Memorare in the Snow

The abundance of snow and lack of visibility this morning brought to mind a pivotal experience in the life of St. Marcellin and one of the foundational stories of Marist spirituality.
Having travelled from the Hermitage to a community a good distance from it along with Bro. Stanislas to visit Brother Jean Baptiste, who was ill, Father Champagnat and Bro. Stanislas were heading back to the Hermitage, in spite of the warnings of the brothers, when a snowstorm arose with such ferocity that it blinded them and they lost their way. Bro. Stanislas grew weak and Fr. Champagnat tried to carry him but soon found that did not work. He suggested to Bro. Stanislas that they kneel in the snow to say a Memorare, asking Mary's protection and rescue. As soon as they finished, they noticed a light in the distance and walked toward it. They came to a farm house and learned from the farmer, Mr. Donnet, that he had gone outside to the barn with his lantern to check his animals. He couldn't explain why, on such a bad night he had gone outside, when there was a connecting door from his kitchen to the barn. It was no mystery to Father Champagnat; he knew it was Mary's answer to the Memorare. Hence, this prayer has become one of the most treasured and most-relied upon prayers in our spirituality. The incident is referred to as "The Memorare in the Snow."
Snow causes interruption, inconvenience, frustration, and even anger. "So much of it all at once. Overwhelming. Where to put it? I can't deal with it anymore." Sometimes we feel "snowed in" by our anxieties, deadlines, "things to do", and don't know where to turn. That's "Memorare Time". Saying the prayer slowly deep from within, in faith and confidence brings "rescue", relief. The once oppressive "snow" becomes a sign of God's abundant love, that never ceases, and brings us to our knees in humble acceptance of our need for him. The "to do list" melts away as will the snows. Peace reigns. Mary is the Queen of Peace and our Good Mother. It is on our knees that we experience that again and again. May this prayer be in our hear and on our lips frequently.
Remember, O 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, O Virgin of Virgins my mother. To thee do I come before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Bro. Rene