How Mary restored hope in a soul

Let's go back to the year 1586 when the question of predestination was the hot topic of theological debates. John Calvin (1) interpreted it in such a stark and pessimistic doctrine that he was violently criticized by leading Catholic theologians.

Saint Francis de Sales was then a young theology student from Savoy (2). Although he stuck to the writings of Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas, he found himself wondering: "What if God has condemned me? What if God forsakes me at the hour of my death?" He became obsessed with these thoughts that were both caused by the devil and a purification willed by God.

He felt increasingly troubled by the possibility of being doomed to hell, to the point that his spirit was broken and he would weep in despair. But he also redoubled his prayers, to touch God's heart. This agonizing time for the 20-year-old youth lasted six long weeks.

One evening in January 1587, at the height of his anguish, he entered a church, and in a desperate move, ran straight to his divine Mother. Prostrated before her statue, he humbly opened his heart to her, in God’s presence. Then he saw and picked up a leaflet on a railing that contained the words of the Memorare (3). He fervently read: "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!"

At this cry from his aching heart, the dark temptation left him. Francis made a vow of virginity to God and to the Virgin Mary, and, as a means to keep his resolution, he promised to recite the Rosary every day of his life.

(1) John Calvin was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism, aspects of which include the doctrines of predestination and of the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation of the human soul from death and eternal damnation, in which doctrines Calvin was influenced by and elaborated upon the Augustinian and other Christian traditions. Various Congregational, Reformed and Presbyterian churches, which look to Calvin as the chief expositor of their beliefs, have spread throughout the world.

(2) Savoy did not become part of France until 1860, by the Treaty of Turin.

(3) Here is the full prayer composed by Saint Bernard (1090-1153): "Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by 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."

Bishop Francis Trochu

Adapted for A Moment with Mary from his book Saint François de Sales - 1943