Marian Litany

(Composed by Rev Dr Barry Norris for the Feast of the Annunciation 2000,
with acknowledgement to the 1997 Prayer to the Asian Mary)
Mary, you responded in faith to the call of the Spirit to be the mother of Jesus: Teach us to respond generously when the Spirit calls us.
Mary, you proposed a radical transformation of society in the words of the Magnificat: May the Church continue today that work of liberation.
Mary, your song encouraged economic transformation: Help us to witness against the increase of poverty and unemployment and the unjust accumulation of wealth.
Mary, your song sought political transformation: Help us to oppose all political abuses, human rights violations and corruption in government.
Mary, your song sought cultural transformation: Help us to resist all cultural trends that are contrary to the values of genuine humanity.
Mary, you gave birth to Jesus in a stable: Help us to help the homeless and those badly housed.
Mary, together with Joseph, you knew the problems of protecting your child: Inspire us to take steps to protect all children when they can be innocent victims.
Mary, you were a refugee with Joseph and Jesus in Egypt: Motivate us to respond to the plight of refugees and to resolve the problems that create rootless people.
Mary, our sister, who shared and cared for Jesus and Joseph in Nazareth: Help us to perceive what is happening to our families and children.
Mary, our friend, who tended and mended: Help us to reduce the damage to our cultures and environment because of global industrialisation.
Mary, our mother, who protects and bandages the wounded: Help us to make common cause with all marginalized people.
Mary, you tried to understand your Son’s ministry to the marginalized people of your day: Help all Christians to identify with and assist those whom Society rejects.
Mary, with motherly concern you worried about the safety of your Son: Be with all parents who are anxious about family matters for whatever reason.
Mary, you heard with sorrow the news of your Son’s midnight arrest and detention: Be with all whose loved ones have "disappeared" in the middle of the night.
Mary, you witnessed the injustice of your Son’s trial: Help us to uncover and resist all injustice today, especially in our legal systems.
Mary, you saw the connivance of the high priests in the trial and killing of Jesus: Help us to evaluate the thinking and action of the religious institutions among us.
Mary, you stood with the other women by the cross of Jesus until the end and then became our mother: Be with all women who watch and pray in the midst of extreme violence and brutality.
Mary, you rejoiced when your Risen Son appeared to you, you gave confidence and fresh hope to the disciples: Give us courage and hope through faith in the risen Lord Jesus, and give us the strength to persevere.
Mary, you were in the midst of the disciples of Jesus when they received the Holy Spirit, which strengthened them to be a witnessing community: Inspire us to listen to the Holy Spirit in our times; to be a renewed community of sharing and witness.
Mary, loving witness of the gospel of truth and the glory of the Kingdom: Hear us, our Mother.