THE GARDEN OF THE SOUL
THE GARDEN OF THE SOUL
A MANUAL OF SPIRITUAL EXERCISES AND INSTRUCTIONS
for Christians who, living in the world, aspire to devotion
BY
BISHOP CHALLONER
Whereto are added the Public and private Devotions now in most frequent use.
THE NEWMAN PRESS
WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
Nihil obstat. Georgius Can. Smith, S. Th.D., Ph.D., Censor Deputatus
IMPRIMATUR E. Morrogh Bernard Vic. Gen.
Westmonasteni, die 19 Februarii 1945
PRINTED IN BELGIUM
PUBLISHERS' NOTE
THE first edition of The Garden of the Soul, by Bishop Challoner, was published in 1740, and it was reprinted without alteration in 1 741. Bishop Challoner was born in Sussex in 1 69 1, the son of a wine cooper, and was > educated (for he was received into the Catho- lic Church with his mother) at the College of English exiles of Douay. After twenty-six v years there as student, minor professor, ^ and finally director of studies, he returned in ^ 1730, a priest and a D.D., to the England of the Penal Laws. By personal service and by his writings he encouraged and fortified the secret and saddened but eager Catholicity of his countrymen. After eleven years he was . made coadjutor, and after another seventeen succeeded to the charge of the London Vica- riate.
In the midst of harassings that often quickened into downright persecution, he carried on his work of organisation, of spiri- tual ministration, of care for the poor, and of Writing. His saintly life came to its end in 1 78 1, six months after the furious Gordon Riots, during which, an aged and infirm man, he had seen the flames of the burning Catholic churches and heard the roar of the C mob that was seeking after him.
The present edition of Challoner's justly popular devotional work reproduces the text
vi Publishers' Note
of the 1 741 impression almost in its entirety. In a few instances the spelling and punctua- tion have been altered to conform with modern usage. The book has also been ampli- fied by the inclusion of those Church services at which the faithful commonly assist.
CONTENTS
(For Alphabetical Index see page 413)
Christian Doctrine, 1
Z. What Every Christian Must Believe, 1
2. What Every Christian Must
Do, 7
3. Gospel Lessons, 10 Morning Devotions, 17
Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, 20
Angelus Domini^ 23
Evening Prayers, 24
Examination of Conscience, 26
Salve Rs gin a , 29
Instructions for Hearing Mass, 31
The Ordinary of the Mass, 36
Devotions for Holy Communion, 59
Manner of Serving at Mass, 69
Baptism, 76
Penance, 85
Examination of Conscience, 87 Act of Contrition, 88 Method of Confession, 89 Thanksgiving and Satisfaction, 90
Matrimony, 93
vii
Vlll
Contents
In Time of Sickness, 98
The Burial Service, 106
M ass for the Dead, no
The Burial of Infants, 123
Prayers for the Dead, 124
Devotions to the Sacred Heart, 128
Our Lord's Promise to St. Margaret
Mary, 129 Prayer of St. Margaret Mary, 130 Litany of the Sacred Heart, 131 Consecration to the Sacred Heart,
133
Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori, 134
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, 136
The Way of the Cross, 140 The Psalter of Jesus, 155 Devotions to Our Blessed Lady, 168 The Rosary, 168
Litany of the Blessed Virgin, 169 Ave Re gin a, 174 Regina Casli, 175 Salve Regina, 175 Prayer for England, 176 Prayer of St. Aloysius to Our Lady, 177
Contents
Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 178
The Thirty Days' Prayer, 180
Memorare, 185
Magnificat, 186 Litany of St. Joseph, 187 Prayer to St. Joseph, 189 Guild of the Blessed Sacrament, 190
The Guild Service, 190 Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, 197
Divine Praises, 200
The Blessed Sacrament Guild Hymn, 201 Instructions for Meditation, 202 Ten Meditations of St. Francis de Sales, 205
An Universal Prayer, 232
A Paraphrase upon the Lord's Prayer,
234
Occasional Prayers, 240 For the Pope, 240 For the King, 240 For England, 240 For Any Necessity, 241 For Peace, 241 In Time of War, 242 On One's Birthday, 242
X
Contents
Hymns for Various Occasions, 243 Grace Before and After Meals, 270 Feasts and Fasts Throughout the Year, 270
The Six Precepts of the Church, 272 Indulgences, 273
Epistles and Gospels for Sundays and Days of Obligation, 275
THE
Garden of the Soul
Christian Doctrine or, a
Summary of Christian Faith and
Morality
Section I
WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST BELIEVE
1. T^VERY Christian must believe that -C# there is one God, and no more than
one God : that this God is a pure Spirit, the Lord and maker of heaven and earth, who has neither beginning nor end, but is always the same ; is every where present, knows and sees all things, can do all things whatever he pleases, and is infinite in all per- fections.
2. Every Christian is bound to believe, that in this one God there are three several persons, perfectly equal, and of the same substance : The Father, who proceeds from no one ; the Son, who is born of the Father before all ages ; and the Holy Ghost, who proceeds
2
Christian Doctrine
eternally from the Father and the Son. And that these three persons have all the same age, the same power, the same wisdom, and are all three one and the same Lord, one and the same God.
