August is the month traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It commemorates the joys and sorrows of the Mother of God, her virtues and perfections, her love for God and her Divine Son and her compassionate love for mankind.
August still has three Marian feasts — the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major (also remembering Our Lady of the Snows) on 5 August; the Assumption on 15 August and the Queenship of Mary on 22 August.
The litany gives us an insight into the many roles Mary took on during her life.
Litany of Mary
Widowed mother, Pray for us
Unwed mother, Pray for us
Mother of a political prisoner, Pray for us
Mother of the condemned, Pray for us
Mother of the executed criminal, Pray for us
Breaker of bondage, Lead us to life
Political refugee, Lead us to life
Seeker of sanctuary, Lead us to life
First disciple, Lead us to life
Sharer of Christ’s passion, Lead us to life
Seeker of God’s will, Lead us to life
Witness to Christ’s resurrection, Lead us to life
Woman of grace and truth, Empower us
Woman of wisdom and understanding, Empower us
Woman, pregnant with hope, Empower us
Woman, centred in God, Empower us.
— Joseph Haydn
