May 29th
Chapter Twenty-Six of the Imitation of Mary, by Thomas a Kempis
The Maternal Intercession of Mary

It is a salutary practice for all to evoke the memory of the holy and glorious Virgin Mary and to confide themselves to her in all dangers as an unhappy child confides himself to his mother.  The name of Mary frequently invoked brings to the soul assurance and comfort.  In her turn, Mary is always ready to say to her Son the word of grace in favor of anyone who suffers and who bears the burden of sorrow.

Indeed, if Mary did not intercede in heaven for the world, how would the world be able to subsist in the midst of the sins, and in the mire of the vice in which it would dwell?  But, first of all, what ought you to ask of Mary?  In the fist place, pardon for the sins committed; next, the grace of practicing humility, because it is humility alone which is pleasing to God.  You ought also to seek out poverty and not to glorify yourself for gifts received, if you do not wish to lose your poverty itself.

Seek all that you desire to obtain from God, through Mary, for her power extends over the earth and over purgatory.  Her glory is great and her grace is powerful, surpassing that of the archangels, the angels, and the saints, rising to God who is the cause of her grandeur and glory.  But this power, these glories and these favors, she has then that she may distribute them to us who live here below and who ask her for them.

To ask pardon for your sins and to remain humble is what please God and Mary most.  Indeed it is because of her humility that Mary glorified herself before God, whereas she always kept silence about the other virtues and the other graces.  Humility everywhere; humility in everything.

Come, O my soul, come to embrace the one whom you love!  Cover with kisses Mary, your Mother and the Mother of God.  Kiss also her Son Jesus, the most beautiful of children among all the children of men.  You, O Mary, are accustomed to hearing the prayer of the poor and of orphans, and you never send away unconsoled those who persevere in coming to pray to you.  

You, O Mary, are the virgin Mother of a God, you are the mysterious and loving tree, engendered by the eternal line of kings, the tree which has produced the mysterious flower announced for the salvation of the whole world.  Jesus, our Savior and the savior of all, to whom be honor and glory for eternity.