Memorare Prayer – Latin and English Catholic Prayer to Our Lady

Memorare prayer image – Virgin Mary in prayer with serene expression and golden halo

When you need Mary’s help urgently — in illness, fear, doubt, or any situation that feels impossible — the Memorare prayer is one of the most powerful prayers the Church has ever known. Prayed by saints, missionaries, and sinners alike for over five centuries, it begins with a bold and confident declaration: never has anyone who turned to Mary been left unaided. Pray it with faith, and trust in her intercession.

What Is the Memorare Prayer?

The Memorare is traditionally attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, though it was popularized in the 17th century by Fr. Claude Bernard, a French priest who dedicated his life to helping prisoners condemned to death. He distributed over 200,000 printed copies of this prayer across Europe. St. Francis de Sales prayed it daily, and Mother Teresa taught it to the poorest of the poor as their first prayer to Mary.

This is a prayer for everyone — but especially for those in urgent need.

When Should You Pray the Memorare?

When facing a situation that feels impossible
During illness — your own or a loved one’s
When you feel spiritually lost or far from God
In moments of fear, anxiety, or grief
As a daily act of trust in Mary’s intercession
During the month of May, as a special Marian devotion
Any time you need a mother’s help

The Memorare — In English and Latin

In English (EWTN / Vatican News)

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thine intercession,
was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.

In Latin (traditional text)

Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria,
non esse auditum a saeculo,
quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia,
tua implorantem auxilia,
tua petentem suffragia,
esse derelictum.

Ego tali animatus confidentia,
ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro,
ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto.

Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere;
sed audi propitia et exaudi.
Amen.

The Memorare is a prayer of deep trust in the intercession of the Virgin Mary. It reminds us that no one who turns to her with faith is abandoned, and invites us to approach her as a loving mother in times of need.

How to Use This Prayer

The Memorare can be prayed anywhere, at any time. Many Catholics pray it three times in a row for urgent intentions. It can be added to the end of the Rosary, prayed before Mass, or used as a quick but powerful call to Our Lady in any moment of need. During May, it is a beautiful daily offering to honor the Mother of God.