Author Topic: Quotes from "The Glories of Mary" by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori (Read 7949 times)

Matto · « **on:** July 12, 2010, 12:58:27 PM »

I saw posted on this forum the suggestion that "The Glories of Mary" by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori "ought to be chucked in the garbage, placed on the Index for sure" because it praises Mary too highly. This made me want to post a few quotes from "The Glories of Mary," one of my favourite books. They are quotes meant to comfort the Catholic devoted to the Blessed Mother and horrify the protestants and those with protestant tendencies. These are from Chapter VIII, section I, Mary delivers her clients form Hell.

"It is impossible for a client of Mary, who is faithful in honouring and recommending himself to her, to be lost."

"Saint Anselm says, 'that as it impossible for one who is not devout to Mary, and consequently not protected by her, to be saved, so it is impossible for one who recommends himself to her, and consequently is beloved by her, to be lost.' Saint Antoninus repeats the same thing and almost in the same words: 'As it is impossible for those from whom Mary turns her eyes of mercy to be saved, so also are those towards whom she turns these eyes, and for whom she prays, necessarily saved and glorified.' Consequently the clients of Mary will necessarily be saved."

"The salvation of those who are not protected by Mary is impossible."

"'All those who are not thy servants, O Mary, will perish.'"

"'He who neglects the service of the Blessed Virgin will die in his sins.'"

"'O mother of God, if I place my confidence in thee, I shall be saved. If I am under thy protection, I have nothing to fear, for the fact of being thy client is the possession of a certainty of salvation, and which God only grants to those whom He intends to save.'"

"God revealed to Saint Catherine of Siena,'that in His goodness, and on account of the Incarnate Word, He had granted to Mary, who was His Mother, that no one, not even a sinner, who devoutly recommends himself to her should ever become the prey of Hell.'"

Trinity · « **Reply #1 on:** July 12, 2010, 01:44:52 PM »

For if thou protect me, dear Mother, I fear nothing; not from my sins, because thou will obtain for me the pardon of them; nor from the devils, because thou art more powerful than all hell together; nor even from Jesus, my Judge Himself, because, by one prayer from thee, He will be appeased.

Mother of Perpetual Help Devotions

Thank you for this, Matto. Have you anymore?

Matto · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2010, 01:49:49 PM »

The entire book is available online from google books here:

The Glories of Mary

It is full of wonderful quotes like the ones I posted and it has many good stories about miracles as well.

Alexandria · « **Reply #3 on:** July 12, 2010, 01:55:35 PM »

The Glories of Mary is a beautiful book. At least once a year, I try to read it. And to think that St. Alphonsus wrote it by hand!

Trinity · « **Reply #4 on:** July 12, 2010, 03:45:17 PM »

Don Bosco experienced his first dream at age nine. He wrote it down in his autobiography. It impressed him so much, he never forgot it. Years later, he could recount the dream exactly as it had happened. In his own words,

“When I was about nine years old, I had a dream that left a profound impression on me for the rest of my life. I dreamed that I was near my home, in a very large playing field where a crowd of children were having fun. Some were laughing, others were playing and not a few were cursing. I was so shocked at their language that I jumped into their midst, swinging wildly and shouting at them to stop. At that moment, a Man appeared, nobly attired, with a manly and imposing bearing. He was clad with a white flowing mantle, and his face radiated such light that I could not look directly at Him. He called me by name and told me to place myself as leader over those boys, adding the words,

‘You will have to win these friends of yours not with blows, but with gentleness and kindness. So begin right now to show them that sin is ugly and virtue beautiful.’

“Confused and afraid, I replied that I was only a boy and unable to talk to these youngsters about religion. At that moment the fighting, shouting and cursing stopped and the crowd of boys gathered about the Man who was now talking. Almost unconsciously, I asked:

‘But how can you order me to do something that looks so impossible?’

‘What seems so impossible you must achieve by being obedient and by acquiring knowledge.’

‘But where, how?’

‘I will give you a Teacher, under whose guidance you will learn and without whose help all knowledge becomes foolishness.’

‘But who are you?’

‘I am the Son of Her whom your mother has taught you to greet three times a day.’

‘My mother told me not to talk to people I don’t know unless she gives me permission. So, please tell me your name.’

