The Memorare is a prayer to Our Lady when you need help and can’t see the way forward. Traditionally attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, though first written down in 17th-century France, it asks Mary to remember her promise: no one who sought her help was ever left unaided. Pray it when the answer seems impossible.
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 unto 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.
Traditionally St. Bernard of Clairvaux, but first attested in 17th-century France
How this prayer works
The Memorare asks Mary to remember her own track record. The opening line is bold: never was it known that anyone who asked her for help was turned away. You’re reminding her of what she’s already done for centuries of Christians before you. The prayer then moves to petition: I come to you, I’m sinful, I’m sorrowful, hear me.
The title comes from the Latin opening word, “Memorare” (remember). It became widely known through the work of Fr. Claude Bernard in 17th-century Paris, who distributed it to the poor and sick, reporting thousands of conversions and answers to prayer. Catholics have prayed it ever since for impossible cases, lost causes, and desperate hours.
Pray it slowly when you’re stuck. Say it out loud if you can. It works best when you mean the part about standing before her “sinful and sorrowful”, not as a formality but as the truth. She’s the Mother of the Word Incarnate. She knows what it is to watch suffering and trust anyway.
Carry it through this day.