3- We must all believe, that this God created the angels to be with him for ever, and that one part of them fell from God by sin, and became devils. That God also created Adam and Eve, the first parents of all mankind, and placed them in the earthly paradise ; from whence they were justly banished for the sin they committed in eating of the fruit of the forbidden tree : and that by this transgres- sion of Adam we are all born in sin, and must have been lost for ever, if God had not sent us a Saviour.
4- We are bound to believe in this Saviour of all mankind, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, true God, and true man ; -perfect God from all eternity, equal to his Father in all things ; and perfect man, from the time of his coming down from heaven for us, having a body and soul like us.
5- We must believe, that this Jesus Christ our Saviour, who had long been foretold by the prophets, was at God's appointed time conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Ghost, without having any man for his father, and was born of her, she still remaining a pure virgin. That during the time of his mortal fife, he founded the Christian religion by his
Christian Doctrine 3 heavenly doctrine and wonderful miracles, and then offered himself a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, by dying upon a cross, to purchase mercy, grace and salvation for us. And that neither mercy, nor grace, nor salvation, either can, or ever could, since AdanCs fall, be obtained any otherwise, than through this death and Passion of the Son of God.
6. We must believe, that Jesus Christ, after he had been dead and buried for part of three days, rose again on the third day from death to life, never to die any more; and that, for the space of forty days, he was pleased at different times to manifest himself to his disciples, and then ascended into heaven in their sight; where as mar he continually intercedes for us. From thence he sent down the Holy Ghost upon his disciples, to abide with them for ever, as he had promised, and to guide them and their successors into all truth.
7. We must believe the Catholic or universal Church of Christ, of which he is the perpetual head, and his spirit the perpetual director ; which is founded upon a rock, and is ever victorious over all the powers of death and hell. This church is always one, by all its members professing one faith, in one com- munion, under one chief pastor succeeding St. Peter, to whom Christ committed his whole flock,, St. John xxi. 15, 16, 17. This same church is always holy, by teaching a
4 Christian Doctrine
holy doctrine, by inviting all to a holy life, and by the eminent holiness of many of her children. She is Catholic or universal, by sub- sisting in all ages, by teaching all nations, and maintaining all truths ; she is apostolical, by deriving her doctrine, her communion, her orders, and her mission, by an uninterrupted succession, from the apostles of Christ.
8. With this Catholic Church the scriptures both of the Old and New Testament were deposited by the apostles : she is, in her pastors, the guardian and interpreter of them, and the judge "of all controversies re- lating to them. These scriptures, thus inter- preted, together with the traditions of the apostles, are to be received and admitted by all Christians for the rule of their faith and practice.
9. We must believe that Jesus Christ has mstituted^ in his church seven sacraments, or mysterious signs and instrumental causes of divine grace in our souls. Baptism, by way of a new birth, by which we are made children of God, and washed from sin. Confirmation, by which we receive the Holy Ghost by the imposition of the hands of the successors of the apostles, Acts viii. The Blessed Eucharist, which feeds and nourishes our souls with the* body and blood of Christ, really present under the forms of bread and wine, or under either of them. Penance, by which penitent sinners are absolved from their sins, by virtue of the commission given by Christ to his ministers,
Christian Doctrine 5
St. John xx and St. M atu xviii. Extreme Unc- tion, which wipes away the relics of sin, and arms the soul with the grace of God in the time of sickness, St. James v. Holy Orders, by which the ministers of God are consecrated. And Matrimony, which, as a sacred sign of the indissoluble union of Christ and his church, unites the married couple in a holy band, and imparts a grace to them suitable to that state, E-ph. v.
10. We must believe, that Jesus Christ has also instituted the great Eucharistic Sacrifice of his body and blood, in remembrance of his death and Passion. In this sacrifice he is mystically immolated every day upon our altars, being himself both priest and victim. This sacrifice is the principal worship of the new law, in which, and by which, we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, and with him, and through him, we adore God in spirit^ and truth, give him thanks for all his blessings, obtain his grace for ourselves and the whole world, and pardon for all our sins, and those of the living and the dead.
11. We must believe that there is, in the Catholic or universal Church of God, a communion of saints, by means of which we communicate with all holy ones, and in all holy things. We communicate with the saints in heaven, as our fellow-members under the same head Christ Jesus ; we give thanks to God for his gifts to them, and we beg a share in their prayers. We communicate with all
6 Christian Doctrine
the saints upon earth, in the same sacra- ments and sacrifice, and in a holy union of faith and charity. And we communicate with the faithful (who have departed this life in a more imperfect state, and who, by the law of God's justice, are for a while in a place of suffering) by offering prayers and alms and sacrifice to God for them.
12. We must believe also the necessity of divine grace, without which we cannot make so much as one step towards heaven. And that all our good, and all our merits, are the gifts of God. That Christ died for all men. That God is not the author of sin ; and that his grace does not take away our free-will.
13. We must believe that Jesus Christ will come from heaven at the last day to judge us all. That all the dead, both good and bad, shall arise from their graves at the sound of the last trumpet, and shall be judged by him according to their works. That the good shall go to heaven with him, body and soul, to be happy for all eternity, in the enjoyment of the sovereign good; and that the wicked shall be condemned, both body and soul, to the torments of hell, which are most grievous and everlasting.
