May 8: PATRONAGE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OVER THE WHOLE ORDER OF PREACHERS

 

May 8: PATRONAGE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OVER THE WHOLE ORDER OF PREACHERS 

Dominicans

It has been customary in the Church to invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary under the titles of Advocate, Auxiliatrix, Adjutrix, and Mediatrix, ceaselessly abiding in the saving economy of the grace of her motherhood, by which she in her manifold acts of intercession continues to win for us gifts of eternal salvation (Lumen Gentium, n. 62).

Blessed Humbert of Romans declares, "As she [the Blessed Virgin] was a great help in the establishment of the Order . . . we hope that she will lead it to its ultimate good." (Opera Il, 70—71) Our Order from its very beginning has acknowledged the patronage of the Blessed Virgin, and has not hesitated to proclaim her, to experience continually and to commend her to the hearts of all—brothers and sisters—so that encouraged by this maternal help they may more closely cling to their Mediator and Redeemer (LG, n. 62) for the fulfillment of their difficult labor for the salvation of the world.

Until the most recent revision of the liturgical Calendar, the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin was observed by the Order on December 22, the anniversary of the approbation of the Order by Honorius Ill in 1216. Attentive to the days of Advent that take precedence over all memorials, this memorial of the Patronage is celebrated as a commemoration during May. According to custom, this month is particularly devoted in the Church to the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this day, May 8, in various proper liturgical calendars the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated under different titles.

 

Mole gravati criminum

ad te, regina cælitum,

confugientes, poscimus

nostris ut adsis precibus.

 

Æternæ vitæ ianua,

aurem nobis accommoda,

per quam spes vitæ rediit,

quam Eva peccans abstulit.

 

Tu princeps, mater Principis,

vitam deposce famulis,

et pænitendi spatia

nobis indulgens impetra.

 

Orante te, sanctissima,

sanctorum orant agmina;

tuis, regina, precibus

concilietur Dominus.

 

Regnatrix mater omnium,

vota comple fidelium,

ac vitam nos post fragilem

ad veram perduc requiem.

 

Sit laus Patri cum Filio

et Spiritu Paraclito,

qui te præ cunctis cælica

exornaverunt gloria. Amen.

Burdened by the weight of sin, fleeing to you, O Queen of heaven, we pray that you may hear our prayers. O door of eternal light, give ear to us, you through whom the hope of life returns what sinful Eve took away. O Princess, Mother of the Prince, grant life to your servants, and time for repentance, secure pardon for us. Pray most holy one, pray you hosts of saints that by your prayers, O Patroness, the Lord may reconcile us. O Queen, Mother of all, fulfill the prayers of the faithful, and after this fragile life, lead us to true rest. Praise to the Father with the Son, and holy Paraclete, who adorns you above all with heavenly glory. Amen.