Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy 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.
CATHOLIC 15TH CENTURY AD
The Memorare
Also known as Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary
About this prayer
The Memorare is a Marian prayer of petition asking for Mary's intercession. Its opening word in Latin, 'Memorare,' means 'Remember.' The prayer addresses Mary directly, recalling that no one who has sought her intercession has been left unaided, and asks her to hear and answer the petitioner's request. The prayer is traditionally attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153 AD), but this attribution is not supported by evidence; no version of the prayer appears in Bernard's writings. The earliest known form dates to the 15th century. The prayer was popularized in the 17th century by Claude Bernard, a French priest who distributed it widely among the poor of Paris. It became one of the most commonly said Catholic Marian prayers following this wider distribution.
When it's said
The Memorare is said in private devotion, particularly in times of urgent need or difficulty. It is included in many Catholic prayer books as a standard Marian prayer and is taught in Catholic schools and parishes. It has no fixed liturgical position but is recommended in many devotional guides for daily use.
Notes on the text
The attribution to St. Bernard of Clairvaux is traditional but unfounded. The prayer's actual origin is unknown. The phrase 'Virgin of virgins' is a Marian title from the Litany of Loreto. The Latin original begins 'Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria.'
Common questions
What does 'Memorare' mean?
'Memorare' is Latin for 'Remember.' It is the first word of the prayer in its original Latin form: 'Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria...' Following ancient liturgical custom, the prayer takes its name from its opening word. The English version begins 'Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,' which preserves the same opening.
Did Saint Bernard write the Memorare?
Tradition long attributed the Memorare to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153 AD), but the attribution is doubtful. The prayer in its modern form does not appear in any manuscript before the 15th century AD and is more securely attributed to the French priest Claude Bernard (1588-1641 AD), known as 'the poor priest,' who popularized it through prayer cards distributed in 17th-century France. The similarity of the two names contributed to the confusion.
When is the Memorare typically said?
The Memorare is one of the most widely prayed Marian prayers in Catholic devotion outside the Rosary. It is commonly said in moments of personal difficulty, before important decisions, or as part of daily Marian prayer. Some Catholics have a custom of praying nine Memorares in succession (a 'Memorare Novena') in urgent intentions, particularly when seeking the Virgin Mary's intercession in a time of crisis.
Source
Traditional Catholic prayer, 15th century origin. Text from F.X. Lasance, The Blessed Sacrament Book, 1913. Public domain.
Last reviewed: May 2026 against primary source.