Christian Doctrine 7
Section II
WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST DO
to obtain life everlasting
If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. — St. Matt, xix,
1. T^VERY Christian, in order to obtain ■I— ' life everlasting, must worship God as his first beginning and last end. This wor- ship is to be performed first by faith, which makes both the understanding and the will humbly adore and embrace all those truths which God has taught, however obscure and incomprehensible they may be to our weak- ness. Secondly, by hope, which honours the infinite power, goodness, and mercy of God, and the truth of his promises, and upon these grounds raises the soul to an assured expec- tation of mercy, grace and salvation, through the merits of Jesus Christ. Thirdly, by char- ity, which teaches us to love God with our whole hearts, for his own sake, and our neighbours as ourselves, for God's sake. Fourthly, by the virtue of religion, the chief acts of which are adoration, praise, thanks- giving, oblation of ourselves to God, sacrifice and prayer, which ought to be the daily em- ployments of a Christian souL
8
Christian Doctrine
2. We must fly all idolatry, all false religion and superstition, under which name are comprehended all manner of divinations, or pretensions to fortune-telling ; all witch- craft, charms, spells, observations of omens, dreams, &c. All these things are heathenish, and contrary to the worship of the true and living God, and to that dependence a Chris- tian soul ought to have on him.
3. We must reverence the name of God and his truth, by a religious observance of all lawful oaths and vows, and by carefully avoiding all false, rash, unjust or blasphem- ous oaths and curses.
4. We must dedicate some notable part of our time to his divine service ; and more especially consecrate to him those days that he has ordered to be sanctified, or kept holy.
5. Under God we must love, reverence, and obey our parents, and other lawful superiors, spiritual and temporal, and observe the laws of the church and state. As also we must have a due care of our children, and of others that are under our charge, both as to their soul and body.
6. We must abstain from all injuries to our neighbour's person, by murder, or any other violence ; and from all hatred, envy, and desire for revenge. As also from spiritual murder, which is committed by drawing him into sin, by words, actions, or ill example.
7. We must abstain from adultery, and from all uncleanness of thoughts, words, and actions.
Christian Doctrine 9
8. We must not steal, cheat, or any other way wrong our neighbour in his goods and possessions ; we must give every one his own, pay our debts, and make restitution for all unjust damages which we have caused,
9. We must not wrong our neighbour in his character or good nature, by detraction or rash judgment ; or in his honour, by re- proaches and affronts ; or rob him of the peace of his mind, by scoffs and contempt ; or of his friends, by carrying stories back- wards and forwards. In all which cases, who- soever wrongs his neighbour, is obliged to make restitution or satisfaction.
10. As we are commanded to abstain from all deeds of lust and injustice, so we are also strictly obliged to restrain all desires in these kinds, and to resist the irregular mo- tions of concupiscence. So far the ten com- mandments, which are a short abridgment of the whole eternal and natural law, which admits of no dispensation.
JO
Christian Doctrine
Section III
GOSPEL LESSONS to be pondered by every Christian soul
!• "C NTER ye by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the; way, that leads to destruction, and many there are that go in thereat : how narrow is the gate and straight the way that' leadeth to life, and few there are that find it. Matt. vii. 13, 14. j
2. Many are called but few are chosen.; Matt. xx. 16, xxii. 14.
3. Not everyone that saith to me, Lord/ Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. But he that doth the will of my Father that is in heaven. Matt. vii. 21.
4. What doth it profit a man, if he gain the* whole world, and lose his own soul ? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul ? Matt. xvi. 26.
5. One thing is necessary. Luke x. 42.
6. He that loveth father and mother more than me, is not worthy of me ; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. Matt. x. 37, 38.
7. He that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father that is in heaven. Matt. x. 33.
Christian Doctrine
II
8. Whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when he shall come in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark viii. 38.
9. Fear not them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul ; but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. x. 28.
10. He that loveth his life shall lose it, and he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal. John xii. 2$.
11. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matt. xvi. 24.
12. Every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple. Luke xiv. 33.
13. If any man come to me, and hate not his father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke xiv. 26, 27.
14. The friendship of this world is enmity with God. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of this world, is made the enemy of God. James iv. 4.
15. Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
12 Christian Doctrine
For all that is in the world, is the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doth the will of God abideth for ever. I John ii. 15, 16, 17.
16. Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt, xviii. 4. 17 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matt, v. 3, 4, 5.
18. Woe to you that are rich, because you have your consolation. — Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Luke vi. 24, 25.
19. Come to me all you that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet, and my burthen light. Matt, xi. 28, 29, 30.
20. Whosoever exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. Matt, xxiii. 12.
21. God resisteth the proud, and to the humble he giveth grace. Peter v. 5.
22. Take heed that you do not your justice before men, that you may be seen by them ;
Christian Doctrine 13
otherwise you shall have no reward of your Father who is in heaven. Matt. vi. 1.
23. No man can serve two masters. — You cannot serve God and mammon. Matt. vi. 24.
24. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, etc. Matt. vi. 19, 20.
25. Seek first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. vi. 33.
26. If you live according to the flesh, you shall die ; but if by the spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. Rom. viii. 13.
27. Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind ; nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. vi. 9, io.
28. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy ; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Cor. in. 17.
29. Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matt. vi. 28.
30. If thy right eye be a scandal [a stum- bling-block] to thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. — And if thy right-hand be a
14 Christian Doctrine
scandal to thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee ; for it is better for thee that one of thy members should perish, than that thy whole body should go to hell. Matt. v. 29, 30.
3 1 . If you forgive not men their trespasses ; neither will your Father forgive your tres- passes. Matt. vi. 15.
32. Love your enemies ; do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that perse- cute you and calumniate you ; that you may be children of your Father that is in heaven. Matt. v. 4J-, 45.
33. A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you. John xiii. 34.
34. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal : and though I have prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not chanty, I am nothing : and though I should bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I should give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Cor.
xiii. i? 2, 3.
5. Render to no man evil for evil. If it e possible, as much as lieth in you, have peace with all men. Not revenging your- selves, &c. Be not overcome by evil, but over- come evil with good. Rom. xii. 17, 18, 19, 21.
i
Christian Doctrine IS
36. Let not the sun go down upon your anger. Eph. iv. 26.
37. Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of heaven. Acts xiv. 21.
38. All that will live godlily in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. 2 Tim. ill. 12.
39. In your patience you shall possess your souls. Luke xxi. 19.
AO. Whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them. Matt. vii. 12.
4.1. Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be over-charged with sur- feiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you un- awares. Luke xxi. 34.
42. Be you perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matt. v. 48.
43. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matt. vii. 7. Whatso- ever you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. "John xvi. 23.
44. Let him that thinketh'he standeth, take need lest he fall. 1 Cor. x 12.
45. Watch ; for you know not at what hour your Lord will come. — Be ready, for the Son of Man will come at the hour that you know not. Matt, xxi v. 44.
46. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. Matt, xxvi. 41
47. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatever
16 Christian Doctrine
else you do, do all to the glory of God* I Cor. x. 31.
48. We brought nothing into this world, and 'tis certain we can carry nothing out. Hav- ing therefore food and raiment, let us be content therewith. But they that will be rich, fall into temptation, and the snare of the devil, and many useless and hurtful desires, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil. 1 Tim. vi, 7, 8, 9, 10.
49. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and cast into the fire. Matt. vii. 19.
50. Except you do penance, you shall all perish. Luke xiii. 3, 5.
51. He that shall persevere to the end, the same shall be saved. Matt. xxiv. 13.
52. Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life. Apoc. ii 10.
53. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Heb. x. 31.
54. Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according to his works. Apoc. xxii. 12.
MORNING DEVOTIONS
WE must get up before the sun to bless thee (0 God) and adore thee at the break of day. Wisd. xvi. 28. 0 God, my God, to thee I watch from the morning light. Ps. lxii. 2.
At your first waking in the morning make the sign of the cross, saying, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Blessed be the holy and undi- vided Trinity, now and for ever. Amen. Then adore God, and make an offering of your whole being to him for that day and for ever. Take great care not to let the devil run away with your first thoughts : for very much de- pends upon giving them to God, who is your first beginning and last end, and therefore expects from you the first fruits of the day. And as he has with an incomparable love watched over you all the night whilst you were asleep, it would be very ungrateful not to open the eyes of your soul, to look up towards him, and give yourself to him, as soon as you awake.
Take care also to rise early that you may gather the manna of heaven ; of which you will have little or no share, if you begin the day by indulging sloth and sensuality in bed, instead of employing that first and most precious time in conversation with God.
17
18 Morning Devotions
Whilst you are dressing and washing your- self, entertain some pious thoughts, and by devout aspirations beg of God to clothe your soul with heavenly virtues, and to wash you clean from all stains of sin. Then kneel down in your oratory, or by your bed-side : make the sign of the cross in memory of Christ crucified ; and place yourself in the presence of the Divine Majesty, by a lively faith that he sees and beholds you, and is in the very centre of your soul. Bow yourself down to adore him, beg pardon for your unworthiness and sins, and crave his grace, that you may behave yourself as you ought in his presence. Then say
The Lord's Prayer
OUR Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name : thy kingdom come : thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us : and lead us not into temptation : but deliver us from evil. Amen,
* The Hail Mary
HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
Morning Devotions 19
for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The Apostles* Creed
T BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, X Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord : who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; he descended into hell, the third day he rose again from the dead ; he ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the holy Catholic Church ; the communion of saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of the body ; and life everlasting. Amen.
The Confiteor
I CONFESS to Almighty God ; to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault : therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin : blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
20 Act of Faith
May the Almighty God have mercy on me, and forgive me my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen. May the almighty and merciful Lord give me pardon, absolution, and remission of all my sins. Amen.
