Our dear Saviour has nothing else on earth to leave us but His own most holy Mother

His Body He has delivered up to the fury of His enemies, His Blood He has shed for the redemption of the world. His garments the soldiers have divided amongst themselves; nothing therefore remains for Him to bequeath, save His most blessed Mother, and her He leaves to John and to all Christians in his person. He bequeaths this tender Mother to us at the very moment when her soul is pierced by a double-edged sword of grief, and her heart distracted between anguish for the death of her Son, and desire for the salvation of men. O most amiable Redeemer! how precious is the legacy which Thou leavest us in the last hours of Thy life. Whilst Thou art expiring, overwhelmed with ignominy and suffering, Thou dost bestow upon us the happiness of having Thee for our Elder Brother, and Mary for our Mother. I humbly beseech Thee, since Mary is my Mother, to give me grace to regard her as such, and to serve and love her with all the tenderness of a true son.

Take courage, devout soul, lift up thy eyes to our Crucified Jesus, listen to His voice, and hear how lovingly He says to thee, “Son, behold thy Mother.” Look at this Mother with the tenderest feelings of affection, and know that Jesus has placed in her hands all the blessings His mercy is willing to bestow upon us. No one is saved but through Mary, no one receives any blessing but by the hands of Mary, no one obtains pardon but through the intercession of Mary. Gratefully acknowledge the goodness of Jesus, have recourse with confidence to Mary, and let thy conduct be that of a son in her regard.

Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist (1801-1844) 

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