
have had infused into him at his baptism a special devotion to the
Most Holy Virgin. In his tenderest infancy he leaped for joy when he
saw by chance a picture of Mary, or when he heard her name pronounced.
He was ever thinking of her, and wished everyone to be speaking to him
always of her. To correct in him those defects which are common to
childhood, it sufficed to tell him that such and such a thing was
displeasing to Mary, and he immediately took care not to repeat the
fault, and he eagerly embraced those practices of piety which he was
told were dear to her. She, on her side, did not delay to manifest the
care she took of him, and undoubtedly the great love he had for holy
purity was a special gift from the Queen of Virgins. Other favours,
however, were in store for him in the hands of his powerful
benefactress.
On Christmas Eve the young Bernard was waiting in the church with his
relations for the commencement of the midnight service, when, having
inclined his head, he fell into a kind of ecstasy, and saw in spirit,
by means of supernatural light, the mystery of Bethlehem, and he
quietly contemplated the Divine Infant miraculously born from the
virginal womb of His Mother. This vision penetrated him with so warm a
feeling of gratitude towards Jesus and Mary, that he immediately
promised to consecrate himself entirely to their love and service
henceforth. The writings of St. Bernard breathe a tender piety towards
Mary, and unite all the most beautiful and moving expressions of love
and veneration for her, which were written in former ages, and he
united in his heart all the affections of the most zealous of her
servants. With what respect, confidence, and love towards this good
Mother are we penetrated when we read the pious works that he has
written for her glory! His emotion, when under the influence of these
sentiments, frequently rapt him in ecstasy.
_Prayer of St. Andrew of Crete._--Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord
is with you! Hail you, O source of our joy! through you the sentence
of our condemnation was changed into a sentence of benediction! Hail,
O Temple of the glory of God, sacred dwelling of the King of the
heavenly kingdom! You are truly blessed amongst all women, because you
were chosen to be the Mother of your Creator, and all nations shall
call you blessed.
O Mary, I place in you a holy confidence, and from you I expect my
salvation. I shall walk without fear in the midst of all my enemies,
if you will deign to number me amongst those whom you protect. Sincere
love of you is the safest weapon with which to fight and overcome;
number me, then, amongst your children, for I have chosen you for my
tender Mother. Amen.
_Ejaculation._--_Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, sancta Dei Genitrix_--We
put ourselves under your powerful protection, O Holy Mother of God!
_Practice._--Recite to-day the _Angelus_ with great fervour.