Page:MaryHelpOfChristians.djvu/89



e fly  to  thy  patronage,  O  holy  Mother  of God. Despise not  our  petitions  in  our necessities, and  deliver  us  from  all  dangers,  O ever  glorious  and  blessed  Virgin!

ary is  born! The dawn  announcing  the  coming salvation  of  mankind  is  at  hand. The deep significance  of  Mary's  birth  is  expressed  in the  words  of  the  Church:  "Thy  birth,  O  virgin Mother  of  God,  has  brought  joy  to  the  world;  for from  thee  is  to  come  forth  the  Sun  of  Justice, Christ  our  Lord,  to  dispel  the  curse  and  bring  the blessing,  to  conquer  death  and  bring  us  everlasting life.  On  this  day  a  light  broke  forth  to brighten  the  paths  of  men  through  all  time.  Let us,  then,  rejoice  in  Mary's  coming."

Equally expressive  and  touching  are  the  reflections of  that  great  Doctor  of  the  Church,  St.  Au-