the-glories-of-mary

0LOEIES OF MART. 487
are not worthy to enjoy the society of a mother
of God; but remember that thou art our mother;
thou hast until now enlightened us in our doubts,
consoled our sorrows, strengthened us in pereecutions,
and how canst thou now abandon us,
leaving us alone without thy comfort in the
midst of so many enemies and so many
We conflicts ?
hare already lost on earth Jesus, our master
and our Father, who has ascended into heaven;
we have since been consoled by thee, our moth
us orphans,
er; and now how canst thou leave
without father or mother ? Oh remain with us,
oh our !
Lady or take us with thee. Thus writes
St. John Damascene.* "No, my children (thus
sweetly the loving queen began to speak) this is
not according to the will of God; content your
selves to do what lie has appointed for you and
for me. To you it yet remains to labor on the
earth for the glory of your Redeemer, and to
perfect your eternal crown. I do not leave you
to abandon you, but to help you more by my in
tercession with God in heaven. Be satisfied.
I commend to you the holy Church; I commend
to you the souls redeemed by my Son; let this
be my last farewell, and the only remembrance
that I leave you. If you love me, labor for
souls, and for the glory of my Son; for we shall
one day meet again in paradise, never more to
separate throughout eternity."
Then she begged them to give burial
to her
body after death, blessed them, and directed St.
* Orat. de Ass. Virg.