Miniature Life of Mary, Virgin and Mother, For Everyday of the Month, 1880 [PDF]

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Miniature Life of Mary, Virgin and Mother, For Everyday of the Month
Compiled by Henry Sebastian Bowden, 1880

Download the book, "Miniature Life of Mary"

In deference to wish repeatedly expressed by the readers of the Miniature Lives of the Saints, this little book has been drawn up on similar model. The Life of Mary is divided into thirty-one days or sections, and is intended to supply spiritual reading on the mysteries of our B. Lady, for use through out the year, as well as on her feasts, and during the month of Mary. It will also suggest thoughts for meditation on the Rosary and the Seven Dolours, and in many other devotions. The contents have been compiled and abbreviated from variety of sources, among which may be specially mentioned the Contemplations, by J. Cross, O.S.F. (A.D. 1685).

The difficulty is undoubted of treating worthily theme so exalted, and with so wide range, as the life of Mary. The task, however, has been undertaken with some confidence, from the conviction that any words in our Lady's praise will meet with response in Catholic hearts, and be welcomed for the sake of her, 'whom to think upon is perfect understanding.'--Preface



MEANS TO OBTAIN TRUE DEVOTION TO OUR LADY


1. To make mental prayer on the mysteries of her life, and in her relationship to us.

2. To read books written in her praise, and to spread them among others, or to distribute her images or beads.

3. To recite her Little Office, Rosary, or any chaplets in her honour.

4. To invoke her daily at the Angelus, and by frequent ejaculations, but especially by the Hail Mary.

5. To wear one or more of her scapulars, or an image or medal of her.

6. To visit her altar, and to pay special reverence to her images.

7. To offer Mass or Communion in her honour, or to give alms for Mass to be said for the same purpose.

8. To keep with great devotion her principal feasts, their novenas and octaves.

9. To gain indulgences for the soul in Purga tory most devoted to her in life.

10. To practise some mortification in her honour, especially on Saturday.

11. Above all, to imitate her virtues, without which true devotion to her is impossible.