Who wrote the Memorare?

The Memorare is traditionally attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), though modern scholars believe the prayer in its current form dates from the 15th century. It was popularized in the 17th century by Father Claude Bernard, a French priest who distributed thousands of copies throughout France.

What does 'Memorare' mean?

Memorare is a Latin word meaning 'Remember.' It is the first word of the prayer in Latin: 'Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria...' (Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary...). The prayer is named after its opening word, following the ancient tradition of naming prayers by their first word.

Is the Memorare a Catholic prayer?

Yes, the Memorare is a traditional Catholic prayer addressed to the Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession. It is one of the most widely known Marian prayers in the Catholic Church and has been prayed by saints, popes, and ordinary Catholics for centuries.

How long does it take to pray the Memorare?

The Memorare is a very short prayer — it takes less than a minute to pray. This brevity is one of its great strengths: it can be prayed quickly in moments of urgent need, yet its words are rich enough to sustain deep meditation.

Can I pray the Memorare for others?

Absolutely. The Memorare can be prayed for yourself or as an intercession for others. Many Catholics pray it for the sick, the dying, those in spiritual danger, or anyone in urgent need. You can simply add the person's name and intention before or after the prayer.

The Memorare: History, Full Text and How to Pray This Powerful Prayer

The Memorare is a Catholic prayer to Mary attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux — "Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known..." Catholics pray it in urgent need, before exams, during illness, and in novenas; it expresses confident trust in Mary's intercession.

There is a prayer that has been whispered in hospital rooms, prayed in foxholes, recited in moments of desperation and moments of quiet devotion. It begins with a bold claim — "Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided" — and ends with a humble plea for mercy. This is the Memorare, and for centuries it has been the prayer Catholics turn to when they need a mother's help.

The Memorare is short enough to memorize in minutes, yet deep enough to sustain a lifetime of prayer. It is a prayer of absolute confidence in Mary's intercession — not because Mary is God, but because she is the Mother of God, and a mother's prayer for her children is uniquely powerful. As St. Bernard of Clairvaux, to whom the prayer is often attributed, wrote: "She is the Mother of Mercy, and her mercy surpasses all our sins."

The Full Text of the Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy 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.

The Latin Original

Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria, non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro, ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto. Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen.

The History of the Memorare

The Memorare has a fascinating and somewhat complex history. The prayer is traditionally attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), the great Cistercian monk and Doctor of the Church who was renowned for his tender devotion to the Virgin Mary. However, modern scholars believe the prayer in its current form dates from the 15th century, possibly derived from a longer prayer by St. Bernard.

The prayer gained widespread popularity in the 17th century through the efforts of Father Claude Bernard (1588–1641), a French priest known as "the poor priest" for his ministry to prisoners and the condemned. Father Bernard distributed thousands of copies of the Memorare throughout France and credited the prayer with miraculous conversions and healings. He reportedly prayed it 50 times a day.

The prayer spread rapidly through the Catholic world and became especially popular in the United States through the influence of Irish and Italian immigrants who brought their Marian devotions with them. Today, the Memorare is one of the most recognized Catholic prayers in America, taught to children in Catholic schools and prayed by Catholics of all ages.

Word-by-Word Reflection on the Memorare

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary..."

The prayer opens with an appeal to Mary's memory — as if she could forget her children! This is a rhetorical device of love, like a child saying to a mother, "Remember how much you love me." It acknowledges Mary's role as our spiritual mother and her constant awareness of our needs.

"...that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection was left unaided"

This is the bold claim at the heart of the Memorare — a claim based on centuries of Catholic experience. The prayer does not say Mary always gives us what we ask for, but that she never leaves us unaided. Her help may come in unexpected ways, but it always comes. This is the confidence that has sustained Catholics through wars, famines, illness, and every kind of suffering.

"Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee..."

The word "fly" is significant — it suggests urgency, desperation, the flight of a child to a mother's arms. We don't walk calmly to Mary; we run to her. This is the posture of the Memorare: not formal petition, but the urgent cry of a child who needs help now.

"O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions"

"Mother of the Word Incarnate" is one of the most theologically rich titles for Mary. She is not just the mother of Jesus the man, but the mother of the eternal Word of God who became flesh. This title grounds Mary's intercession in the deepest mystery of the faith: the Incarnation. Because she is the Mother of God, her intercession carries unique weight before the throne of her Son.

Famous Stories of the Memorare

One of the most famous stories associated with the Memorare involves Father Patrick Peyton, CSC — the "Rosary Priest" — who was dying of tuberculosis as a young seminarian in 1939. His sister suggested he pray the Memorare. He did, with complete trust, and was miraculously healed. He went on to found the Family Rosary Crusade and coined the phrase "The family that prays together stays together."

During World War II, countless soldiers carried the Memorare in their pockets. Many reported praying it in the moments before battle or when wounded. The prayer became a touchstone of Catholic military chaplaincy, connecting soldiers to their faith and to the Mother of God in the most desperate moments of their lives.

When to Pray the Memorare

In moments of urgent need or crisis
When interceding for others who are suffering
As part of your daily Marian devotion
Before important decisions or challenges
At the bedside of the sick or dying
As a quick prayer throughout the day

"Never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection was left unaided."

— The Memorare

"Mary is the neck of the Mystical Body, through which all graces pass from the Head to the members."

— St. Bernardine of Siena