“At that moment I saw beside Him a Lady of majestic appearance, wearing a beautiful mantle glowing as if bedecked with stars. She saw my confusion mount; so she beckoned me to her. Taking my hand with great kindness, she said:

‘Look!’

“I did so. All the children had vanished. In their place I saw many animals: goats, dogs, cats, bears and a variety of others.

“`This is your field, this is where you must work.’ the Lady told me. `Make yourself humble, steadfast, and strong. And what you will see happen to these animals you will have to do for my children.’

“I looked again; the wild animals had turned into as many lambs, gently gamboling lambs, bleating a welcome for that Man and Lady.

“At this point of my dream I started to cry and begged the Lady to explain what it all meant because I was so confused. She then placed her hand on my head and said:

‘In due time everything will be clear to you.’

“After she had spoken these words, some noise awoke me; everything had vanished.”

The next day, when he shared this dream with his family, everybody came up with a variety of interpretations of what the dream might have meant. However, his mother zeroed in on the message immediately. She said, “Who knows if some day he may not become a priest?”

clare · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2010, 08:25:50 AM »

I'm reading the Glories of Mary at the moment. Only about 50 pages to go. It's a fine book, though there are one or two questionable things in it. But very worthwhile reading nonetheless.

henry · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2010, 01:54:26 AM »

I've never heard the phrase "client of Mary" before. It sounds weird to my ears because it makes Mary sound like a lawyer.

clare · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2010, 06:40:34 AM »

Quote from: henry

I've never heard the phrase "client of Mary" before. It sounds weird to my ears because it makes Mary sound like a lawyer.

Well, she is our advocate.

Trinity · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2010, 08:08:17 AM »

Sharp thinking, clare.

Trinity · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2010, 06:18:24 PM »

I brought another heart warming story, Matto:

The Accident

I don’t remember much, but I do remember reaching in the back seat of the car and getting my miraculous medal. I don’t know how I did it with all of my broken bones, but I know that I held onto that medal as I was wheeled into the emergency room at Seattle’s Providence Hospital. And I remember praying to the Blessed Mother to save my friend Denise and me.

I also remember a nurse coming into my room a few days later and handing me my medal. “I found this in the emergency room and one of the nurses said that she saw it in your hand when you arrived here on Sunday." She smiled as she placed the miraculous medal in my hand.

I held it in there and prayed and thanked Mary for sparing my life. And I promised that I would do whatever I could to serve and spread the message about the medal. That was many years ago. Denise and I still talk about how truly blessed we are to have survived such a horrific accident, even after being given the last rites. Denise never really talks about her years of therapy, and I know that she has learned to accept the fact that one of her legs had to be amputated. She is an amazing person and friend, and Denise too has dedicated her life to spreading the word and the goodness of Mary, the Blessed Mother.

Matto · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2010, 07:42:18 PM »

I sometimes get sad because I look at all the people who are around me and most of them are very evil, and very few of them are even trying to lead good lives. In my city, I would be surprised if there were more than ten good people, not counting the children who have yet to be corrupted. I worry that they are all bound for Hell. And then I think of the Blessed Mother and how powerful she is. I hope she is working extra hard to save people with many miracles, because without these special miracles, I don't see how anyone could be saved in these evil times. So I pray to her for special miracles and to protect us today in these evil times. With the Church in the state it is in today, we need the Blessed Mother more than ever before.

O Mother of God, please save us.

Trinity · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2010, 07:38:15 AM »

What is the Green Scapular?

The Green Scapular, called by Our Lady, “The Badge of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” was given to the world by the Blessed Virgin Mary through a series of apparitions to Sister Justine Bisqueyburo, a Daughter of Charity, in the early 1840’s in Paris, France. On the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, Sept. 8th, 1840, the Mother of God appeared holding in her right hand her Immaculate Heart, mounted by flames and holding in her other hand a scapular.

The scapular consisted of a simple piece of green cloth, rectangular in shape, hanging from a green string. On one side was an image of Our Lady dressed in a long white gown which reached to her bare feet. Over this she wore a light blue mantle. However, she wore no veil. Instead, her hair hung loosely about her; and in her hands she held her Heart from the top of which gushed abundant flames. Her bearing was enhanced by a majestic beauty all heavenly. On the other side of the scapular was pictured her Immaculate Heart, all ablaze and transparent as crystal, with rays pouring out that appeared more dazzling than the sun. This Heart, pierced with a sword, was encircled by an inscription in the form of an oval and topped by a golden Cross. The inscription read:

“Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us, now and at the hour of our death.”

