What excuse can you offer if you do not lend your assistance?

Say not, merciful Virgin,

that you cannot help me, for your beloved Son holds all power in heaven and on earth.

Say not that you ought not to assist me, for you are the Mother of all poor children of Adam, and my Mother in particular.

Since, then, merciful Virgin, you are my Mother, and you are all-powerful, what excuse can you offer if you do not lend your assistance?

See, my Mother, see you are obliged to grant me what I ask, and to yield to my entreaties.

Amen.

Prayer of Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) to the Virgin Mary