This afternoon, the older four girls and I went to First Saturday confession. I entered the confessional to repeat the same sin I confess month after month after month--"Father, I was impatient with the children." My pastor smiled, telling me (yet again) that he hears this from mothers all the time.
Is it any wonder that today, of all days, I came across this--a Hymn to Our Lady of All Patience (what a title!) written by none other than our beloved St. Louis de Montfort? Here it is, an anthem to Our Blessed Mother suitable for mothers everywhere:
Come to my assistance,
O gentle and divine Mary,
Come to my assistance!
I suffer and groan every day.
Be compassionate to my troubles.
Free me from them, I beg you.
Come to my assistance!
Help me,
You are most merciful,
Help me!
Everything is under your rule.
Give me then some help
Or at least, the gift of patience.
Help me!
Please click here for the next five stanzas of St. Louis' hymn. He really seems to have been suffering when he wrote it, but it is a fine testimony to his faith in Our Lady's love and care.
How timely this is for me, dear Alice. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful prayer!
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | January 06, 2008 at 12:17 AM
"I entered the confessional to repeat the same sin I confess month after month after month--'Father, I was impatient with the children.' "
Could have been words out of my own mouth, but it gives me great comfort to know it's not just me breathing these words in the confessional.
Posted by: Barbara | January 06, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Ah, yes, the gift of patience. More prayers for that needed here too!
Posted by: Michelle | January 06, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Perfect timing for moi aussi!! I love the hymn, it's so beautiful, I'm going to tape it up next to my computer :) Have a wonderful Epiphany today dear lady!
Posted by: Meredith | January 06, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Yes, this is exactly what I needed right this minute. Thank you, Alice.
Posted by: Jeannine | January 06, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Wonderful, I had never heard of this hymn.
Posted by: molly mcgovern | January 06, 2008 at 12:53 PM
This is something I try to be conscious about every single day. It's good to know others have the same issue!
Posted by: patience | January 06, 2008 at 03:11 PM
My expressions of impatience seem to get less and less as the children get older...but I do still feel every one inside; the difference is that wisdom has taught me to keep it to myself. This is less a function of my own self-discipline, as it is an ever developing trust in God's intimate involvement, direction, and providence in their lives. I truly believe in the daily consecrations I make of my children to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She takes over in every instance that I lack. Needless to say poor Woman is very busy in this home! :) BTW, in all the times I've seen you with your children I have never seen you utter ONE impatient word! In fact, you are the model of patience and civility! I think poor Blessed Mother had to walk around my house with ear plugs most of my young motherhood. :( Confession was/is a great source of consolation as I battle(d) this particular offense...often...and I mean OFTEN...!!!! Bloody knees, ya know?
Posted by: Lorraine | January 06, 2008 at 05:03 PM