Today marks a great celebration in the Church – the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Use this free printable to trace the history of the Church’s teaching about Mary’s Assumption in which she was taken, body and soul, to Heaven. Today is also a good opportunity to introduce or review the Memorare, the special prayer written by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in honor of Mary. Memorare means “to remember” in Latin. Saint Bernard, whose feast day the Church celebrates on August 20, was an 11th-century French saint who was particularly devoted to the Virgin Mary.
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.