ACTS OF
FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY
proper for the Morning, or Any Other
Time of Day
OF FAITH
OMY God, I believe with a most firm faith all those things which thou hast revealed, and which thy holy church pro- poses to my belief. I believe in one true and living God, my first beginning and last end ; and that in this one God there are three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, true God and true Man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, and died upon the cross to deliver us all from sin and hell. I bow down my understanding and my will to adore these, and all other thy sacred truths, how incomprehensible soever to my weakness. I embrace them all, and adhere to them with all my soul, because they have been revealed by thee, the sovereign truth, who neither canst deceive nor be deceived. I believe in all things according as the holy
Act of Hope 21 i
Catholic Church believes. In this faith I now live ; in the same, by thy grace, I resolve to . die. Be thou pleased daily to increase and ! strengthen this my faith.
j
OF HOPE â–
O MY God, nothing is hard or impossible to thee, because thy power is infinite ; and there is nothing that thou art not willing to do in favour of us poor mortals, because thy mercy and goodness for us are j infinite. Thou has made us to thy own image j and likeness, and thou lovest the work of thy j hands ; thou hast redeemed us by the pre- j cious blood of thy only Son ; and for his sake thou art ever opening thy hand to pour out thy graces upon us ; never forsaking us, if we forsake not thee ; and still calling upon un- happy sinners that have forsaken thee, to return to thee : thou hast promised mercy to such as sincerely seek it ; grace to such as \ heartily pray for it ; and eternal salvation j through Jesus Christ to such as persevere to j the end in thy fear and love. Upon these strong grounds I build all my hopes ; and j relying upon the assistance of thy grace, and \ the merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ, I trust â– to find mercy in the forgiveness of my sins, r and so to pass the remainder of this mortal j life in thy divine service, that I may come j hereafter to enjoy thee in a happy eternity. In thee, 0 Lord, is my hope, 0 let me never be confounded. \
\
22
Act of Charity
OF CHARITY
OMY God, thou commandest me to love thee with my whole heart, with my whole soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength ; and it is my sincere desire so to love thee. 0 come and take possession of my whole heart and soul, and teach me this heavenly art of love. Let this sacred fire ever burn upon the altar of my heart : let nothing be able to extinguish it. 0 let nothing in life or death ever separate me from thy love. Thou art the supreme good ; the fountain of all good ; and thou art infinitely good to me. Thou art the sovereign beauty, the sovereign bounty, and the sovereign truth, the immen- se and incomprehensible ocean of all perfec- tion. Thou art my creator, my redeemer, the best of friends, and my perpetual benefactor. Thou art my sweet repose, my true and only joy, and eternal felicity. Thou art my con- stant lover, the father and spouse of my soul. Thou art my God and my all. Oh ! when shall I be so happy as to see thee, to love thee, to enjoy thee for ever ?
I desire with my whole heart, that the whole universe may glorify thee ; that thou mayest be known, worthily praised and served by all nations ; that thy love may subdue all hearts ; and that all thy creatures may fulfil thy will in all things. Oh ! when will sin have an end ? When will thy kingdom perfectly come ? When wilt thou reign all in all ? In
The Angelus 23
the meantime I offer thee my whole self without reserve, and I desire to be for ever a servant of thy love ; and to invite as many as I can to love thee, whom I desire to love in thee, and for thee. I rejoice with my whole soul, that thou art in thyself eternally and infinitely happy ; and that nothing can be added to thy greatness and glory. O grant that we may all be eternal witnesses of this glory, and eternally rejoice therein, through Jesus Christ thy Son. Amen.
ANGELUS DOMINI
1. HHHE angel of the Lord declared unto
1 Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Ghost. Hail Mary, &c.
2. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, &c. 111
3. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Hail Mary, &c.
V t Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. R. That we may be worthy of the prom- ises of Christ.
Let us fray. Pour forth, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his Passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same* Christ our Lord. Amen.
EVENING PRAYERS
Let us pray.
OGOD, whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, receive our petition ; that we and all thy servants, who are bound by the chain of sins, may by the compassion of thy goodness mercifully be absolved.
TTEAR, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, the AX prayers of the suppliant, and pardon the sins of them that confess to thee, that in thy bounty thou mayest both give us pardon and peace.
OUT of thy clemency, O Lord, shew thy unspeakable mercy to us, that so thou may'st both acquit us of our sins, and deliver us from the punishments we deserve for them.
GOD, who by sin art offended, and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of thy people making supplication to thee, and turn away the scourges of thy anger, which we deserve for our sins.
O ALMIGHTY and eternal God, have mercy on thy servant N. our chief bishop, and direct him, according to thy clemency, into the way of everlasting salva- tion ; that by thy grace he may desire those things that are agreeable to thee, and perform them with all his strength.
Evening Prayers 25
OGOD, from whom are holy desires, right counsels, and just works, give to thy servants that peace which the world cannot give ; that both our hearts may be disposed to keep thy commandments, and the fear of enemies being removed, the times by thy protection may be peaceable.
INFLAME, 0 Lord, our hearts and mem- bers with the fire of thy holy Spirit, that we may serve thee with a chaste body, and please thee with a clean heart.
OGOD, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, give to the souls of thy servant* departed the remission of all their sins, that through pious supplications they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired.
FORWARD, we beseech thee, O Lord, our actions by thy holy inspirations, and carry them on by thy gracious assist- ance ; that every prayer and work of ours may begin always from thee, and by thee be happily ended.
