_Letters addressed to the Most Holy Virgin._
Persons filled with lively faith often write letters to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, placing them at the feet of her image, or upon their
heart, on some solemn occasion; and this practice is very dear to her.
It is no new practice: for we see, from the Sacred Books and the
history of the Church, that the most remarkable men made use of it to
obtain some special grace. King Ezechias carried into the Temple the
insulting letter addressed to him by Zennacherib, and laid it on the
Altar as if to invite Almighty God to read it, and his prayer was
heard, as we read in the Fourth Book of Kings.
The Emperor Theodosius, about to fight against Eugenius, wrote to St.
Ambrose, to beg him to recommend the expedition to the God of armies.
The Saint, during Mass, took the letter into his hands, and presented
it to God. The result of the battle is well known.
When the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas, met with some difficult passage
in Holy Scripture, he wrote down the difficulty and placed it on his
heart when he went to celebrate Mass, and the difficulties vanished.
Our Lord looks upon prayers addressed to the Blessed Virgin and to the
Saints as though they were made to Himself. If we wish to obtain some
grace, let us write a letter to Mary, and place it upon our heart
before we approach Holy Communion. St. Stanislaus Kostka, desired to
die on the Eve of the Assumption, that he might assist at its
celebration in heaven. He wrote a letter to Our Blessed Lady for this
purpose, and, on the feast of St. Lawrence, placed it on the Altar,
asking the Saint to present it to the Queen of Heaven. The same day he
was attacked by a most burning fever, and after four days went to
celebrate the feast of his dear Mother Mary in heaven.
_Prayer_ (of St. Alphonsus Liguori to obtain a happy death).--O Mary!
what will be my death? When I think of the moment which is to decide
my eternal destiny, I fear and tremble at the sight of my sins. O
Mother, full of goodness, the Blood of Jesus Christ and your patronage
are alone my hope. Ah, console me in that terrible moment, O Consoler
of the afflicted! If I am now tormented by remorse for my offences,
through the uncertainty of pardon, the danger of falling again, and
the judgments of God, what will it be at that moment? I am lost if you
do not fly to my relief. O my sovereign Lady, obtain for me, before my
death, lively sorrow for sin, true amendment, and entire fidelity to
God; and may I at that moment invoke you more frequently, that I may
not despair at the sight of my sins. Pardon me my rashness, O my
Queen; but I beg you also to come yourself to console me by your
presence, You have granted this favour to so many of your servants,
and why should not I also hope for it? It is true I do not merit it;
but I love you, O Mary, and confide in you. I expect then your
presence and assistance, that I may go forth from this world loving
God, and you also, my Holy Mother, and never cease to love you through
all eternity. Amen.
_Ejaculation._--Do not abandon me at the hour of my death, O my Most
Holy Mother!
_Practice._--Spend this day as if it were the last of your life.