The Three Hail Mary Devotion: A Powerful Daily Practice

 

The Three Hail Mary Devotion: A Powerful Daily Practice for the protection of the soul and body:

The Three Hail Mary Devotion is a short but very powerful prayer tradition that has been cherished by countless believers for centuries. This practice is a simple yet profound way to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary while seeking her intercession and protection throughout the day and night.  

 How to Practice the Three Hail Mary Devotion ? 

This devotion involves reciting three Hail Mary Prayers every morning and evening in honor of the three great privileges bestowed upon the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary: Power, Wisdom, and Loving Mercy. At the end of each recitation, you conclude with a heartfelt invocation:  

-Morning: “O my Mother, preserve me from mortal sin during this day.”  

- Evening: “O my Mother, preserve me from mortal sin during this night.”  

By embracing this daily habit, you beseech the Blessed Virgin’s powerful intercession to guard your soul and guide your actions....  

In Honor of the Power, Wisdom, and Loving Mercy of the Blessed Virgin Mary  

This devotion is more than just a prayer routine; it is an act of love and trust in the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother. It is divided into three parts, each dedicated to one of her sublime privileges:  

 1. In Honor of Holy Mother Mary's Power 

Oh, Immaculate Mary, Virgin most Powerful,  

I beseech you, through that immense Power which you have received from the Eternal Father, obtain for me:  

- Purity of heart, 

- Strength to overcome all the enemies of my soul,

- And the special favor I implore in my present necessity. (mention it here...)  

Mother most pure! Forsake me not, despise not my prayer, but graciously hear me for God's glory, your honor, and the welfare of my soul.  

To obtain this favor, I honor Your Power by reciting:  

"Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen."  

2. In Honor of Holy Mother Mary's Wisdom 

Oh Holy Virgin Mary, My Mother, 

Through that ineffable Wisdom bestowed upon You by the Incarnate Word of God, I humbly beseech you to obtain for me:  

- Meekness and humility of heart,  

- Perfect knowledge of the Divine Will and strength to accomplish it always.  

Oh Holy Mary, Seat of Wisdom, lead me in the path of Christian Virtue and perfection. Enlighten me and enable me to do what is most pleasing to Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ and obtain my petition.  

To obtain this grace, I honor Your Wisdom by reciting:  

"Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.  

3. In Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Loving Mercy 

Oh, Holy Mother of Divine Mercy, Mother of penitent sinners,

I stand before you sinful and sorrowful, beseeching you through the immense Love given to you by the Holy Spirit for us poor sinners. Obtain for me:  

- True and perfect contrition for my sins,

- The grace to detest them with all my heart, because I love God. 

Mother most Merciful, help me in my present necessity. Turn, then, those eyes of Mercy toward us, Oh Clement, Oh Loving, Oh Sweet Virgin Mary!  

To obtain this precious gift, I honor Your Loving Mercy by reciting:  

"Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen."  

The Power of the Three Hail Mary Devotion:  

By faithfully reciting this devotion each day, you are entrusting yourself to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary. It is a beautiful way to seek her protection from sin, her guidance in daily life, and her powerful intercession in times of need. Many saints have testified to the miraculous graces received through this simple yet profound practice.  

Dear Reader, why not start today and allow the Blessed Mother’s Power, Wisdom, and Loving Mercy to guide and protect you on your spiritual journey.

When a Priest Breaks His Vows: A Reflection on Disobedience, Rebellion, and Canonical Penalties

Image credit: The Commune

When a Priest Breaks His Vows: A Reflection on Disobedience, Rebellion, Scandalous activities and Canonical Penalties 

Introduction:

The recent events in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, where certain priests have openly defied the Pope and the Church authorities, have shaken the faithful and sparked serious discussions among the public. This act of disobedience and rebellion is a grave violation of the vows taken at ordination and threatens the unity of the Church.  

A priest’s duty is not just to serve the people but to do so 'in complete obedience to the Pope, the Major Archbishop, and the Synod of the Church'. Defying the Church’s hierarchy is not just an internal matter—it is an act of rebellion against the very foundation of the Catholic faith.  

This article examines the importance of obedience in the priesthood, the consequences of defiance, and the spiritual damage caused by priests who refuse to submit to rightful authority.  


