"
In his Second Life of St. Francis, 198, Thomas of Celano describes the love of St. Francis
for the Mother of Jesus as "inexpressible," for "it was she who made the
Lord of majesty our brother." This simple litany describes Mary's role in the plan of
salvation and uses many titles that were familiar to the medieval Christian to praise her
unique position. Francis clearly perceives and presents the Virgin Mary as the model for
every Christian who responds to the virtuous presence of God in their life. The Classics
of Western Spirituality - Francis & Clare the Complete works p. 149 )
Hail, O Lady,
Mary, holy Mother of God:
you are the Virgin made Church
and the one chosen by the
most holy Father in heaven
whom He consecrated
with His most holy beloved Son
and with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete,
in whom there was and is
the fullness of grace and every good
Hail His Palace!
Hail His Tabernacle!
Hail His Home!
Hail His Robe!
Hail His Servant!
Hail His Mother!
And (hail) all you holy
virtues which through the grace and light of the Holy Spirit are poured into the hearts of
the faithful so that from their faithless state you may make them faithful to God.
AMEN