Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that any one who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins my Mother;
to thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful;
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy clemency hear and answer me.
The Memorare, from the Latin 'remember' which is the first word in the Latin translation, was traditionally thought to have been composed by the Cisterian St. Bernard of Clairvaux. It was popularized in the 15th century by a French priest, Claude Bernard (who some also attribute its origin). It emphasizes Mary's role as intercessor and her unbroken history of answering the prayer of those who call to her.