‘The Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary’ by St. Bonaventure – Psalms 32-37; pages 21-23
[Saint Bonaventure – XIII Century AD; born: Civita di Bagnoregio, Papal States/died: Lyon, Kingdom of Burgundy-Arles; (Aged 52-53); Cardinal; Teacher of the Faith; Seraphic Doctor; Doctor of the Church; Scholastic Theologian, Philosopher]PSALM 32
Rejoice, ye just, in the Virgin Mary: and in uprightness of heart praise ye her together.
Draw near unto her with reverence and devotion: and let your heart be delighted in her salutation.
Give unto her the sacrifice of praise: and be ye inebriated from the breasts of her sweetness.
For she sheds upon you the rays of her loving kindness: and she will enlighten you with the splendors of her mercy.
Her fruit is most sweet: it grows ever sweeter in the mouth and the heart of the wise.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
PSALM 33
I will bless Our Lady at all times: and her praise shall never fail in my mouth.
Magnify her with me: all ye who are nourished with the milk and honey of her refreshment.
In dangers and doubts invoke her: and in necessities you will find sweet help and refreshment.
Take example from her conversation: and be zealous to imitate her charity and humility.
Because thou wast most humble, O Lady: thou hast induced the Uncreated Word to take
flesh from thee.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
PSALM 34
Judge, O Lady, them that harm me: arise against them and avenge my cause.
My soul will rejoice in thee: and I will devoutly exult in thy benefits.
The heavens and the earth are full of thy grace and sweetness: from every side thy kindness surrounds us.
For wherever we may walk: the fruit of thy virginal womb meets us.
Let us run, therefore, dearly beloved, and salute the noble Virgin overflowing with sweetness: that we may rest in the bosom of her sweetness.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
PSALM 35
The unjust man said that he would sin in secret: by thee let him depart from his impious purpose, O Mother of God.
Incline towards us the countenance of God: impel Him to have mercy.
O Lady, in heaven is thy mercy: and thy grace is spread abroad in the earth.
Power and strength are in thy arm: vigor and fortitude in thy right hand.
Blessed be thy empire over the heavens: blessed be thy magnificence upon the earth
Glory be to the Father, etc.
PSALM 36
Be not angry with the wicked, O Lady: sweeten their fury by thy grace.
O ye religious and cloistered souls, hope in her: confide in her, ye priests and seculars.
Take delight in her praises: and she will grant the petitions of your heart.
Better is a little with her grace: than treasures of silver and precious stones.
Glory be to thee forever, O Queen of Heaven: and never forget us at any time.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
PSALM 37
O Lady, let not the Lord rebuke me in His anger: obtain for us pardon for our sins.
Let all our desire be in thy sight: our hope and our confidence.
My heart is troubled within me: light departs from my interior,
Enlighten with thy brightness my blindness: sweeten with thy sweetness my contrite heart.
Forsake us not, O Lady, Mother of God: let thy grace and thy power be at my right hand.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Image: Alessandro di Agostino Casolani ~ ’The Birth of the Virgin’