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Eighteenth Rose
 
Into the habit of saying a Hail Mary at the beginning of their sermons.

Eighteenth Rose

The Hail Mary Blessings

THIS HEAVENLY SALUTATION draws down upon US the blessings of Jesus and Mary in abundance, for it is
an infallible truth that Jesus and Mary reward in a marvelous way those who glorify them. They
repay us a hundredfold for the praises that we give them. "I love them that love me that I may
enrich them
that love me and fill their treasures."1 Jesus and Mary have
always said: "We love those who love us; we enrich them and
fill their treasuries to overflowing." "He who soweth in blessings, shall also reap blessings."2
Now, if we say the Hail Mary properly, is not this a way to
love, bless and glorify Jesus and Mary?
In each Hail Mary we bless both Jesus and Mary: "Blessed
art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus."
By each Hail Mary we give Our Lady the same honor that
God gave her when He sent the Archangel Gabriel to greet her for Him. How could anyone possibly
think that Jesus and Mary, who often do good to those that curse them; could ever curse those
that bless and honor them by the Hail Mary?
Both Saint Bernard and Saint Bonaventure say that the Queen of Heaven is certainly no
less grateful and conscientious
than gracious and well mannered people of this world. Just as she excels in all other 'perfections,
she surpasses us all in the 'virtue of gratitude; so she would never let us honor her with love and
respect without repaying us one hundredfold. Saint Bonaventure says that Mary will greet us with
grace if we greet her with the Hail Mary.
Who could possibly understand the graces and blessings
which the greeting and tender regard of Our Lady effect in us?
From the very first instant that Saint Elizabeth heard the greeting that the Mother of God gave
her, she was filled with the Holy Spirit and the child in her womb -leaped for joy. If we
1Prov. 8;17,21.
Cor. 9:6.

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