At the same time an interior voice revealed to Sister Justine that God desired to establish among mankind a more tender and confident appreciation and love of His Most Beloved Mother by means of devotion to her through the title of her Immaculate Heart. When invoked under this title and through this holy image Our Lady would obtain great favors from her Divine Son, especially in the areas of physical health, peace of mind and spiritual conversion. She who is the Refuge of Sinners would particularly obtain the conversion of those who had fallen away from the True Faith, and those poor sinners who had no faith. Mary wanted copies of the scapular made as soon as possible and distributed with great confidence.

Unfortunately there were many delays. Many were caused by the normal and even healthy skepticism of Sister’s superiors and the Church authorities. It takes the discernment of the Church to determine if these apparitions are from Heaven, hell or personal delusion.

Sister suffered much during this time. Finally, after a thorough investigation and careful discernment, the local Bishop approved the apparitions and was ready to permit the spread of this new sacramental. Our Lady, however, had never been clear about certain aspects of this new devotion. Questions needed to be answered. What circuмstances were necessary to make the scapular effective? Was there a special blessing for it? Was there a ceremony for enrolling persons in its use? Were there any obligations for those who used it? Was the scapular for use only by certain groups of people or in certain situations?
To resolve these difficulties it was decided that Sister Justine would ask Our Lady herself what God’s Holy Will was in these matters. Our Blessed Mother replied during an apparition on September 8, 1846 - exactly six years after her initial request for this “Badge of the Immaculate Heart”.

Our Lady replied: This scapular is not like others (it is not the clothing-habit of a confraternity) but merely two holy pictures on a single piece of material. Therefore no special formula is required to bless it or enroll someone in its use. It suffices that it be blessed by a priest and worn by the one whom we desire to benefit by Our Lady’s intercession. If, on the other hand, the person is unable or even unwilling to wear it or carry it, it may even be slipped, unknown to him, into his clothes, bed, room, or possessions etc.

There is only one prayer that needs to be said, at least once a day: “Immaculate heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.” If the person who is the intended beneficiary of the scapular’s use does not say it, then someone else can say it in his place. The Green Scapular may be used anywhere, for anyone. The greatest graces are attached to its use, but these graces are more or less great in proportion to the degree of confidence of the person praying. This was the meaning of the different kinds of rays that fell from the Mother of God’s hands at the last apparition.

Has the Green Scapular devotion been very effective?

Favors obtained by invoking Our Lady under this title have been truly remarkable. The Society of the Green Scapular was formed specifically because of the incredible miracles obtained from Our Heavenly Mother during a brief six-month period. There were miracles of health, peace and conversion. At a major national medical center in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., two people were cured of fatal diseases, just a few days from death! Others were on the verge of ѕυιcιdє. Through the Green Scapular devotion they were given the wisdom to understand why they were so miserable, and the strength to make the changes necessary to bring happiness and hope into their lives. Most importantly, there were truly wonderful graces bringing people in various circuмstances to reconcile themselves to Jesus in the fullness of His Truth and grace. Family and friends, who had fallen away from the Catholic Faith, and even those who never had faith, came to embrace the Sacraments (sometimes after being away a lifetime). People involved in dangerous relationships saw their bad companions change for the better or leave the relationship. Work environments witnessed an increase of purity in speech, modesty in dress and charity in behavior.

These miracles and others are reported in the Society’s newsletter.

What are the obligations of the Society’s members?

The Society’s members are asked to spread awareness and use of the Green Scapular. There are no quotas. There is no pressure to get others to join. As each member prays for, and obtains, favors from the Immaculate Heart of Mary, their fervor to be more active apostles of this extraordinary gift from Heaven will grow with their confidence. The following summarizes what members are asked:

1. Learn about the Green Scapular.

2. Give Green Scapulars to those in need of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

3. Teach others about the Green Scapular and Our Lady’s Society of the Green Scapular. Encourage them to use the Scapular, give it to others, and consider joining the Society.

