We share a little advice from Blessed Oglerio of Locedio, (c. 1136-1214) a medieval Italian abbot of our Order: “O bride of Christ, and you, monk of the Mother of the Most High, you who have come to partake in the Order of Our Lady and consecrated yourself as a Cistercian religious- say, together with every people and tribe and tongue, with the angel Gabriel and with Elizabeth the mother of the Prophet of the Most High:
Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
For if you so bless the blessed fruit of Mary’s womb, with pure heart and conscience, you will surely be blessed by Him on the day of his coming in peace. Nothing is more gracious to His virgin mother than to bless the blessed fruit of her womb. If then you wish to be loved by Mary, the Mother of your Savior, say this prayer often with your lips and ever in your heart.”
(Passage selected from “Ogier of Locedio: Homilies in Praise of God’s Holy Mother” translated by D. Martin Jenni, Cistercian Fathers Series #70, Cistercian Publications.)
Holy Blessings,
Your brothers of New Clairvaux
#BVM #Mary #HailMary #cistercian #trappist #monks #Christ #Savior
