The Virgin with Angels, by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1900

Prayer for Every Need of Motherhood

Cherished Virgin, heaven’s queen,
Chosen before all women to be the mother of
The Son of God, Mary, my mother,
Who in your maternity so sanctified the state
Of holy motherhood,
Imploringly I come to you;
Humbly I beseech you;
Confidently I trust in you.
I know that, by your powerful intercession,
You can help me in my need.
In you I take refuge, dear Virgin,
Poor and needy, I turn devoutly to you
And place confidently in your hands.
Accept my humble trust, hear my petitions,
And come to my aid, dear Mother of Mothers.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
Be it done to me according to your word!

(From the book Mothers’ Manual,
by A. Francis Coomes, S.J.)