20 Devotions to the Blessed Mother

The Virgin Mary is one of the most revered figures in the Catholic Church. Throughout history, she has been the subject of numerous devotions and practices, with various titles and manifestations.

The Catholic Church has embraced these devotions as a way to honor Mary’s role in salvation history and to draw closer to her intercession.

We’ve compiled a list of 20 of the most beloved Catholic devotions to the Virgin Mary throughout history.

The Rosary: The most popular devotion to the Virgin Mary is the Rosary. It is a prayer that involves the repetition of the Hail Mary prayer and the meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Rosary has been around since the 12th century and is still widely practiced today. Rosaries
Our Lady of Guadalupe: In Mexico, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego in 1531, identifying herself as Our Lady of Guadalupe. This event led to the conversion of millions of indigenous people to Catholicism. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most recognizable representations of Mary in the world.
The Brown Scapular: The Brown Scapular is a small piece of cloth that is worn around the neck as a sign of devotion to Mary. It is believed that wearing the Brown Scapular will bring the wearer closer to Mary’s intercession and protection. Scapulars
The Miraculous Medal is one of the most popular medals of all time.

The Miraculous Medal: The Miraculous Medal was designed by St. Catherine Labouré in 1830 after a vision of the Virgin Mary. It is a medal that bears the image of Mary and the words “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” It is said that wearing the Miraculous Medal can bring about miracles and graces. Miraculous Medals
The Angelus: The Angelus is a prayer that is said three times a day, traditionally at 6 am, noon, and 6 pm. It is a devotion that honors the Incarnation of Christ and the role that Mary played in it. The prayer consists of three Hail Marys, followed by the Angelus prayer.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary: The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a devotion that honors Mary’s love for humanity and her role in the salvation of souls. The devotion involves consecrating oneself to Mary’s Immaculate Heart and seeking her intercession. Immaculate Heart
The Seven Sorrows of Mary: The Seven Sorrows of Mary are the seven moments in Mary’s life when she experienced great sorrow. These include the Prophecy of Simeon, the Flight into Egypt, the Loss of Jesus in the Temple, the Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross, the Crucifixion, the Taking Down of Jesus from the Cross, and the Burial of Jesus. This devotion involves meditating on each of these moments and seeking Mary’s intercession in times of sorrow. Seven Sorrows
The Queenship of Mary: The Queenship of Mary is a devotion that honors Mary’s role as Queen of Heaven and Earth. It is celebrated on August 22nd and involves recognizing Mary’s intercession and her place in the hierarchy of saints.
The Seven Joys of Mary: The Seven Joys of Mary are the seven moments in Mary’s life when she experienced great joy. These include the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity of Jesus, the Adoration of the Magi, the Finding of Jesus in the Temple, the Resurrection of Jesus, and the Assumption of Mary. This devotion involves meditating on each of these moments and seeking Mary’s intercession for joy and happiness in life.
Our Lady of Lourdes: In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, and identified herself as the Immaculate Conception. The apparition led to the establishment of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which has become a major pilgrimage site for Catholics around the world. Lourdes
The Seven Words of Mary: The Seven Words of Mary are the seven statements that Mary made in the Gospels. These include her Magnificat, her response to the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation, her question to Jesus at the Wedding at Cana, and her words at the foot of the Cross. This devotion involves meditating on each of these statements and seeking Mary’s intercession for wisdom and guidance in life.
Our Lady of Fatima: In 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, and delivered a message of peace and repentance. The apparition led to the establishment of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, which has become a major pilgrimage site for Catholics around the world. Fatima
The Hail Holy Queen: The Hail Holy Queen is a prayer that is said at the end of the Rosary. It is a hymn of praise to Mary and seeks her intercession for mercy and guidance. Hail Holy Queen
The Regina Coeli: The Regina Coeli is a prayer that is said during the Easter season, replacing the Angelus. It is a hymn of praise to Mary and celebrates her role in the Resurrection of Jesus.
The Seven Graces of Mary: The Seven Graces of Mary are the seven gifts that Mary bestows on those who are devoted to her. These include perfect chastity, perfect love of neighbor, discernment of spirits, perseverance, humility, patience, and selflessness.
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary: The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a prayer that lists the many titles and virtues of Mary. It is a hymn of praise and seeks her intercession for various needs.
The Memorare: The Memorare is a prayer that seeks Mary’s intercession in times of need. It is a reminder of Mary’s powerful intercession and her love for humanity. Memorare
Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a devotion that honors Mary’s role as the patroness of the Carmelite Order. The devotion involves wearing the Brown Scapular and seeking Mary’s intercession for protection and guidance. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
The Salve Regina: The Salve Regina is a hymn of praise to Mary that is said during the Liturgy of the Hours. It seeks her intercession for mercy and protection. Salve Regina
Our Lady of the Rosary: Our Lady of the Rosary is a devotion that honors Mary’s role in the history of the Rosary. The devotion involves praying the Rosary and seeking Mary’s intercession for various needs. Rosaries

These are just a few of the more well-known devotions to the Virgin Mary that have been revered throughout Catholic history.

They serve as a collective reminder of Mary’s role in salvation history and her continued intercession for humanity. Each of them provide the faithful with a way to draw closer to Mary and to seek her guidance and intercession in their daily lives.