Inspired by the 10 Principal Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Response: Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

 

PROFOUND HUMILITY

“He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness…He has lifted up the lowly.” (Luke 1:48,52)

In your profound humility, you embraced lowliness and made room for God’s greatness. You never sought your own glory, but lived hidden and small, allowing the light of Christ to shine through you. Teach us to rejoice in littleness, to accept correction, and to serve without needing recognition.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

LIVELY FAITH

“Blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:45)

In your lively faith, you believed the impossible and trusted God’s Word above all else. You welcomed mystery and surrendered fear, anchoring your life in the promises of the Lord. Help us to walk by faith when we cannot see, to trust even in the silence, and to live each day with unwavering confidence in God’s goodness.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

BLIND OBEDIENCE

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

In your blind obedience you surrendered fully, even when the path was hidden. You did not question or delay but gave your “yes” in total trust. Lead us to a deeper surrender – to say “yes” even when it costs, even when we do not understand, knowing that obedience brings us into divine intimacy.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

CONTINUAL PRAYER

“She kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

In your continual prayer, you abided in God’s presence, pondering all things in your heart. Your every breath was a communion with the Father. Inspire us to anchor our days in prayer, to lift our minds and hearts to God through every joy, every sorrow, every ordinary task.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

UNIVERSAL MORTIFICATION

“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

In your universal mortification, you denied yourself to make room for God’s perfect will. You chose simplicity, silence, and self-gift, never seeking comfort or ease. Teach us to deny our own will, to fast from selfishness, and to live each day as an offering of love and sacrifice.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

DIVINE PURITY

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

In your divine purity, your whole being reflected the radiance of God’s light. Your immaculate heart was a dwelling place for the Lord. Guide us to protect the purity of our minds, bodies, and hearts, so that we too may become tabernacles of grace in a world longing for holiness.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

ARDENT CHARITY

“Above all, let your love for one another be intense…” (1 Peter 4:8)

In your ardent charity, you poured yourself out in love, from Bethlehem to Calvary. Love was your motive, your mission, your way. Help us to love sacrificially—at home, in the workplace, with those who are easy to love and those who are not. Teach us to live love in action.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

HEROIC PATIENCE

“She stood by the cross of Jesus…” (John 19:25)

In your heroic patience, you stood at the foot of the Cross, unwavering in love and trust. You bore every trial with silent strength, never turning away from suffering. Teach us to persevere when we are tired, to endure hardship with grace, and to trust God’s timing in every delay.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father,3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

ANGELIC SWEETNESS

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of her who brings glad tidings, announcing peace.” (Isaiah 52:7)

In your angelic sweetness, you brought peace to every place you entered. Your presence was gentle, your voice kind, your gaze full of compassion. May we radiate that same sweetness – in our speech, our gestures, and our interactions, offering the fragrance of Christ to a weary world.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

DIVINE WISDOM

“Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:17)

In your divine wisdom, you discerned and followed God’s will with clarity and grace. You listened deeply, acted prudently, and chose the narrow way of holiness. Grant us wisdom to navigate life with virtue, to speak truth with love, and to live with eternity in mind.

Mary, Mother of Virtue, form us in your likeness.

*1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be*

CLOSING PRAYER:

Mary, model of virtue and mirror of holiness, draw us deeper into the Heart of your Son. May your example teach us how to live with courage, trust, and radiant love. Help us grow in virtue, not by our own strength, but by grace – through surrender, silence, and the steady beat of a heart united with God. Form us, Mary, as living reflections of your yes. Amen.