# O Mary, Stay with Us, Your Children – A Prayer on the Feast of St. John Paul II
*2016-10-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. John Paul II and shares the papal prayer “O Mary, stay with your children,” while also speaking about the Church’s defense of the unborn.

## Remembering St. John Paul II

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today, October 22, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Pope John Paul II. He was born in Poland, endured World War II, entered the seminary in secret, and was ordained a priest in 1946. He later became bishop of Kraków, then Pope John Paul II, traveling to more than 120 countries. I was fortunate to attend his Mass in South Florida, although the liturgy was cancelled because of lightning; still, seeing his Popemobile was a memorable experience. John Paul II was known for his efforts to foster dialogue among Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, recognizing the State of Israel and building bridges with Muslim communities.

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

John Paul II composed a beautiful prayer to the Blessed Virgin, asking her to protect us in times of evil. I will pray it now:

“O Mary, you who crushed the head of the evil one, do not allow us to give in to evil; grant that we may defeat evil with good. God the Eternal Father bows before you, victorious in your Immaculate Conception, by the power of His grace. The Son, consubstantial with the Father, crucified and risen, bows before you. The Holy Spirit, advocate of sanctity, embraces you. You are full of grace; in you the Kingdom of God is established, and the redeemed humanity of the future is founded. May this future shine into the darkness that covers the earth and the hearts of men.

Mary, you who know us, stay with us, your children. The angels’ hymn is in your ears, the canticle of praise on your tongue. The child of God rests in your arms; the cross of Christ is in your heart. The fire of the Holy Spirit rests upon you, and beneath your feet the defeated evil one lies.

Pray for us to the Redeemer, that He may ransom us from sin and slavery. Unite us with the faithful, the Church, and its pastors. Show your motherly love to the poor, the suffering, and all who seek the Kingdom of your Son.

We thank you, Mother of Mercy, through your Son Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

## Reflections on Life and the Unborn

In recent days I have spoken about the protection of the unborn, a cause dear to the Church. Pope Francis reminds us that every human life is sacred, and that the Church must defend the most vulnerable. While I do not wish to enter partisan politics, I affirm that abortion is a grave moral evil. The only moral exception, in my conscience, is when the life of the mother is in imminent danger, and even then it must be decided by competent medical professionals and the family.

I have known women who have suffered miscarriages and later welcomed healthy children; I have also known a friend who, before converting to Catholicism, confessed having had three abortions and now lives in deep remorse. I pray for all who have had abortions, that they may encounter God’s mercy and be reconciled to Him. The Church, through the sacrament of reconciliation, offers forgiveness and healing.

## Closing Prayer and Blessing

We conclude by invoking Mary, the Blessed Virgin, Queen of Heaven and Earth, to intercede for peace in the world and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to guide us. May the saints—John Paul II, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Patrick, and all the angels—join us in prayer. May St. Michael the Archangel protect us, and may our guardian angels watch over us each day.

May the Holy Spirit give us wisdom, and may we always praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God in three Persons. In my final breath, I pray that I may remain faithful to Mary, the Mother of God, and to all the saints. God bless you all, and may St. John Paul II intercede for us in this time of need.

*May Mary’s presence protect us as we confront evil and uphold the dignity of every human life.*