In the final days of preparation, we ponder what attributes and habits we need in order to be true disciples like Mary.

For this fourth week, start each day with the Magnificat prayer. This prayer, captured in the Gospel of Luke, is the most inspired and inspiring because it is part of the Word of God and flowed from the Immaculate Heart of Mary herself.

For this third week, start each day with the Memorare prayer. This prayer is attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1190-1153) but it was made popular through the efforts of Fr. Claude Bernard of France (1588-1641). Many saints have prayed this prayer.

For this second week, start each day with the prayer Sub Tuum Praesidium (Under Your Patronage). This prayer was recorded around 250 AD and reveals that since the early days of the Church, Christians have called upon Mary as their Mother and Advocate.

For this first week, start each day with the Angelus prayer. It would be wonderful to pray it at noon or the end of each work day, too. Do whatever is most convenient for you, and don’t lose focus on your prayer priority: reading the daily text from the retreat book and prayerfully pondering the daily questions.