O ALMIGHTY and eternal # God, who hast dominion over the living and the dead, and art merciful to all whom thou foreknowest shall be thine by faith and good works ; we humbly beseech thee, that they, for whom we have determined to of <»r up our prayers, whether this present world still detain them in the flesh, or the world to come hath already received them out of
26 Evening Prayers
their bodies, may by the clemency of thy goodness, all thy saints interceding for them, obtain pardon and full remission of all their sins, through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth one God, with thee and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
V . O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto thee. V . May the almighty and most merciful Lord graciously hear us. R. Amen, V . And may the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen.
AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE For Every Night
First, "OLACE yourself in the presence of JL God ; humbly adore himy and give him thanks for all his blessings, especially those bestowed on you this day.
O ALMIGHTY and eternal God, whose majesty filleth heaven and earth, I firmly believe that thou art here ; that thy adorable eye is upon me ; that thou seest and knowest all things ; and that thou art most intimately present in the very centre of my soul. I desire to bow down all the powers of my soul to adore thee ; I desire to join my voice with all the angels and
Evening Prayers 27
saints, to praise thee, and glorify thee now and for ever. I give thee thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for all thy mercies and blessings bestowed upon me, and upon thy whole Church ; and particularly for those I have received from thee this day, in thy watching over me, and preserving me from so many evils, and favouring me with so many graces and inspirations, &c. O let me never more be ungrateful to so constant and so liberal a benefactor ! And now dear Lord, add this one blessing to the rest ; that I may clearly discover the sins that I have committed this day, by thought, word, or deed ; or by any omission of any branch of my duty, to thee, to my neigh- bour, or to myself : that no part of my guilt may be hidden from my own eyes ; but that I may see my sins in their true colours, and may detest them as they ought to be detested.
THEN examine yourself, how you have passed the day ; how you have per- formed your prayers, and other spiritual exercises ; in what manner you have acquit- ted yourself of the duties of your calling ; what care you have taken to perform well your ordinary actions of the day ; what com- pany you have been in, and what your con- versation has been ; and in particular, how you have behaved yourself with regard to
28 Evening Prayers
your customary failings, and your predomi- nant passions.
Having diligently examined your con- science, and discovered the faults you have been guilty of, endeavour to be heartily sorry, and humbly beg pardon of the divine majesty for them, saying for this purpose the Psalm Miserere, Have mercy on me, 0 Godr etc., p. 107.
Then make a firm purpose of amendment for the future, and especially resolve to be more watchful over yourself the following day ; to be more diligent in flying xhe occa- sions of your sins ; and to take such and such precautions with regard to the fault you are most subject to.
OTHER EVENING PRAYERS
Let us pray.
VISIT, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, this habitation, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy : let thy holy angels dwell therein, to preserve us in peace ; and thy blessing be upon us for ever, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Look down, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, upon this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to be delivered into the hands of sinners, and to undergo the torment of the cross ; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
Evening Prayers 29
SALVE REGINA
HAIL to the queen who reigns above, â– Mother of clemency and love : Hail thou our hope, life, sweetness ; we, Eve's banish'd children, cry to thee.
We from this wretched vale of tears, Send sighs and groans unto thine ears ; Oh ! then, sweet advocate, bestow A pitying look on us below.
After this exile, let us see Our blessed Jesus, born of thee : 0 merciful, 0 pious maid, 0 gracious Mary, lend thine aid.
V . Pray for us, O holy mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O ALMIGHTY and eternal God, who didst prepare the body and soul of the glorious Mary, mother and virgin, that by the co-operation of the Holy Ghost she might become a worthy dwelling for thy Son : grant, that as we rejoice in her com- memoration, so, by her pious intercession, we may be delivered both from present evils and everlasting death, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Defend, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, by the intercession of blessed Mary, ever virgin,
3° Evening Prayers
this thy family from all adversity ; and as with our whole heart we lie prostrate before thee, mercifully protect us from the snares of our enemies, through Christ our Lord J men,
0 angel of God, who art my guardian, watch over me this night, whom the divine good- ness has committed to thy charge ; direct me, keep me and defend me from all evil spirits, and all misfortunes. Into thy hands, 0 Lord, I commend my spirit : Lord Jesus, receive my soul. In Thee, 0 Lord, is my hope ; 0 let me never be confounded.
May the blessing of almighty God, Father, bon, and Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and remain always with us. J men. >J<
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HEARING MASS
1. T7 ROM the beginning of the world the JT servants of God were always accus- tomed to offer sacrifice to him ; by way of acknowledging his sovereignty, and paying their homage to him. And in all ancient reli- gions, true or false, this worship of sacrifice was always looked upon as a most solemn act of religion, due to the Deity which they worshipped.
2. In the law of nature, and in the law of Moses, there was a great variety of sacri- fices ; some bloody (in which the victim was slain), others unbloody ; some were called holocausts, or whole burnt offerings, in which the whole host, or victim, was consumed by fife upon God's Altar, for his honour and glory ; others were called sin offerings, which were offered ^ for sins; others were offerings of thanksgiving, others, in fine, were pacific, or peace offerings, which were offered for obtaining favours of God ; the word peace in the Scripture style signifying all manner of good and prosperity.
