‘Legends of the Blessed Virgin’ by J. Collin de Plancy; 1852; Chapter 3 – ‘THE COUNCIL OF EPHESUS.…
[Collin de Plancy – XVIII-XIX Century AD; Demonologist – Converted to the Catholic Faith]
“All the townspeople refrained from labour, and in their eagerness to learn the decision of the fathers, surrounded the church, invoking our blessed Lady to direct their proceedings and to vindicate her dignity. Could such an assemblage of worthy pastors of the Church, met in a city so devoted to Mary, fail to be unanimous in their decision ?
Nestorius foresaw that they could not, he therefore refused to appear. St. Cyril presided over the council as representative of the Sovereign Pontiff, and delivered a discourse at one of the sessions, of which the following are some sentences : —
" Hail, Mary ! treasure of the world !
" Hail, Mary, Mother of God. It is through you that the prophets raise their voices, and that the pastors of the Church celebrate the praises of the Almighty, singing with the angels that sublime canticle,—' Glory be to God on high, and on earth, peace to men of good will.'
"…More
" Hail, Mary, Mother of God. It is through you that the prophets raise their voices, and that the pastors of the Church celebrate the praises of the Almighty, singing with the angels that sublime canticle,—' Glory be to God on high, and on earth, peace to men of good will.'
"Since this time, to the angelic salutation, " Hail, Mary ! full of grace, the Lord is with thee ; " and the words of St. Elizabeth, at the Visitation, "Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus," has ever been added the conclusion adopted by the Council of Ephesus : —
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death." Amen.”