Memorare

Remember, most loving Virgin Mary,

never was it heard

that anyone who turned to you for help

was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,

though burdened by my sins,

I run to your protection

for you are my mother.

Mother of the Word of God,

do not despise my words of pleading

but be merciful and hear my prayer. Amen.

Context/Background

In Latin the word ‘memorare’ means ‘remember’.

The author of this prayer is unknown, but the prayer is found in texts from the fifteenth century. This prayer became very popular in the early seventeenth century.

In the nineteenth century, Pope Pius IX attached indulgences to the Memorare. (Indulgences are certain prayers or good works undertaken in return for the reduction or permanent removal of one’s punishment for sinfulness. While indulgences are less common today, they still exist. In 1985, Pope John Paul II outlined certain actions and prayers that obtained indulgences.)