![[Marcellin Champagnat]](images/marcellin.jpg)
The Memorare is a popular prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary dating from the Fifteeenth Century. It is named from the first word of the Latin prayer - "memorate", meaning remembering - and it addresses Mary in her role as intercessor for us in all our needs and difficulties.
It is a prayer with special significance for Marist people as it was for Marcellin Champagnat who prayed the prayer when he and Brother Stanislaus were lost in the snow in February 1823. They had been to visit a sick Brother and on their return, they lost their way in a near-disastrous snow storm. Father Champagnat invoked Mary in the words of this prayer, and his petition was directly answered by the appearance of lamp lights in the distance. The two exhausted men made for the spot and were given shelter for the night by a farmer, Mr Donnet.
Marists have continued to day this prayer to Mary who stands with her Son to point us towards our Loving God.
that never was it known in any age,
that anyone who fled to your protection
implored your help,
or sought your intercession was abandoned.
Inspired with confidence, therefore,
I fly to you, O Virgin of Virgins,,
My Mother.
To you do I come,
before you I stand sinful and sorrowful,
Do not, O Mother of Jesus,
despise my prayers,
but graciously hear and grant them