"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself. "

Thomas á Kempis

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"Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which lead to salvation is very unwise. "

Thomas á Kempis

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"The Lord has always revealed to mortals the treasures of his wisdom and his spirit, but now that the face of evil bares itself more and more, so does the Lord bare his treasures more."

St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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About this "Penny" Catechism - Visit the more detailed "Catechism of the Catholic Church" here.

 
 

FROM THE "PENNY CATECHISM"
     

Commentary on the 'Hail Mary'
160.

What is the chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the Church uses?

 

The chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the church uses is the Hail Mary.
 
161. Say the Hail Mary.

 

Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
 
  162. Who made the first part of the Hail Mary?
 
 

The Angel Gabriel and St. Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, made the first part of the Hail Mary.
 
  163. Who made the second part of the Hail Mary?
 
 

'The Church of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, made the second part of the Hail Mary.
 
164. Why should we frequently say the Hail Mary?
 

We should frequently say the Hail Mary to put us in mind of the Incarnation of the Son of God; and to honor our Blessed Lady, the Mother of God.
 
165. Have we another reason for often saying the Hail Mary?
 

We have another reason for often saying the Hail Mary - to ask our Blessed Lady to pray for us sinners at all times, but especially at the hour of our death.
 
166. Why does the Catholic Church show great devotion to the Blessed Virgin?
 

The Catholic Church shows great devotion to the Blessed Virgin because she is the Immaculate Mother of God.
 
167. How is the Blessed Virgin Mother of God?
 

The Blessed Virgin is Mother of God because Jesus Christ, her son, who was born of her as man, is not only man, but is also truly God.
 
168. Is the Blessed Virgin our Mother also?
 

The Blessed Virgin is our Mother also because, being the brethren of Jesus, we are the children of Mary.
 
168a. What do we mean by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin?
 

By the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin we mean that by the power of God, Mary, at the completion of her life, was taken body and soul into everlasting glory to reign as Queen of heaven and earth.
 
168b. Is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin an article of faith?
 
 

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is an article of Faith because it has been solemnly defined by the infallible authority of the Church.