May 15th
Chapter Twelve
The Delights of Mary

No language on this earth will be able to express the delights and joys of the virgin Mary.  No  mind will ever be able to comprehend the abundance of her joys as virgin, the greatness of her consolations as mother; For, the more abundant is the infusion of grace, the more numerous also are the gifts of happiness.  In like manner, the more frequent are the visits of God, the more ardent, too are desire and love.

Imitate, therefore, the Mother of the Saviour, so as to be numbered among her children.  Try attentively to walk in the steps of Mary on the road of virtue, in order to attain to glory with her.

Have intense grief for your past lukewarmness, for your faults, Alas! not yet overcome.  Pray that all creatures may glorify God and observe His laws.  Give thanks for the divine benefits granted through the Mother of God.  Render to her all honor and all reverence; for, if the natural law obliges children to love their mother according to the flesh, how much  more ought we to testify affection and show tenderness to the Mother of grace?  It is a duty to love above all mothers Mary who is, at the same time, Mother of God, Mother of Holy Church, and our own Mother.

How shall I ever be sad of heart when you give your consolation, Mary?  How could one fear the enemy, one who can, at each moment, have recourse to you?  Incline, O Mother filled with tenderness, incline your ears to my  humble prayers.

Incline, O Mother filled with tenderness, like Rebecca, toward your servant, and give him a few drops to drink.  Pour into me a part, however small it may be, of that grace and of that sweet consolation which is mysteriously hidden in you.

This grace is at all times desirable for all persons, it is always pleasant to receive; it is indispensable for me at this moment.  The smallest drop placed on lips by you, Mary, seems to me so powerful and so great in its excellence, that all other pleasures on earth seem vile, without value, and equal to nothing.