What Is the Memorare (and Why It Matters)

The Memorare is a beloved Marian prayer that expresses childlike trust in Mary’s intercession. The Latin word memorare means “remember,” and the prayer begins with an invitation to Our Lady to “remember” us in our need. It doesn’t ask Mary to grant requests on her own power; rather, it recognizes her unique closeness to Jesus and asks for her maternal prayers on our behalf. In Catholic life, turning to Mary never replaces intimacy with Christ—it deepens it. Mary’s whole mission is to lead us to Him.

Catholics pray the Memorare for many reasons: for peace in anxious seasons, for discernment, for healing, for a struggling child or marriage, or simply to rest in the reminder that heaven is near. Because it’s short and rhythmic, it’s easy to memorize and pray anywhere—between meetings, while rocking a baby, or on a quiet walk. Many people keep the words visible on their desk or mug to gently prompt prayer throughout the day.

Full Text of the Memorare

(Common English version)

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

You’ll find slight variations across prayer books or parishes—minor wording changes that keep the same meaning. If you already know one version, feel free to keep praying it. God hears the heart.

How to Pray the Memorare (Step-by-Step)

1. Make a simple intention. Name the person or situation. Offer it to Jesus, asking Mary to pray with you.
2. Pray the words slowly. Let phrases like “never was it known” and “O Mother of the Word Incarnate” sink in. Pause where you feel moved.
3. Add an aspiration. After the “Amen,” linger with a short line such as “Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray for us.”
4. Repeat daily. Many families pray the Memorare at bedtime or after grace at meals. Consistency builds peace.
5. Bring it into the hard moments. Waiting in a doctor’s office, before a big conversation, or when you wake up at night—these are beautiful times to turn to Mary.

Though very short, the Memorare Catholic prayer is a doorway to deeper trust. Over time, you’ll notice how it centers the heart and reorients your worries toward Christ’s mercy.

What the Memorare Teaches (Catholic Theology in Simple Language)

The Memorare quietly expresses several core Catholic truths about Mary and prayer:

• Mary is Mother. Jesus entrusted His disciples to Mary (John 19:26–27). The prayer addresses her as mother so we can approach Christ with a child’s confidence.
• Mary intercedes. We ask Mary to pray for us. All grace flows from God through Christ; Mary’s intercession is a loving participation in His work.
• Trust, not magic. “Never was it known” is not a guarantee of getting our way; it’s hope rooted in God’s steadfast mercy. Mary always brings us to the best answer—God’s will.
• Incarnation at the center. Calling Mary “Mother of the Word Incarnate” keeps Jesus—true God and true man—at the heart of our prayer.

If you’re building a simple home prayer routine, the Memorare fits gently alongside the Rosary, Morning Offering, or a short Scripture verse taped to the fridge. Small, repeatable moments of prayer have a way of reshaping our days.

A Brief History: From St. Bernard to St. Francis de Sales

The precise origins of the Memorare are a bit mysterious, but tradition often associates the text with St. Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century) and later with popularization by St. Francis de Sales (16th–17th century), who commended it as a powerful help in trials. However it first took shape, the prayer spread because it resonated with ordinary Catholics: a clear, tender appeal to Our Lady’s care.

Over centuries, saints and everyday believers have testified to the peace that comes from this simple act of trust. The Memorare isn’t a relic of the past—it’s a living prayer that continues to anchor families and parishes today.

“Concluding Prayer of the Memorare”: What People Mean

You’ll sometimes hear someone ask about the “concluding prayer of the Memorare.” Strictly speaking, the Memorare ends with “Amen.” But in practice, Catholics often conclude the Memorare with a brief invocation or blessing, such as:

• “Mary, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us.”
• “Our Lady of Sorrows, comfort us.”
• “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” (from the Hail Mary)

These are not new parts of the prayer, but loving ways to seal it. If you’re praying the Memorare in a group, a leader might add, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” (the Miraculous Medal invocation). Feel free to add a brief aspiration that matches your intention.

When to Pray the Memorare: Everyday Examples

Because it’s short and accessible, the Memorare shines in ordinary life. Here are a few moments when many Catholics find it especially meaningful:

• Before tough conversations. Ask Mary to soften hearts and guide your words.
• During anxiety or insomnia. Repeat the prayer slowly as you breathe, resting in the line “despise not my petitions.”
• In family worries. For a child who struggles, a spouse discerning work, or a loved one far from the Church—place them under Mary’s mantle.
• At work or school. Pray quietly before an exam, meeting, or new project.
• In grief. When words fail, borrowing the Church’s words gives us a way to keep praying.

You can also pray a Memorare novena (nine days of Memorares) for a specific intention. Some Catholics pray multiple Memorares each day for pressing needs, trusting that persistent prayer opens the heart to God’s will.

Family Ideas: Teaching Kids the Memorare

For little ones, repetition is everything. Choose one time a day—after dinner, before school, or at bedtime—and pray the Memorare together. Invite children to name who they want to pray for, and let them decorate a card with the prayer text for the fridge or family altar.

If you’re building a small prayer corner, consider adding kid-friendly saint resources and picture books that keep Mary visible in their world. You’ll find sweet, sturdy options in our Board Books collection that help toddlers and readers alike connect faith with daily life.

Memorare at a Glance

Printable & Gifts to Keep the Memorare Close

Keeping prayer visible makes it easier to pray. If you want a daily nudge toward hope, we love the idea of a favorite mug or small print by the sink or workspace. Our Memorare Prayer Mug wraps your morning routine with the words you love—perfect for those quick, heartfelt prayers between tasks.

You can also pair the Memorare with simple Scripture decor from our Bible Verse Scripture Gifts to set a peaceful tone in the home, gently reminding family members that Mary always leads us to Jesus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to pray the Memorare directly to Mary instead of to God?

Yes—with an important distinction. We ask Mary to pray for us and bring our petitions to Jesus. All prayer is ultimately ordered to God. Honoring Mary never replaces worship of God; it helps us cling to Christ more closely.

Is there a special time or place to pray the Memorare?

Anytime is good. Many Catholics pick one daily moment—a commute, lunch break, or bedtime—and pray it there. It’s also a comfort during urgent needs, hospital visits, or moments of fear.

What is the “concluding prayer of the Memorare”?

The Memorare ends with “Amen.” In common use, people often conclude it with a short invocation like “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” Think of it as a loving add-on, not a required line.

Can I include the Memorare in a novena?

Absolutely. You can pray the Memorare for nine days for a specific intention, or combine it with other prayers. Consistency is more important than length—keep it simple and faithful.

How does the Memorare relate to the Rosary?

Both are Marian and Christ-centered. The Rosary is a meditative Scripture prayer; the Memorare is a brief petition of trust. Many people pray a Memorare at the end of the Rosary for special intentions.

What if I only remember part of the words?

Pray what you remember and return to the full text when you can. God sees your heart. Repetition over time will help the words settle in.

In Closing

The Memorare is a small prayer with a big promise: you are not alone. When you pray, Mary prays with you and always leads you to her Son. Keep the words close, pray them often, and let their rhythm become the heartbeat of trust throughout your day. If you’d like a daily reminder in the sweetest, most practical form, you’ll love our Memorare Prayer Mug—a quiet way to let grace greet you every morning.

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