Friends and family in recovery, how are your spiritual conditions? Are you experiencing the gift of peace that comes from sober living? Or are moments of peace and tranquility being snatched away by worldly thoughts and distractions? Are you drained by the fallout of our present time with feelings of anxiety, stress, and worry?
If these and other fears are blocking you from the true peace that Christ has to offer then a mother’s touch could be what you need. Mary, the Mother of God, longs for her children to come to know her more intimately so that she may intercede to Her son on our behalf.
I was introduced to the Marian Peace Chaplet by the locals of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2018. The Croatians devote many hours in prayer to the Mother of God. While on pilgrimage I joined them in prayer and upon my return felt a deep inner craving to continue praying this peace chaplet.
The grace and blessings I have experienced have made an indelible impression on my heart and in my life. I now share it with you so you too might experience these fruits.
Our Mother is crying out and the time is now to pour out on the world prayers of peace. Let us unite in body, mind, and spirit and storm the heavens begging for healing and conversion with our prayers. With hearts ignited and burning in harmony, we can shine and transmit the light of peace everywhere we go and to everyone we see. And what a perfect time for us to do so having just celebrated the Feast of the Assumption!
This chaplet is very simple and can be easily memorized. My personal relationship with Mary began seven years ago when I consecrated my life to her (as others in Catholic in Recovery have) on August 15th and have continued to do so every day since. She has invited me, an unworthy instrument, to encourage others to also receive and share her message of peace. I must warn you, though, that should you take up this chaplet you may endure attacks from the Devil.
I encourage you to find a quiet place away from all distractions and pray from your heart with trust that Mary will take all your personal intentions to the foot of the cross of her son Jesus Christ. Then get ready for your life to change and the peace that surpasses all understanding to be granted to you in a dramatic and powerful way!
Below is how you can start praying the Marian Peace Chaplet today.
Begin with the sign of the cross and recite the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Then recite this opening prayer:
Lord Jesus, open my heart to your will, your love, your compassion, healing and forgiveness. Amen.
After reciting each of the seven intentions below, offer up an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
- Peace in one’s heart. Mary, Queen of Peace, hear us.
- Peace in one’s marriage or your vocation in life. Mary, Queen of Peace, hear us.
- Peace in one’s family. Mary, Queen of Peace hear us.
- Peace in one’s neighborhood. Mary, Queen of Peace, hear us.
- Peace in one’s nation. Mary, Queen of Peace, hear us.
- Peace in our world. Mary, Queen of Peace, hear us.
- Peace and unity in all churches. Mary, Queen of Peace, hear us.
Recite the closing prayer (The Memorare):
Remember, Oh most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or, sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee Oh Virgin, Oh Virgin, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Oh Mother of the Word incarnate despise not thy petitions but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
For deeper meditation, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life where peace is lacking. Examples may include past or present sins, traumas caused by abortion, physical and sexual abuses, grief caused by loss of a loved one, pain caused by divorce, infidelity, pornography, all addictions and co-dependencies, defects of character, pride, hatred, envy, self-righteousness, and so on.
In our journey of recovery, our peace of mind is directly related to our spiritual condition. God wants us to know the peace that only He can give. I hope that you will begin to feel the maternal nearness and sense of security that comes from praying this chaplet. And that you maintain great faith, hope, and trust in Mary who always desires to draw us closer to her Son, Jesus.
Interested in learning more about Catholic saints related to addiction? Pray the CIR Novena with us, asking for the intercession of several patrons saints for those struggling with addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments (including alcoholism, drug addiction, compulsive overeating, anorexia, bulimia, pornography/sex addiction, codependency, adult children of alcoholics, and many others) as well as their loved ones. Receive emails over the next nine days with a short meditation on a recovery-related saint and a prayer by signing up for the CIR Novena today!
Kathleen Ann, by God’s grace, has been clean and sober since June 1, 2006. She is an active member of AA, CIR, and works part-time as the Project Rachel Coordinator in the Life office at the Diocese of Rockford, where she helps gently and confidentially guide those wounded by abortion to hope and healing in Christ Jesus. On most days you can find her at daily Mass, the gym, or caring for the needs of her family, young and old alike.