True Devotion to Mary

The Blessed Virgin is not only the mother to whom we have recourse, but also the person to whom we look as a model, the one whom we ask for strength to act or to suffer as we should -- that is, as she herself did.

She will shelter us under her mantle only if we seek to remain, like her, docile, pure, and generous. She will receive us at the hour of our death if we try (no matter how little) to live as she did, emulating the life of her Son. There will be no tricks: her children for eternity are poor sinners, but sinners who, recognizing their wretchedness, have nonetheless tried to rise above it.

True devotion to the Virgin Mary is composed of admiration, trust, and imitation.

~from Joy Out of Sorrow by Mother Marie des Douleurs

Dear Mary, Mother most wonderful, I admire and trust you. May I also imitate you so that with you I may always magnify the Lord. Amen.