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Memorare
The Memorare is a traditional Marian prayer expressing confidence in Mary's intercession and asking for her help in times of need.
Pray
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Explore what this prayer meansIn brief
Catholics pray the Memorare when asking Mary for intercession, especially in difficult or urgent situations. The confidence expressed in the prayer is ultimately confidence in God's grace, not a belief that Mary acts independently of Him.
Understand
What is this prayer?
The Memorare is a traditional Catholic Marian prayer whose name comes from its opening Latin word meaning remember. It asks Mary to receive the petitions of someone who approaches her in need.
Quick facts
- Meaning of name
- Remember
- Type
- Marian prayer of intercession
- Common use
- Personal petitions and times of need
- Focus
- Confidence in Mary's intercession
- Authorship
- Exact authorship uncertain
Why Catholics pray it
Why it matters
Catholics believe that asking Mary to pray for them is part of the communion of saints. The Memorare expresses that request with unusually personal language of trust and dependence.
When to pray
When Catholics use it
There is no fixed required time. Catholics often pray the Memorare during anxiety, difficult decisions, illness, family problems, temptation or any situation in which they want to entrust a petition to Mary's intercession.
Meaning
What the words mean
The person praying admits need and sorrow rather than pretending to be self-sufficient. Mary is approached as Mother of the Word Incarnate, a title that keeps her role connected directly to Jesus Christ.
History
Where this prayer comes from
The Memorare developed from the medieval and early modern tradition of Marian prayer. It is frequently attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux in popular devotion, but that attribution is not historically secure.
Scripture
Biblical connections
John 2:1–5
At Cana, Mary notices a human need and brings it to Jesus, providing an important biblical image for Catholic understanding of her intercession.
Luke 1:46–49
Mary's Magnificat recognises that her blessedness and vocation come entirely from the great things God has done for her.
Catholic teaching
Catechism connections
CCC 969
The Catechism describes Mary's continuing intercession while insisting that her role depends entirely on Christ's unique mediation.
CCC 2673–2679
The Catechism explains how Catholic prayer with Mary remains centred on the mystery and saving work of Christ.
Understand
Common questions
What is the Memorare used for?
Catholics commonly use it when bringing a personal need or urgent intention to Mary's intercession.
Did St Bernard write the Memorare?
It is often attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux in popular tradition, but the historical evidence does not securely establish him as its author.
Does the Memorare mean Mary always gives you what you ask for?
No. Catholic prayer does not treat intercession as a guarantee that a particular outcome must occur. Every petition remains subject to God's wisdom and will.
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