Last week I asked anyone within pestering distance to toss up some prayers for Ryan Rusch who was undergoing another in a long series of life-threatening operations.
Ryan is doing handsomely.
Beau Dowling of St. John Fisher Parish in West Beverly is undergoing cancer surgery as I type these words. Don't make the little man do it on his own.
As I stated then there is nothing more heart breaking than a sick child and this little man and his young mother, father and siblings need arm loads of prayers.
As in Ryan Rusch's need, I suggested the Memorare - the sure fire tug on the blouse of Our Lady.
This prayer seems to work its wonders in every circumstance*.
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 with this confidence, I fly to 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.
Pray it up. I won't kill you, or cost you nickel one.
* for any 'Yeah, Butt'ers:
In the Memorare the claim is made that the Virgin Mary has never left unaided a soul who asked her intercession. But when I prayed the Memorare for my intention, the situation for which I prayed got worse, not better. This has shaken my faith. What happened?
Answer
The wording of the Memorare is not intended to oblige the Blessed Mother or God to answer your prayer in the exact manner that you specify. It is a statement of utter trust, said with faith that the Blessed Mother and God will always answer the prayers of the faithful, even if the answer given is not the one for which the supplicant hoped.
It is possible that the Blessed Mother did help you in your particular trial. Perhaps she obtained for you the grace to carry your burden with courage and patience. Perhaps she obtained for you the grace to delve more deeply into your Catholic faith through prayer, which is what you did in fact do. By all means, keep praying the Memorare for your intention, keeping in mind Jesus’ example of prayerful supplication for the relief of trials: "Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42).
