Prayers for all Occasions, Needs, and Intentions

The Flight into Egypt

II. The Flight into Egypt

Consider the sharp sorrow which Mary felt when, St. Joseph being warned by an angel, she had to flee by night in order to preserve her beloved Child from the slaughter decreed by Herod.

What anguish was hers, in leaving Judea, lest she should be overtaken by the soldiers of the cruel king! How great her privations in that long journey! What sufferings she bore in that land of exile, what sorrow amid that people given to idolatry!

But consider how often thou has renewed that bitter grief of Mary, when thy sins have caused her Son to flee from thy heart. Wherefore repent, and turn to her, humbly saying:

Sweetest Mother, once and once only Herod obliged thee to fly with thy Jesus, to escape the slaughter which he had commanded; but I, how often have I forced my Redeemer, and thee with Him, to fly from my heart, when I have admitted into it accursed sin, hateful to thee and to my loving Lord. With tears and contrition, I humbly sue for pardon. Mercy, dear Lady Mine, mercy! and I promise thee that, for the future, with the help of God, I will ever maintain my Savior and thee in complete possession of my soul. Amen.

V. Hail Mary, etc.;

R. Holy Mary, etc.

V. Virgin Most Sorrowful

R. Pray for us.