4. When you pray for your own Green Scapular intentions, Pray also for all the Green Scapular intentions of all the other members of the Society.

5. Grow in Personal Holiness. satan told St. John Vianney (patron saint of parish priests) that if there were just a few more like St. John at that time, hell would lose its grip on the world! The Church and the world are in desperate need of real Saints - and God wants to help you to be one!

What are the goals and purpose of the S.G.S.?
The Society of the Green Scapular exists to promote:

1. The knowledge, awareness and use of the Green Scapular. This sacramental was given to the Church by God Himself to foster a deeper appreciation and love for His Mother throughout the world, and greater confidence in her unique ability to obtain the greatest favors from Her Divine Son

2. Devotion to Jesus and Mary, especially under the title of their “Sacred and Immaculate Hearts”

3. Personal holiness, especially of its members. To this end the Society distributes materials to, and through, it’s members that explain and promote the Green Scapular, devotion to Our Lord and Our Lady, and the benefits to be gained thereby. The Society provides Green Scapulars to all who ask, encouraging them to distribute the scapulars generously and promote its use with great confidence.
Finally, Our Lady stated that the favors she will grant are limited only by the confidence of the people asking for them. An important aspect, therefore, of this Society is that all members are encouraged, whenever they pray for the persons and intentions associated with the Green Scapulars they have personally distributed, to pray for all the Green Scapular intentions of the entire society throughout the world. We have already seen truly wondrous miracles because of the prayers of a relatively small number of people. There is no limit to what Our Lady can obtain from Our Lord Jesus Christ, as the Society grows with faithful members.

At Fatima, Our Lady promised, “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph”. The goal then, of this society - The Society of Her Immaculate Heart - is to assist the hastening of the day of the complete victory of Mary’s Immaculate Heart when she will crush the head of that ancient enemy of God and humanity (Gen. 3:15) and then reign triumphant with Her Son.

How do I obtain Green Scapulars or send in prayer requests for the Society newsletter?

To request prayers especially for a person or intention, send in all appropriate information. People do not need to be members to request prayers or be prayed for. For Green Scapulars, request as many as you need. We ask only that you use all of them and not keep them unused in a purse or a drawer. Some send an offering to offset costs or help the work of the Society. Others send a thanksgiving donation instead, after obtaining their request. While donations are always appreciated they are never necessary.

How do I enroll in Our Lady’s Green Scapular Society?

Send a request specifying the name, address, phone number, and email (if applicable) of each person to be enrolled. Families may be enrolled under a single address, but specify each name. A welcome packet will be sent to each address explaining the Society and its benefits in detail. People should only be enrolled as members with their knowledge and consent.

Should I report any favors obtained by this devotion?

Please report all favors obtained. They might be used, with your permission, in the Society’s newsletter and/or other materials. Please be exact with details (i.e. names, dates, places, medical information if applicable, etc.) if you are reporting a favor obtained. Complete confidentiality will be respected if you desire it, but all facts should be reported clearly.

All Donations are gratefully accepted and eternally rewarded!

Please send all requests or favors obtained to:

SOCIETY OF THE GREEN SCAPULAR

P.O. Box 2284

Front Royal, VA 22630

Trinity · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2010, 02:41:18 PM »

I picked up The Glories of Mary at church today and I am eating my way through. It is indeed a banquet.

Trinity · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2010, 04:03:31 PM »

I was just reading:

..in every fear, in every danger, they immediately cry out, Mother, mother!

Which brought to mind an incident in my life, which verifies it.

This is a long story filled with many miracles, so I will just give an excerpt of it. About 8 years ago, when our grandson, Jacob, was a year and a half old and his little brother, Mattie, was just born, I woke up one morning with the understanding that Jacob wasn't to be left alone that day.

So when I wanted to go speak to my daughter, Dominica, I asked Paul to sit with Jacob while he ate his breakfast. Five minutes later Paul was yelling for us to get in there. He was rushing out the door to get the van while we rushed in to Jacob. He was hanging half out of his high chair and turning blue. Thinking he was choking, we up ended him and pounded on his back while crying, "Mama Mary, Mama Mary, help us." What a relief when he rolled his eyes and spit out the food in his mouth.