We Fly to Thy Patronage

The Sub tuum praesidium is the oldest known surviving prayer addressed to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its earliest witness is a Greek papyrus from Egypt, commonly dated to the third century and often placed around A.D. 250. The prayer invokes Mary as Theotokos, or Mother of God, long before the Council of Ephesus solemnly affirmed that title in 431. Catholics pray it to seek Mary’s maternal intercession in times of necessity, danger, fear, and distress. It also appears in the Church’s liturgical and devotional traditions, especially in Marian prayer and at the close of the day. Its brevity makes it suitable for frequent personal or family prayer.

When to pray it: Pray it in times of necessity or danger, during Marian devotions, or at the close of the day.