We are called to do Works of Mercy. One of the Corporal Works of Mercy is tocomfort prisoners, in any way. Captured prisoners are fettered and chained. Slaves also are bound in chains. Chains bind those who are guilty. The chain can bind externally but also internally. Each sin is like a chain that binds a person. However, there is also a chain that does not bind. This chain is called the rosary. Conversely, when used, it releases internal bonds and one can become free “like a bird”.
Mother Alphonse Marie [MAM] encourages us: “Even if our sinfulness were ever so great, we would find forgiveness at Mary’s feet.” The Blessed Mother at Fatima asked three children, and through them also us, to pray the rosary for the conversion of sinners. MAM, long before the revelation of the Virgin Mary, recommended the recitation of the Rosary as a salvation for sinners and as a protection against falling into sin.
Therefore, we prove our love for Mary through prayer, and particularly through praying the rosary. MAM was amazed: “How many graces one receives through the rosary! At each Hail Mary, we greet her with a double greeting, and receive a jewel in our crown each time.” Then, she continues: “Pray continually for the conversion of sinners and recommend them, in a particular way, to the beloved Mother of God. Your prayers will be heard.”In order to honor the Blessed Virgin, Mary worthily, we pray with purity of heart and pay attention to the words with which we greet the Blessed Virgin. We turn to her in longer prayers like the rosary, as well as in shorter prayers like: Hail, Mary of Mercy… O Mary, do not leave us… Mary, help us in life and death… Hail, Queen of Mercy… Mary, accept us as your children and protect us… O Mary, with every beat of our heart we want to come closer to you.
We are told to imitate Our Lady’s virtues. The deepest reason for this is the fact that we are Mary’s children and she is our mother. If we pray to the Blessed Virgin, she will protect us under her cloak.
According to MAM, the Blessed Virgin has a role as an intercessor. She intercedes for those who turn to her and obtains graces for themfrom her Divine Son or from the Father. She prays for those who are recommended to her by Christians who trust in her. “Mary is too good; she cannot act otherwise; she can refuse nothing; her love is too great. We are indebted to Mary for everything; she is our refuge.” She also intercedes with her Son for people in critical situations.
MAM did not ask the Blessed Virgin herself to avert disasters or punishment or grant the graces which definitely come from God. “The hour of grace will come for the souls that you want to save; your prayers, your sighs of love, will obtain this grace from Jesus and Mary.” Mary intercedes for the people; she is not herself the direct reason for the graces that are granted. She intercedes with her Son or with God so that the graces that are required may be granted. “O my divine Bridegroom, even should You refuse to hear me, You will not refuse your mother, who is also my mother.” Here we have a Christocentric view of Mary’s role. (Cf. Winling R.: A Shining Light, pg. 180-181)