# The twelve privileges of the Virgin Mary
*2015-11-15*

> Bill Young introduces a unique devotion centered on the twelve stars and the twelve privileges of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as revealed to Servant of God Mother Mary Constance.

## The Origin of the Devotion

Today's prayer focuses on the devotion of the twelve stars. This special and unique prayer comes from the Servant of God, Mother Mary Constance, the foundress of the Adoring Handmaids of the Most Holy Sacrament in Bologna, Italy. On June 30, 1939, she wrote in her diary about a private revelation in which the Most Holy Virgin taught her about the devotion of the twelve privileges. Our Lady ordered her to make it known and to propagate it, as it delights her heart to have these privileges remembered and meditated upon mentally, reciting a Hail Mary and a prayer of praise for each one.

## The Early Privileges: Predestination and Purity

The devotion begins with the first privilege: the predestination of Mary. Even before the world was born, the Mother of God already existed in the mind of the Creator. The Divine Father planned His work of creation from eternity, preparing the Mother for His Son. We pray for the grace to welcome and fulfill the design of love the Father has for each of us.

The second privilege is the Immaculate Conception. As promised in Eden, the morning star of redemption appeared in Mary, allowing the mercy of the Most High to overflow and reconciliation with God to begin. The third privilege is Mary's submission to God's will. Like Jacob's ladder uniting heaven and earth, Mary's will was lovingly linked to the Lord's, making her soul a paradise of delight for her Son.

The fourth privilege is her intimate holiness. Mary's holiness was a golden fabric woven from perfect faithfulness to her duties in a simple state of life. We look to her as a model to save us from the hypocrisy of false virtues and to teach us true humility.

## The Incarnation and Divine Maternity

The fifth privilege is the Annunciation. When greeted by the Archangel Gabriel, Mary was immersed in prayer, her soul radiating adoration and love. The sixth privilege is her Divine Maternity. Consecrated as the Mother of God by the Holy Spirit, she was filled with the happiness of the Father. We ask the Mother of the Word to prepare us to accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that we may become obedient children of the Church.

The seventh privilege is her perfect virginity. As a pure vessel, Mary is the shining glory of all creatures. Those who entrust themselves to her care can likewise become loving temples of God.

## The Passion and Glorification

The eighth privilege is the compassion of her heart. Mary stood by the cross, uniting her heart with the beats of her Son's heart to form a single victim of expiation. The ninth privilege celebrates Mary rejoicing at the Resurrection and Ascension. Jesus poured His grace upon her in abundance, and she witnessed the exultation of her Son.

The tenth privilege is the Assumption. When her earthly life ended, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit assumed her body and soul into heavenly glory. She remains with us now, acting with motherly tenderness on our journey toward heaven.

## The Power of Intercession

The final privileges focus on the mediation and intercession of Mary. The crown of twelve stars reminds us of these privileges. Mary receives graces from the primary source—Jesus—and transmits them to her children. Her generosity in giving only increases her riches. We welcome her universal maternity and consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart.

*By meditating on the twelve privileges of Mary, we can better understand her unique role in salvation history and draw closer to the Holy Trinity through her intercession.*