Consolatrix Afflictorum

Today, the Augustinians celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Consolation, or Consolatrix Afflictorum.

“The feast of Our Lady of Consolation is one of the solemnities not inscribed in the General Roman Calendar, but which are observed in particular places, regions, churches or religious institutes. Augustinians observe September 4.”  source

St. Alphonsus Liguori (b. 1696– d. 1787) wrote in The Glories of Mary:

“‘Consolatrix afflictorum,’ comforter of the afflicted. St. Germanus writes: Oh Mary, who has so great care of our welfare as thou hast? Is there any one who relieves us in our afflictions as thou dost? No, replies St. Antoninus: There is none among the saints who compassionates our miseries as this most pious Lady. And because the miseries which most afflict us are the maladies of the soul, the blessed Henry Suso calls Mary: The most faithful consoler of sinners: ‘Consolatrix fidelissima peccatorum.’ We need only show to Mary the wounds of our souls, and she immediately comes to our aid with her prayers, and consoles us. Even as Richard of St. Victor teaches, her piety prevents us and relieves us before we invoke her: ‘Velocius occurrit quam invocetur.’

Let us say to her, then, with St. Bonaventure: Oh Mary, always console us, but especially at the hour of our death. Come, then, and take our souls, and present them to thy Son, who is to be our Judge.”

Yes.

Our Lady of Consolation, pray for us, now, and at the hour of our death.

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•Image: by Pietro Perugino, titled Madonna della Consolazione, 15th century, source