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Overwhelmed. Conflicted. Drained. Insecure. Angered. Frightened. Confused. Distressed. These words may describe the way you feel lately. There have been many unsettling issues to try to process over the past few months. From the pandemic to racism, the constant flow of facts, fiction and opinions — as well as personal sadness and uncertainty — can throw a person into a whirlwind of emotions. 

Over the centuries, in times like these, many have turned to the Blessed Mother for consolation, hope and intercession. Here are some potentially helpful resources suggested by the Marian Library. More can be found by searching the All About Mary website. 

• Prayers of Saints to Mary, such as the following:
  
  “Most Holy Virgin! Who art the greatest consolation that I receive from God, thou who art the heavenly dew which assuages all my pains, thou who art the light of my soul when it is enveloped in darkness, thou who art my guide in unknown paths, the support of my weakness, my treasure in poverty, my remedy in sickness, my consolation in trouble, my refuge in misery, and the hope of my salvation, hear my supplications, have pity on me, as becomes the Mother of so good a God, and obtain for me a favourable reception of all my petitions at the throne of mercy.” – Saint Germanus 
  
  
• Prayer for Christian Unity by Saint Pope John Paul II
  
  
• Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians
  
  
• Memorare prayer
  
  
• Sub Tuum Praesidium prayer:
  
  We turn to you for protection,
  Holy Mother of God.
  Listen to our prayers
  and help us in our needs.
  Save us from every danger,
  glorious and blessed Virgin.
  
  
• Litany of Our Lady of Hope
  
  
• Devotion to Mary, Untier of Knots
  
  
• The Marian Library’s growing collection documenting Marian devotion during the pandemic includes examples and links to community prayer and devotion all over the world.
  
  
• Our Marianist colleagues in the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, in their 2016 call to action on racism and racial justice, shared this prayer:
  
  Marianist Prayer for Ending Racism
  
  Holy Mary, to whom we have consecrated our lives, we join with you in prayer. We seek the grace and understanding to be converted from the sin of racism that has infected our society for so many years.
  
  Help us not be in denial of the power systems that still give some privileges at the expense of others.
  
  Help us to use our power and influence in our communities, families, schools, parishes, and other institutions to assure appreciation and respect for all cultures.
  
  We are grateful for our call to live and spread the community spirit in which the Body of Christ flourishes and celebrates various gifts and talents. Show us the steps we must take to counteract racism.
  
  We pray in the name of Jesus, asking your intercession.
  
  Amen.

_{The image displayed, Mary in Anguish by Edward B. Ostendorf, is from the Marian Library's collections.}