Mary, Our Hope by St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (Prayer)

Mary, thou art Hope the brightest, Love most pure and sweet;

Life and peace I find, reposing At thy blessed feet.

When I call on thee, O Mary, When I think on thee,

Joy and pleasure all-entrancing Fill my heart with glee.

If anon the clouds of sadness Rise within my heart,

When they hear thy name, O Mary, Quickly they depart.

Like a star on life’s dark ocean Shining o’er the wave,

Thou canst guide my bark to harbour, Thou my soul canst save.

Under thy protecting mantle, Queen beloved, I fly;

There, I wish to live securely; There, I hope to die.

When I come my life to finish, Mary, loving thee,

Then, I also know, dear Lady, Heaven is gained for me.

Cast thy gentle bonds around me, And my heart enchain, Prisoner of love for ever

Safe will I remain.

Thus, my heart, O sweetest Mary, Is not mine, but thine:

Take it; give it all to Jesus; Ne’er shall it be mine.