This is the conclusion of a five-part series in which we have been closely examining each stanza of the Salve Regina. The hymn calls upon Mary under some of her well-deserved titles, such as Queen and Mother of Mercy, by virtue of her being the mother of our King and Savior. It also petitions her under her roles as intercessor and advocate, recognizing her powerful influence with her Son. We will now look at the final two stanzas of this beautiful hymn to better understand the words we pray.
O Clement, O Loving
The word “clement” comes from the Latin clemens which means calm, gentle, or mild. When referring to weather, a clement day means a day with a mild, temperate, or pleasant climate. When describing a ruler, judge, or parent, clement is an adjective that describes one as mild, gentle, or merciful, or one who shows compassion instead of harsh punishment. In referring to Mary as clement, we conclude the Salve Regina with a theme that has been present throughout the hymn – Mary is full of mercy and compassion for us, her children. As I explained in part one of this series, a king can certainly show compassion and mercy toward his people and grant clemency as he sees fit. However, the king must also be concerned with the rule of law and justice. The queen mother, on the other hand, is not involved with justice, as that power is only proper to the king. So, when Mary looks at us, she only does so with gentleness, compassion, and mercy, and never with eyes of judgment or condemnation.
To illustrate the abundance of our Blessed Mother’s mercy, we can look to the parable of the ten virgins (Mat 25:1-13). In this scripture, ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom to return. Five of the virgins were prudent and brought extra oil for their lamps in case the bridegroom was delayed. The other five were foolish and did not bring extra oil. When the lamps of the foolish virgins began to die out, they asked the prudent virgins to share their oil, but were denied out of fear that there would not be enough oil to go around, and therefore, not enough light for them all while they waited. So, the foolish virgins had no choice but to go out to buy more oil and, as a result, missed the bridegroom’s arrival. Mary is the most prudent virgin – more prudent than all the others combined. She has more than enough oil to share with all of us when we ask, so we do not have to miss the arrival of the bridegroom. Mary is so full of grace and compassion that she can give it away abundantly without any concern of losing it.
Another scriptural type of Mary can be found in Rebekah , one of the matriarchs of the Old Testament (Gen 24:15-21). While seeking a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s servant approached Rebekah and asked her for a drink of water. Rebekah not only gave him a drink but drew water for all his camels to drink. The water drawn for the servant represents favors and graces being poured out upon the just. The camels represent sinners, who also receive the thirst-quenching water. However, notice that the servant did not ask for water for his camels. Like Rebekah, Mary sees the plight of sinners with eyes of mercy, providing for their needs out of her compassion and kindness.
O Sweet Virgin Mary
When we pray these final words of the Salve Regina, we are referring to the sweetness of the name Mary itself. After the name of Jesus, no other name brings us as much comfort and hope as that of Mary. The name of Jesus is a powerful one that conjures up many images, emotions, and connotations depending on the circumstances in which it is implored. Included in these are majesty and power. Mary’s name, however, is pronounced with a sweetness that only the femininity of a mother can conjure. St. Anthony of Padua described speaking Mary’s name as, “joy in the heart, honey in the mouth, melody to the ear.” Speaking Mary’s name is like breathing in a sweet aroma, or like soothing oil poured onto a wound, a healing balm. We who suffer greatly in body and spirit, due to our sins and vices, ought to find great solace in speaking Mary’s name, as it soothes us and nourishes our hearts with divine love.
While speaking Mary’s name is a good thing to do when you need comfort or help in the time of temptation, speaking it often is also a sign of devotion. Similar to how breathing is a sign of life, frequently pronouncing Mary’s name indicates the life of divine grace in one’s soul. Her name is closely affiliated with all virtues, but most especially the virtue of chastity, because she is the most pure virgin. If you struggle with sins of impurity, you can certainly call upon her name in your times of temptation, and she will assuredly come to your aid. However, it is far better to stay devoted to her, saying her name often to help keep temptation at bay in the first place. When you are proactively thinking about the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is difficult to simultaneously think about anything impure.
Finally, Mary’s name is sweetest when it is invoked and repeated at the hour of one’s death. Satan fights the hardest for our souls at the moment they are about to separate from our bodies because that is his last chance to claim them. He uses our suffering, fears, doubts, regrets, and temptations to weaken our faith and resolve. Calling on both the names of Jesus and Mary causes demons to flee and a fortress of protection to form around you. Recall that Mary stood at the foot of the cross with Jesus in his agony as he died, bringing him comfort. As your mother, when you call upon her name on your deathbed, she will ease your suffering and bring you peace and comfort as well.
Reflect on how the last two stanzas of the Salve Regina conclude the hymn with a softness and gentleness. How have you experienced Mary’s clemency in your life? Or, if you have not sought enough of it, how might you find more opportunities to do so? Place yourself in Jesus’ shoes and contemplate how often he spoke his sweet Blessed Mother’s name and how it brought him comfort and peace. You can never love her more than he does, and he wants to share his sweet mother with you. Look for opportunities to call upon Mary’s name more often throughout the day, whether in times of temptation, for comfort in suffering, or to share in your joy. Pray the Salve Regina a few times this week, slowly contemplating each phrase and its deeper meaning, appreciating what it reveals about how Mary comes to our aid.
To receive articles and reflections like these directly to your inbox, please subscribe.
If you like what you’re reading and wish to donate to help offset ongoing web maintenance, research, and development expenses for Catholic Heart Ablaze, please click here.
Leave A Comment