3. All these sacrifices of the law of Nature, and of the law of Moses, were of themselves but zveak and needy elements, and only figures of a sacrifice to come, viz. that of
31
32 Instructions for Mass
Jesus Christ ; in consideration of which sacrifice only, and of the faith of the offerers, by which they believed in this redeemer to come, those ancient sacrifices were then accepted by the divine majesty, when they were accompanied with the inward sacrifice of the heart : but not for any intrinsic worth or dignity of the things offered ; for no other blood but the blood of Christ could wash away our sins. Hence in the 39th Psalm, spoken in the person of Christ to his Father, we read, Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire, but thou hast fitted a body for me. (So St. Paul reads it, Heb. x. 5.) Burnt-offering and sin-offering thou didst not require, then said /, Behold I come. To give us to under- stand, that by reason of the insufficiency of the sacrifices of the old law, Christ himself would come to be our sacrifice, and would offer up his own body and blood for us.
4. Accordingly our Saviour Jesus Christ, at the time appointed by his Father, having taken flesh for us, was pleased to offer him- self a sacrifice for us all, dying upon the cross for the sins of the whole world. By this one offering we were completely redeemed, inasmuch as our ransom was paid, and all mercy, grace, and salvation were purchased for us. Neither can there now be any need of his dying any more, or purchasing any other graces for us than those for which he has already paid the price of his blood.
5. Nevertheless for the daily application of
Instructions for Mass 33 this one eternal redemption to our souls, and that the mercy, grace, and salvation which he has purchased for us may be actually communicated to us, he not only continually appears in our behalf in the sanctuary of heaven, there representing and offering to his Father his death and Passion for us ; but has also instituted the Blessed Eucharist, the night before his Passion, in which he has bequeathed us his body and blood under the sacramental veils, to be not only received by us as a sacrament, for the food and nourishment of our souls; but also to be offered and presented by his ministers to his Father (mystically broken and shed) as a sacrifice : not by way of a new death, but by way of a standing memorial of his death ; a daily celebrating and representing this death to God, and an applying to our souls the fruits of it.
6, This Eucharistic sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ, daily offered under the forms of bread and wine, in remembrance of his Passion, is what we call the Mass. This is the solemn liturgy of the Catholic Church. This is that pure offering made to God in every place among the Gentiles, according to the prophecy of Malachi i. v. io, II. By this Christ is a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech, Ps_. cix. whose sacri- fice was bread and wine, Gen. xv.
7. This sacrifice of the Mass is the same in substance with that* which , Christ offered
34 Instructions for Mass
for us upon the cross : because both thfc victim offered, and the priest, or principal offerer, is the same Jesus Christ. The differ- ence is only in the manner of the offering ; because upon the cross our Saviour offered himself in such manner as really to shed his blood and die for us ; whereas now he does not really shed his blood or die any more. And therefore this is called an unbloody sacrifice ; and that of the cross a bloody sacrifice.
8. By reason of this near alliance which this sacrifice of the Mass has with the sacrifice of the cross, it completely answers all the different ends of sacrifice, and that in a manner infinitely more perfect than any of the ancient sacrifices. Christ is here both priest and victim, representing in person and offering up his death and Passion to his Father : First, for the adoration, praise, honour and glory of the divine majesty. Secondly, in thanksgiving for all his benefits. Thirdly, for the obtaining of pardon for our sins. Fourthly, for the obtaining of grace and salvation for us by the merits of that same death and Passion. And therefore this sacrifice, in order to all these ends, must be infinitely beyond all the holocausts, thank- offerings, sin-offerings, and peace-offerings of the ancient law.
9. This sacrifice of the Mass then is offered up to God in the Catholic Church, first, as a daily remembrance of the Passion of Christ :
Instructions for Mass 35
This do in remembrance of me, St. Luke xxiL Secondly, as a most solemn worship of the divine majesty. "Thirdly, as a most acceptable thanksgiving to God, from whence it has the name of Eucharist. Fourthly, as a most powerful means to move God to shew mercy to us in the forgiveness of our sins ; for which reason we call it propitiatory ; and lastly, as a most effectual way to obtain of God all that we want, coming to him (as we here do) with Christ, and through Christ.
10. For these ends both priest and people ought to offer up the sacrifice of the Mass : the priest as Christ's minister, and in his person ; and the people by the hands of the wriest ; and both the one and the other by the hands of the great high-priest Jesus Christ. And with this offering of Christ's both the one and the other ought to make a total offering of themselves also by his hands, and in union with him.
11. Hence the best devotion for hearing Mass is that which has for its object the Passion of Christ, and which tends to unite the soul to Christ, and through him to his Father ; and which most perfectly answers all the other ends of this sacrifice, viz. the adoration of God, thanksgiving for all his benefits, the obtaining pardon^ for all our sins, and grace in all our necessities.
THE ORDINARY OF THE
MASS
The Priest at the foot of the altar says ; TN the Name of the Father, and of the -1 Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen, P . I will go unto the altar of God. R. To God, who giveth joy to my youth.
Psalm 42
P- Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy, deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
P- For Thou, 0 God, art my strength : why hast thou cast me off ? And why do I go sorrowful, whilst the enemy afflicteth me ? P. Send forth Thy light and Thy truth : they have conducted me and brought me unto Thy holy mount and into Thy tabernacles.
P- And I will go unto the altar of God : to God who giveth joy to my youth. P- ^ To Thee, O God, my God, I will give praise upon the harp : why art thou sad, O my soul ? and why dost thou disquiet me ?
