# Petition to Our Lady of Suffrage on the Feast of St. Mariana of Jesus
*2016-04-26*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. Mariana of Jesus and leads a heartfelt petition to Our Lady of Suffrage, invoking her aid for the living and the souls in purgatory.

## St. Mariana of Jesus – The Lily of Quito

St. Mariana of Jesus was a young Ecuadorian saint who died at the age of 28. She devoted her entire life to the Eucharist, receiving communion daily, and performed many miracles, including raising a woman from the dead. During a great plague in Quito, she offered herself to God for the salvation of her city; the plague ceased, and she died a few days later. After her death a white lily was found on her body, earning her the title “Lily of Quito.” She is the patroness of Ecuador.

## Petition to Our Lady of Suffrage

Most sweet Virgin Mary, who, in your goodness, allows us to invoke you under the title Our Lady of Suffrage, turn your merciful gaze toward us. Transform our lukewarm lives into a fervent love of God, that we may never be separated from you. We commend to you, O Mother of God, the souls of our dearly departed relatives and friends, whom we still love. Watch over them, console them in their suffering, and obtain for them forgiveness and the joy of eternal blessings.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

O most holy Virgin of Suffrage, with firm trust we implore your help at the hour of death. Grant us the grace of purification, sincere contrition, and the vision of God. As the gate of paradise, shorten the anxious time of souls in purgatory so that they may be welcomed into the heavenly family.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory

Our Lady of Suffrage, through the love you bear for Jesus, we beseech you with all our hearts to be our mother forever. If we ever find ourselves in purgatory, be our sweet hope and powerful advocate before the Lord. Do not allow those still on earth to forget us in their prayers. We especially ask you to have particular affection for the abandoned souls in purgatory, whose loved ones have failed to intercede for them. Inflame our hearts with compassion for them, that they may soon be united with God. Hear this humble prayer, O intimate and beloved one of the heart of God, and grant that one day we may all love and praise God together in union with you for all eternity. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Prayer for the Faithful Departed – Eugene Barry

Lord, receive the soul of our brother Eugene Barry. May angels accompany him and present him before the Most High. Grant him eternal rest and let your perpetual light shine upon him forever. We commend him to your mercy, asking forgiveness for his sins and that he may live with you forever. Through Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in the mercy of God. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

*May Our Lady of Suffrage intercede for us and for the souls in purgatory, drawing us ever closer to the love of Christ.*