The Vows of a Priest: Obedience Comes First

At ordination, every Catholic priest makes some solemn promises, the most crucial being:  

1. Obedience – A priest pledges loyalty and submission to his Superiors, Bishop and the Pope. Without obedience, the Church would fall into chaos and division just as in the case of any institution. 
2. Celibacy – Priests of the Catholic Church renounce marriage because the Church teaches that their vocation as priests is meant to fully mirror the life of Jesus Christ, the Eternal Priest, Who was not married, and also to dedicate themselves fully to God and His people. 
3. Commitment to Ministry – A priest is called to serve the Church, celebrate the sacraments, and guide the faithful in holiness as instructed by the Lord through his superiors.

Among these vows, obedience is the foundation. A priest may sometimes struggle with celibacy or personal weaknesses, but if he remains obedient, he can seek correction and continue his mission. However, when a priest rebels against the Church hierarchy, he places his personal will above God’s will, leading to scandal, division, and even schism just as lucifer did.


The Gravity of Priestly Disobedience:

When priests defy their Superiors, Bishop or the Pope, it is not a simple disagreement—it is a direct challenge to the Divine authority of the Church. Disobedience can take many forms, including:  

- Refusing to accept Church teachings – Publicly rejecting doctrinal decisions or liturgical directives.  
- Encouraging division among the faithful – Turning people against Church authorities, leading to confusion and unrest.  
- Rejecting legitimate episcopal authority – Ignoring directives from their Bishop and acting independently.  
- Altering or refusing to celebrate the sacraments properly – Conducting unauthorized liturgies against Church law.  

The 'Syro-Malabar liturgical dispute' is a clear example of some priests defying not only the Church Synod but also the Holy See. The Pope has spoken, yet some priests refuse to obey. This is not a matter of opinion or preference—it is outright rebellion.  


What Canon Law Says About Disobedience: 

Church law does not tolerate rebellion within the clergy. The Code of Canon Law clearly states:  

- Canon 1371 – A priest who publicly opposes the Pope or a bishop can be punished with suspension or other penalties. 
- Canon 1373 – A cleric who incites hatred or disobedience against Church authorities is to be punished exemplarily.  
- Canon 1393 – Persistent/wilful disobedience can result in excommunication or dismissal from the priesthood.  

These penalties exist not as punishments, but as measures to protect the Church from disorder.  


The Consequences of Disobedience:

When priests rebel against their Bishops and the Pope, the damage is not just personal—it affects the entire Church which is the mystical body of Jesus Christ.

1. It Creates Division Among the Faithful 
A priest is a shepherd, meant to 'unite' his flock. When he disobeys, he 'sows confusion' among believers. Faithful Catholics may begin questioning the authority of the Church, leading to distrust and even apostasy.  

2. It Undermines the Sacredness of the Priesthood 
Priests are meant to 'reflect Christ’s humility and obedience'. When they openly defy the Church, they become stumbling blocks rather than spiritual guides. The priesthood loses its credibility, and as a result the vocations and faith suffer.  

3. It is a Sin Against the Holy Spirit 
The hierarchy of the Church is 'not man-made'; it is 'ordained and appointed by Almighty God'. Wilful disobedience is a grave sin not just against the Church leaders but against God Himself, who entrusted authority to His apostles and their successors (Luke 10:16).  

4. It Leads to Harsh Canonical Penalties
Priests who refuse correction can face:  
- Suspension (Immediate removal from ministerial duties).
- Laicization (Permanent dismissal from the priesthood).
- Excommunication (Total separation from the Church).


Lessons for the Faithful

Instead of blindly supporting rebellious priests, Catholics must stand firm with the Pope and Bishops' Synod. Here’s what we can do:  

1. Obedience is Non-Negotiable 
Priests are not above the Church. Even when they disagree, obedience must come first.  

2. Beware of False Narratives
Disobedient priests often justify their actions by 'playing the victim card' or claiming to be "defending tradition." Do not be deceived—true tradition is found "only in unity with the Church".  

3. Pray for Our Priests 
Instead of supporting rebellion, pray that priests may overcome personal struggles and remain faithful to their vows.  

4. Stand with the Holy Father 
Our Lord Jesus Christ told His Apostle St Peter, “You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). To reject Peter’s successor is to 'reject Jesus Christ Himself'.  


Conclusion: A Call to Faithfulness

Priests are called to humble obedience, not personal ambition. The recent rebellion in the Syro-Malabar Church is not about liturgy or personal preference—it is about disobedience emerged out of greed for power and positions.  

The Church must act decisively against such defiance to protect its unity and sanctity. Let us pray that those who have strayed realize their faults, repent and find their way back to true obedience and humility.  

Above all, let us trust in our Lord Jesus Christ’s promise that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against His Church (Matthew 16:18).