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Preparatory Prayer  (p.  74).

ary was  the  masterpiece  of  God's  creation; her soul  was  the  most  perfect  ever  dwelling in a  human  body. A pious  tradition  tells  us  that she possessed  the  use  of  reason  much  earlier  than other children. Her intellect  was  illuminated  by supernatural  light;  her  will  was  exempt  from  concupiscence. Being preserved  from  original  sin, she surpassed  in  holiness,  from  the  first  moment of her  existence,  all  angels  and  men. She possessed all  virtues  in  the  highest  degree,  because  of her  faithful  co-operation  with  sanctifying  grace and with  the  countless  actual  graces  granted  to her. She lived  in  constant  communion  with  God, undisturbed by  evil  inclinations  from  within  or temptations  from  without.

hrough the  effects  of  original  sin  we  have lost the  supernatural  prerogative  of  original justice, and  even  after  receiving  sanctifying  grace in holy  Baptism  we  are  exposed  to  many  temptations. Our life  is  a  constant  warfare. We must, however, not  despair  in  this  struggle,  for  if  we are  true  children  of  Mary  she  will  come  to  our