A monk calls on Mary at death, Mary: Day 314

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

A monk calls on Mary at death, Mary: Day 314 2016-05-20T20:07:34-05:00 Pete Socks

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A monk calls on Mary at death

St. Alphonsus recalls how Mary helped a canon regular in his final battle with the Devil.

In the Austrian town of Reichersberg there was a canon regular named Arnold, surnamed “the Pious” because of the sanctity of his life. He had the most tender devotion to our Blessed Lady. At the point of death, he received the last sacraments, then summoned his religious brothers. He begged them not to abandon him in his last journey. Scarcely had he uttered these words, when, in the presence of all, he began to tremble and roll his eyes. Bathed in a cold sweat, with a faltering voice, he said: “Oh, don’t you see the demons who are trying to drag me to hell? Brothers, implore the aid of Mary for me! In her I place my trust. She will give me the victory.”

On hearing this, his brothers recited the Litany of our Blessed Lady, and as they were saying, “Holy Mary, pray for him,” the dying man exclaimed, “Repeat, repeat the name of Mary! For I am already before God’s tribunal.” He was silent for a moment, and then said, “It is true that I did it, but I have done penance for it.” Then turning to our Blessed Lady, he said, “O Mary, I will be delivered if you help me.”

Again the demons attacked him. But he defended himself with his crucifix and the name of Mary. In this way was the night spent. No sooner, however, than the morning dawned, Arnold exclaimed with the greatest calmness, and full of holy joy: “Mary, my sovereign Lady, my refuge, has obtained me pardon and salvation!” Then casting his eyes on that Blessed Virgin who was inviting him to follow her, he said, “I come, O Lady, I come!” And making an effort to go with her even with his body, his soul fled after her to the realms of eternal bliss, as we trust, for he sweetly breathed his last. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Am I aware of the spiritual battle that is ongoing for the eternal destiny of my soul? Do I recognize that Mary can be for me a great champion in this battle?

CLOSING PRAYER

From “Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows for a Happy Death”: Dearest Mother, when the moment of my death has come, present me as your child to Jesus; say to him on

my behalf: “Son, forgive him, for he knew not what he did. Receive him this day into your kingdom.”

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