SPIRITUAL VESSEL / by Joe Castorino

O Blessed Virgin Maria, with the shining

  Shield of the Spirit, guard us from anger;

Let your prayers be propitious to us,

  Keep us from the horrid house of hell.

 

Unlock the golden gates of Heaven with

  The sparkling key of God’s manifold mercy;

Let our petitions rise up to Heaven like

  Sweet smoke from our little candles.

 

Deadly demons try to destroy us by hiding

  Terrible traps for us on the spiritual battlefield;

Your calm countenance inspires confidence

  As we bravely fight the good fight.

 

Please guide us with your holy love to

  Find a solid, sensible spiritual director;

A warrior of wisdom who will help us

  Recognize the evil one’s subtle subterfuges.