Mary defends the soul at death, Mary: Day 310

Last updated on: May 26, 2016 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

Mary defends the soul at death, Mary: Day 310 2016-05-19T11:10:39-05:00 Pete Socks

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Mary defends the soul at death

St. Alphonsus reports that demon tempters sometimes assail Christians in their dying moments. But Mary is faithful to dispatch angels for their defense.

How quickly do the rebellious spirits fly from the presence of this queen! If at the hour of death we have only the protection of Mary, what need we fear from the whole of our infernal enemies? When Fr. Emmanuel Padial, of the Society of Jesus, was at the point of death, Mary appeared to him. To console him, she said: “See, at last the hour is come when the angels congratulate you and exclaim: ‘O happy labors, O mortifications well rewarded!’ ” And in the same moment, an army of demons was seen taking its flight, and crying out in despair: “Alas! We can do nothing, for she who is without stain defends him!”

In a similar way, Father Gaspar Haywood was assaulted by demons at his death, and greatly tempted to lose his faith. He immediately entrusted himself to the most Blessed Virgin, and he was heard to exclaim, “I thank you, Mary; for you have come to my aid!” Mary not only assists her beloved servants at death and encourages them, but she herself accompanies them to the tribunal seat of God. As St. Jerome says, writing to the Virgin Eustochia, “What a day of joy will that be for you, when Mary, the mother of our Lord, accompanied by choirs of Virgins, will go to meet you!”

St. Bonaventure tells us that Mary sends without delay the prince of the heavenly court, St. Michael, with all the angels, to defend her dying servants against the temptations of the demons, and to receive the souls of all who in a special way and with perseverance have entrusted themselves to her. The Blessed Virgin assured St. Bridget of this. Speaking of her devoted servants at the point of death, she said, “Then will I, their dear Lady and mother, fly to them, that they may have consolation and refreshment.”

—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Am I aware that the angels have been sent to defend me, not only when I die, but throughout my life? Do I thank my guardian angel and St. Michael for their assistance?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Bonaventure: Michael, the leader and prince of the heavenly army, with all the administering spirits, obeys your commands, O Virgin, and defends and receives the souls of the faithful who have specifically entrusted themselves to you, O Lady, day and night.

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