Devotions and Prayers

From the first days of the Order, Dominicans have always had a special love for Mary, the Mother of God.  Because Saint Dominic himself placed the Order under Mary’s care, we, with the Dominicans throughout the centuries, cherish a filial love for the Mother of God. We continue this special love for and devotion to our Blessed Mother.  Traditional Marian devotions include the daily recitation of five mysteries of the Rosary, the singing of the “Salve” and “O Lumen”, and the recitation of the “Angelus” or “Regina Coeli”.  The “Salve” is sung or recited when a Sister is dying. Mindful of the intercessory power of the "Memorare" in the history of our foundation, the sisters recite this prayer daily for the intentions of the Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Bridgeport.  

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen (Salve)

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiae! vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus, exules filii Evae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes, et flentes, in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria! Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genetrix, Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

O Lumen

Light of the Church, Teacher of truth                                        O Lumen Ecclesiae, Doctor veritatis,       
Rose of patience Ivory of chastity,                                               Rosa patientiae, Ebur castitatis,
You freely offered the waters of wisdom.                                Aquam sapientiae propinasti gratis:
Preacher of grace, Unite us with the blessed.                        Predicator gratiae, nos iunge beatis.