Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi

How, without a systematic study of the doctrine of the Church (a privilege which most Catholics do not have) are Catholics to know their beliefs, if they do not even know the Chruch's prayers.

In light of this observation of mine (take it for what it's worth) we will be examining the Memorare. First let us examine the prayer and articulate what it is actually saying:

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.

The Memorare is at least 500 years old, and its popularity was spread by a French priest with the surname Bernard. This led to the popular assumption that the prayer was written by St. Bernard of Clarivaux, whose theology of Mary we will investigate later this semester.

Please write a brief summary or "translation" if you will, of what this prayer is saying. next time we will begin the process of committing it to memory. Such "prayers of the heart" give utterance to our prayers when words would otherwise escape us.