Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom

Blessed are you, holy Mary, wisest of virgins:
the Word of truth was cradled in your arms;
blessed are you, most prudent of virgins:
you have chosen the better part.

God of wisdom,
in your desire to restore us to your friendship
after we had lost it by sin,
you chose the Blessed Virgin Mary
as the seat of your Wisdom.
Grant through her intercession
that we may not seek the wisdom of the proud
but with humility treasure your revealed wisdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

(Novena Prayer to Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom)

St. Francis of Assisi

The grace of God our Savior has appeared in these last days in his servant Francis to all who are truly humble and lovers of holy poverty, who, while venerating in him God’s superabundant mercy, learn by his example to reject wholeheartedly ungodliness and worldly passions, to live in conformity with Christ and to thirst after blessed hope with unflagging desire.

(St. Bonaventure, Prologue to The Major Legend of Saint Francis)