O Saint Maria,
while you lived among us,
you showed us that obedience to the will of God
is the path to the Kingdom of heaven.
Though the world was engulfed in war
and had forgotten the ways of God,
you never ceased to care for the sick,
the homeless, the weak and the spiritually lost.
You did not let the coldness of hatred enter into your being,
but showed compassion toward all God’s children.
Now, O faithful witness of Christ our God,
look down from your heavenly abode
upon those who raise their voice to you in prayer.
Intercede for us before the Throne of God,
that we may be strengthened in love for God
and love for our neighbor.
Grant us the grace to see God’s image in every human being.
Through word and deed,
you taught us to be patient in suffering,
joyful in time of adversity,
and to put one’s trust in God’s providence at all times,
at every place and in each circumstance during our lifetime.
Grant us to see our countless voluntary and involuntary sins.
Renew our faith and trust in the Living God and His forgiveness.
At the hour of our death,
take us by the hand,
granting us the courage to stand
before the awesome judgement seat of Christ.
May we be counted worthy of the joy of the eternal Kingdom
awaiting all those who love Christ with their whole hearts.
Amen.
(Say the above prayer 3 times.
We extol you, O holy Martyr Maria,
and we honour your precious sufferings,
which you endured for the sake of Christ our God.