prayer of st. augustine of canterbury to mary, mother of the church

Gracious Lady, you are mother and virgin;
you are the mother of the body and soul
of our Head and Redeemer;
you are also truly mother of all the members
of Christ's Mystical Body.
For through your love,
you have co-operated in the begetting
of the faithful in the Church.
Unique among women,
you are mother and virgin;
mother of Christ and virgin of Christ.
You are the beauty and charm of earth, O Virgin.
You are forever the image of the holy Church.
Through a woman came death;
through a woman came life,
yes, through you,
O Mother of God!