O Mother of almighty God,
Forever blest in all your ways,
Give us your own tranquility,
And strength and comfort all our days.
You are a strong and lovely tree,
The fruit of which is purest gold,
Whose branches spread to shelter us,
Whose quiet leaves all peace enfold.
Alma Redemptoris Mater!
” This
hymn spoken by Mary when she visits her cousin Elizabeth is recorded in Luke’s Gospel. We might think Mary waxes poetic, but her prayer echoes the Hebrew Scripture passage, Samuel 2:1-10. Today this anthem is used in the Divine Office and is sung as a Marian hymn of praise.”