Alcuin of York, who had a deep personal devotion to Our Lady, wrote: ‘To me you are my dear love, my beauty, the great hope of salvation. My voice tells of you tearfully; my heart burns for love. Give heed as well to the prayers of all my brothers who cry unto you. O Virgin, you are full of grace; through you may the grace of Christ ever preserve us’.

May our blessed Mother watch over us this day, and may God bless you.