Sub Tuum Praesidium

The Sub Tuum Praesidium, "We fly to thy patronage," is the oldest known prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary outside of Scripture. A Greek version survives on an Egyptian papyrus that many scholars date to the third or fourth century, which shows that early Christians already called Mary the Mother of God and asked her protection in times of danger. It is still prayed in the Coptic, Byzantine, Ambrosian, and Roman traditions.

Pray it when you feel threatened, anxious, or tempted, or as a short prayer at the end of the Rosary or Night Prayer. It is brief enough to memorize, and its simple trust makes it a good prayer to teach older children. Say it slowly, placing yourself under Our Lady's protection.

The Prayer

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Sources: Sub Tuum Praesidium, traditional English; public domain.

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