“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.” This phrase from the Hail Mary is not from Scripture. Instead, tradition has it that St. Peter Canisius added these words, which were then included in the Catechism of the Council of Trent.
St. Peter Canisius was from the Netherlands and became a Jesuit soon after the order was founded. He then spent his time in Germany doing what he could to bring the truth of Catholicism to a Lutheran population. He published a Catechism, imitating Martin Luther, which was highly successful in bringing people back to Catholicism. He founded schools and universities, visited the sick and imprisoned, attended the Council of Trent, wrote books, and more. He is considered the patron of the Catholic press because of his Catechism, which was printed in twelve languages during his lifetime and eventually in 26 languages.
He was known for his charity toward Protestants and his general opposition to debating them. He wanted to win them over with loving actions, rather than by contentious wrangling. He wrote: “Such people should be attracted and won to the simplicity of the faith as much by example as by argument.”
St. Peter Canisius also wrote, “If you have too much to do, with God’s help you will find time to do it all.” So, he helps us remember that Mary brings Jesus to us and us to Jesus through her intercession. He reminds us that love is about living truth humbly. He advised us to continue to do God’s will and God will help us. These are worthwhile admonitions as we prepare for the coming of Jesus into our hearts and homes this Christmas season.
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