EIGHTH DAY
Meditation: MARY OUR PERPETUAL HELP OF THE DYING
Holy Job rightly declared the life of man to be a continual warfare (Job VII, I). Yet of all the struggles through which man has to pass the final combat or death struggle is the most formidable It is not merely a combat between life and death, struggling for the possession of man's body, but rather a combat between heaven and hell, struggling for the possession of man's immortal soul. Hell employs all its powers and cunning to bring about the everlasting ruin of that soul. The evil spirit who tempted that soul during the course of its earthly career, appears on the scene once more, yet not alone; for he has called together and brought along with him, a number of other evil spirits, who now combine their efforts to hurl that soul into everlasting perdition. Which of us shall gain the victory in that awful struggle? He who during his life has been a truly devoted servant of Mary. How can a Mother abandon her child in the direst hour of need; and even though she should, yet never will Mary forget her children in the hour of death. She cannot be unmindful of the oft-repeated prayer that is rising up to her throne daily and hourly from millions of hearts: "Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. -- Amen." Mary is indeed the Perpetual Help of the dying.
PRAYER TO BE SAID EACH DAY AFTER THE MEDITATION
O Mother of Perpetual Help, behold me a miserable sinner at thy feet; I have recourse to thee and put my trust in thee. O Mother of Mercy have pity upon me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners, be then my refuge and my hope. Help me for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to me, who recommend and dedicate myself to thee as thy perpetual servant. I bless and thank GOD for having in His mercy given to me this confidence in thee, the pledge as I believe of my eternal salvation. Alas! Too often in past times have I miserably fallen, because I had not recourse to thee! I know that with thy help I shall conquer. I know that thou will help me if I recommend myself to thee; but i fear lest in the occasions of falling I should cease to call upon thee and so should lose my soul. This, then, is the grace I seek from thee; and I conjure thee, as far as I know how and can, to obtain it for me; namely, in the assults of hell always to have recourse to thee and to say to thee: O Mary help me; Mother of Perpetual Help, suffer me not to lose my God.
Five "Hail Mary's" to obtain the special favours you seek -- then: -- Holy Mary, assist the miserable, help the faint hearted, cheer those that weep, pray for the people be the advocate of the clergy, intercede for all devout woman; let all feel thine aid who implore thy perpetual help.
V. Thou has been for us, Our Lady, a refuge.
R. A helper in needs and tribulation.
LET US PRAY
Oh almighty and merciful GOD, who hast given us to venerate the picture of Thy most Blessed Mother, under the special title of Perpetual Help, graciously grant that, amidst all the changes of our journey through life, we may be so defended by the continual protection of the same Immaculate, ever Virgin Mary, that we may deserve to obtain the rewards of Thy eternal Redemption; Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit; world without end. Amen.