The Saints on the Power of the Holy Name of Mary

Virgin and Child, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1888.

In Honor of the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, September 12th:

In obedience to Jewish religious practice our Lady's parents named her eight days after her birth. Joachim and Anne were inspired to call her Mary. As the mother of Christ Incarnate, Mary is a powerful intercessor and mediatrix of graces. Invoking her name devoutly is itself a most efficacious prayer. Below are the testimonies of saints and blesseds affirming that when we pronounce the blessed Virgin’s name we proclaim her power, implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection.

Oh name of the mother of God, thou art my love.

— St. Anselm

The name of Mary is the key of the gates of heaven.

 — St. Ephrem

Mary is the salvation of all who call upon her. 

— St. Bonaventure

O most sweet name! O Mary, what must thou thyself be, since thy name alone is thus amiable and gracious.

 — Blessed Henry Suso

In dangers, in perplexities, in doubtful cases, think of Mary, call on Mary; let her not leave thy lips; let her not depart from thy heart.

— St. Bernard

The invocation of the sacred names of Jesus and Mary is a short prayer which is as sweet to the mind, and as powerful to protect those who use it against the enemies of their salvation, as it is easy to remember.

— Thomas a Kempis

Thus we see that the most holy name of Mary is sweet indeed to her clients during life, on account of the very great graces that she obtains for them. But sweeter still will it be to them in death, on account of the tranquil and holy end that it will insure them.

— St. Alphonsus Liguori

May the last movement of my tongue be to pronounce the name of the Mother of God.

— St. Germanus

Blessed is the man who loves thy name, O Mary. Yes, truly blessed is he who loves thy sweet name, O Mother of God! for thy name is so glorious and admirable, that no one who remembers it has any fears at the hour of death.

— St. Bonaventure

I ask thee, O Mary, for the glory of thy name, to come and meet my soul when it is departing from this world, and to take it in thine arms.

— St. Bonaventure

In every danger of forfeiting divine grace, we should think of Mary, and invoke her name, together with that of Jesus; for these two names always go together. O, then, never let us permit these two most sweet names to leave our hearts, or be off our lips; for they will give us strength not only not to yield, but to conquer all our temptations.

— St. Alphonsus Liguori

Jesus. Maria.

— The last words of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, for all who celebrate the glorious Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she may obtain your merciful favor. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.