Mother of All Children, pray for us

GANDOLFI, Gaetano
St Giustina and the Guardian Angel Commending the Soul of an Infant to the Madonna and Child
1792-93

This bozzetto is a preparatory sketch for the altarpiece in the Oratory of the Blessed Virgin of the Nativity and Saint Giustina at Villa Tanari, Bazzano. The finished altarpiece follows the initial design of the present sketch in every detail.

Consecration to Mary

Holy Mary, Mother of God and Mother of all faithful, I place my little child under your mothering protection. To you I completely consecrate him - body and soul. Take him under your care and keep him always. Protect him in his infancy and keep him sound in body and mind. Guard over his youth and keep his heart pure, his thoughts ever holy and directed to God and spiritual things. Protect him always throughout life - in his joys and sorrows, in his dealings with others. Always and in all things be a true mother to him, Mary, and preserve him. I commend him entirely to you. Remember Mother Mary, that through this act of consecration he is by a special claim your child as well as mine; guard him and keep him as your property and possession. Amen.

-- From a Catholic Mother's Manual prayer book (1941) by A. Francis Coomes, S.J.