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"Memorare" means Remember. Today on the date of her birth, I remember my mother, Phyllis Schlafly.
The prayer that my mother said every single day was the Memorare. It is a prayer of consolation and hope. It is a prayer about mothers and motherhood. This prayer feels like an enveloping hug from mom. Shortly before she died, I asked my mother if she would like the Memorare on her funeral prayer card — along with a picture of her favorite painting. Phyllis Schlafly was entranced by the 1897 painting of Madonna and Child by Roberto Ferruzzi and she renamed it, "Baby Loves Mama". Yes, she said that both the prayer and the painting captured her philosophy.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother. To thee 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.
Phyllis Schlafly used this prayer daily to defeat the attempt to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. After a key vote in the Illinois legislature in 1980, pro-ERA activist Eleanor Smeal said, “There is something very powerful out against us,” she said. “And certainly it isn’t people.” Phyllis responded that it was the power of her daily petition for intercession.
Protection and intercession are still needed today. In honor of Phyllis Schlafly and her important work on behalf of mothers and families, I urge you to petition the Mother of God. She will hear you.
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