# O Mary, Stay With Us, Your Children – A Prayer by St. John Paul II
*2016-10-09*

> Bill Young reflects on Columbus Day, the feast of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, and shares the beautiful prayer “O Mary, stay with your children” composed by St. Pope John Paul II.

## Welcome and Context

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Monday, October 12th—Columbus Day. I hope everyone enjoys a restful day, especially those who have the day off. I’m grateful to have attended Saturday’s Mass with Archbishop [unclear] in Wisconsin; the warm South‑Florida weather reminded me of Jesus preaching on a hill, with the crowd seeking shade under a tree. Some things really haven’t changed in two thousand years.

## Feast of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos

Today is also the feast day of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos (1819‑1867). Born in southern Bavaria, he studied philosophy and theology in Munich and later joined the Redemptorists. He came to the United States in the 1840s, and during the Civil War he met President Lincoln to try to stop the draft of his seminarians. In the year 2000 Pope John Paul II beatified him, and he is now honored as Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos.

## The Prayer “O Mary, Stay With Your Children”

Now I’d like to share the prayer written by St. Pope John Paul II, titled “O Mary, stay with your children.”

O Mary, you who crushed the head of the evil one, do not allow us to give in. Do not let us be defeated by evil, but grant that we may defeat evil with good. The Eternal Father bows to you, victorious in your immaculate conception, victorious by the power of God Himself, by the power of grace. The Son, who is of the same substance as the Father, and your Son, crucified and risen, bows to you. The power of the Most High embraces you—the Holy Spirit, the Advocate of sanctity. The inheritance of sin is foreign to you; you are full of grace. In you the Kingdom of God is established, and in you the new future of humanity—a redeemed humanity, free from sin—is established. May this future penetrate the darkness that covers the earth and overshadows human hearts.

Mary, stay with us, your children. You heard the annunciation of the angels; the canticle of praise is your tongue. God placed His Son in your arms. The grace of the Holy Spirit dwells in your heart, the light of the Holy Spirit rests upon your head, and beneath your feet the defeated evil one lies.

Pray for us to the Redeemer of humanity, that He may ransom us from sin and from all that enslaves us, and may unite us with faithful love to the Church and to the pastors who guide her. Show your maternal love to the poor, to those who suffer, and to all who seek the Kingdom of your Son. We thank you with all our hearts for the gift of faith, and we glorify the Father of mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

## Closing Blessing

God bless you all, and have a wonderful Columbus Day.

*May Mary’s maternal presence guide us to overcome evil with good and lead us into the light of Christ.*