May 4th    The Imitation of Mary, by Thomas a Kempis
Chapter One
The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Many young girls, says the author of Wisdom, have amassed riches, but you, O Mary, you surpass them all greatly.  Children, be faithful imitators of Jesus, and perfect imitators of Mary.  It matters a great deal, it matters for your salvation, for the honor of Jesus and the glory of Mary, that you always be devout in your prayers, sober in your words, discreet in your looks...

Be simple, like the simple children of god, without deception, without envy, without criticism, without murmuring, and without any suspicion.  Support all adverse things with charity, with great patience and great humility...To one who knows how to offer his life to the divine Trinity, all that is bitter here on earth appears sweet, and all that seems heavy appears very light...

O Mary, O sweet Mother of my Jesus, I beg you, deign to open to your poor servant both your maternal compassion and your love, laden with sweetness.  Pour into my heart one drop of your tenderness so that I may love you with a pure heart, you, O Mother, the sweetest of all mothers, so that I may imitate you and Jesus.