# Prayer and Solidarity: O Mary, Stay with Your Children
*2022-10-07*

> Bill Young reflects on the prayer “O Mary, Stay with Your Children,” written by Pope John Paul II, and offers it as a source of hope for those who suffer, especially prisoners.

## Introducing the Prayer

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young, and welcome to this episode of Prayer and Lunch. Today we pray a beautiful prayer composed by Pope John Paul II titled “O Mary, Stay with Your Children.” The image that accompanies it shows a hand that looks like a prisoner’s, reminding us that many people of faith are confined and suffering around the world.

## The Prayer to Mary

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 down to you, victorious in your Immaculate Conception and by the power of divine grace. The Son, who is of the same substance as the Father, crucified and risen, bows to you. The Holy Spirit, advocate of sanctity, embraces you. The inheritance of sin is foreign to you; you are full of grace. In you the Kingdom of God is established, and the future of redeemed humanity is secured.

May this future penetrate the darkness that covers the earth and clouds human hearts and consciousness. Mary, you know us; stay with your children. You hear the angels’ song, the praise of the Church, the cry of the God‑made child in your arms, the cross upon your tongue, the light and fire of the Holy Spirit upon your head, and beneath your feet the defeated evil one.

## A Prayer for the Suffering

Pray for us to the Redeemer of humanity, that He may ransom us from sin and bind us with the bond of faithfulness. May the Church receive your motherly love, may the poor and those who suffer feel your compassion, and may all who seek the Kingdom of your Son be strengthened.

## Closing Thanksgiving

We thank you, Mary, 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. God bless you all.

*May Mary’s presence bring hope and strength to every prisoner and suffering soul.*