As we come to the end of the month of May, remembering the Christian tradition of dedicating the month to Mary, Mother of Jesus, we need to focus on Her Scriptural role as Mother of all Christians. The most ancient existing prayer dedicated to Mary we have is from 250AD, and clearly a prayer already in use. It’s very much a prayer for Christians in times of persecution. As the Church throughout the world experiences persecution more severe than even the first centuries, this prayer, the “Sub Tuum Praesidium” needs to be known, and prayed!