# For the plight of Iraq and Syria Christians: The devotion of the three Hail Marys
*2015-10-19*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of the North American martyrs and introduces a powerful Marian devotion intended to seek protection and salvation, specifically offering prayers for Christians in Iraq and Syria.

## The First Martyrs of North America

Today is Monday, October 19th, the feast day of the first martyrs in North America: St. Isaac Jogues, St. Jean de Brébeuf, and their companions. In the mid-17th century, these men traveled from France to Quebec, where they and their companions were martyred. We remember their sacrifice today as we enter into a time of special prayer.

## Prayers for Iraq and Syria

We are dedicating our prayers today to our fellow Christians in Iraq and Syria. The plight there is deep, and the suffering of the Christians is heavy and frightening. We ask the Lord to grant them peace and stability, so that they may live with one another without fear or anxiety, but with dignity and joy. Glory to You forever. Amen.

## The Purpose of Our Existence

In considering our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we must first ask: Why did God create us? He created us that we may know, love, and serve Him in this life, and that we may rejoice in Him in paradise. Jesus once asked what a person would gain by winning the whole world and forfeiting his life. This reminds us that the most important concern in this life is eternal salvation.

## The Devotion of the Three Hail Marys

If we wish to be saved, one sure way is to be devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The salvation of the world begins through her, and through her it must be accomplished. She is the direct, immaculate way to Jesus and the perfect guide to Him.

This short and simple devotion was revealed by Mary, the Mother of God. It consists of reciting three Hail Marys every day. The first is to thank the Eternal Father for having made Mary Almighty in heaven and on earth. The second is to honor the Son of God for giving her knowledge and wisdom that overcame that of all saints and angels, and for bathing her in such splendor as to light up paradise like a shining sun. The third is to honor the Holy Spirit for rekindling in her heart the most ardent flames of His love and making her so good and gracious.

## Promises and Practice

The Virgin Mary offers special promises to those who practice this devotion. She promises that at the hour of death, she shall be with the faithful, comforting them and keeping them away from evil forces. She promises to fill the soul with the light of faith and knowledge so that one is not tempted by ignorance, and to fill the soul with holiness and divine love so that the pain and bitterness of death are transformed into great sweetness.

To practice this, one may pray every morning and evening: 'Mary, mother of Jesus, my mother, defend me from the sneers of the devil during my life, and in particular at the hour of death, through the power that has been granted to you by the Eternal Father.' This is followed by the three Hail Marys, each dedicated to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

*Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary serves as the most direct and immaculate guide to Jesus and a sure path toward eternal salvation.*