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| Sant'Ildefonso da Toledo, ora pro nobis |
January 23rd is the feast of St. Ildephonsus of Toledo, 7th century Benedictine monk, abbot, founder of a monastery for nuns, Marian visionary, and Archbishop of Toledo. Hailed as the “chaplain and faithful notary of the Virgin,” Our Lady appeared to St. Ildephonsus and presented him with a miraculous chasuble as reward for his great devotion to her. He is the patron saint of Toledo and Zamora, Spain.
In celebration, we’re posting the Marian Prayer of St. Ildephonsus. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant’Ildefonso da Toledo!
Marian Prayer of Saint Ildephonsus
Virgin Mary, hear my prayer: through the Holy Spirit you became the Mother of Jesus; from the Holy Spirit may I too have Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit your flesh conceived Jesus; through the same Spirit may my soul receive Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit you were able to know Jesus, to possess Jesus, and to bring him into the world. Through the Holy Spirit may I too come to know your Jesus. Imbued with the Spirit, Mary, you could say: “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word;” in the Holy Spirit, lowly as I am, let me proclaim the great truths about Jesus. In the Spirit you now adore Jesus as Lord and look on Him as Son; in the same spirit, Mary, let me love your Jesus. Amen