P- m Hope in God : for I will still give praise to Him ; the salvation of my coun- tenance, and my God,
P- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
36
Ordinary of the Mass 37
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
P. I will go unto the altar of God.
R. To God, who giveth joy to my youth.
P. Our help is in the Name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
P. I confess to Almighty God, &c.
R. May Almighty God have mercy upon
thee, and forgiving thee thy sins, bring thee
to life everlasting.
P. Amen.
R. I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me. P. May Almighty God have mercy upon you, and, forgiving you your sins, bring you to life everlasting. P Amen.
P- May the almighty and most merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of all our sins. R- Amen.
Turn Thee, 0 God and quicken us
Ordinary of the Mass
And Thy people shall rejoice in Thee. Show us, 0 Lord, Thy mercy. And grant us Thy salvation. O Lord, hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee. The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
The Priest, going up to the altar, says :
TAKE away from us our iniquities, we < beseech Thee, 0 Lord, that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of Holies. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
and of all the Saints, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive me all my sins. Amen.
In Solemn Mass the altar is here incensed.
The Introit, Collect, Epistle, Gradual, Gospel, Offertory, and Communion Verses, with the Secret and Post-Communion, vary according to the day or feast. The varying portions of Mass here given are taken from the Mass of the Blessed Trinity.
The Introit
BLESSED be the holy Trinity, and the undivided Unity ; we will praise Him, because He hath shown His mercy to us (Ps. viii, 2). 0 Lord, our God, how won-
Ordinary of the Mas? 39
derful is Thy Name over the whole earth ! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; as it was in the begin- ning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen,
After which is alternately said :
P Lord have mercy on us.
R. Lord have mercy on us.
P, Lord have mercy on us.
A\ Christ have mercy on us.
P. Christ have mercy on us.
R. Christ have mercy on us.
Ps Lord have mercy on us.
R. Lord have mercy on us.
P. Lord have mercy on us.
The Gloria is omitted whenever the colour of the vestments used at Mass is either bbck or purple.
CALORY be to God on high, and peace on T earth to men of good will ; we praise Thee ; we bless Thee ; we adore Thee ; we glorify Thee ; we give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son : O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who ta'kest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Thou who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have
40 Ordinary of the Mass
mercy on us. For Thou alone art holy : Thoi alone art the Lord : Thou alone, 0 Jesu* Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most higl in the Glory of God the Father. Amen.
Turning towards the people, the priest says :â– !
P. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.
The Collect
ALMIGHTY everlasting God, who has1 granted unto Thy servants, in th< confession of the true faith, to acknowledge! the glory of the Eternal Trinity, and to] adore the unity in the power of Thy majesty,! we beseech Thee, that by the strength of! this faith, we mav be defended from all^ adversity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle
OTHE depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God ! How .incomprehensible are His judgments, andj how unsearchable His ways ! For who hath known the mind of the Lord ? Or who hath been His counsellor ? Or who hath first given to Him, and recompense shall be made Him ? For of Him, and by Him, and in Him, are all things : to Him be glory for ever. Amen.
At the end of the Epistle the clerk answer*. R. Thanks be to God.
Ordinary of the Mass
4*
The Gradual
BLESSED art Thou, 0 Lord, who be- holdest the deep and sittest on the Cherubim.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven, and praiseworthy for ever.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord, the God of our fathers, and praise- worthy for ever. Alleluia.
Munda cor meu??i,
the prayer said by the Priest before the
Gospel.
C^LEANSE my heart and my lips, 0 j Almighty God, who didst cleanse the lips of the prophet Isaiah with a burning coal ; and vouchsafe, through Thy gracious mercy, so to purify me, that I may worthily proclaim Thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Lord be in my heart, and on my lips, that I may worthily, and in a becoming manner, announce His holy Gospel. Amen.
P The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
P. The continuation (or beginning) of the
holy Gospel according to N.
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
42 Ordinary of the Mass
The Gospel
AT that time, Jesus said to His disciples : All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth : Going therefore, teach ye all na- tions : baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you ; and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. R. Praise be to Thee, 0 Christ.
The Priest kisses the Gospel, and says :
BY the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
The Nicene Creed
I BELIEVE in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things, visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages ; God of God ; Light of Light ; true God of true God ; begotten, not made ; consubstantial with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary : *and was made man. He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. The
* Here all genuflect.
Ordinary of the Mass 43
third day He rose again according to the Scriptures : and ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father : and He shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead ; of whose kingdom there shall be no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and lifegiver, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son ; who, together with the Father and the Son, is adored and glorified ; who spake by the prophets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, ^confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. A men.
P. The Lord be with you. A;. And with thy spirit. P Let us pray.
The Offertory
MLESSED be God the Father, and the ' only-begotten Son of God, and the Holy Spirit ; for He hath dealt with U3 according to His mercy.
Offering of the Host
A CCEPT, O Holy Father, Almighty, Eter- nal God, this immaculate Host, which I, Thy unworthy servant, offer unto Thee, toy living and true God, for my innumerable sins, offences, and negligences ; and for all
44 Ordinary of the Mass
here present ; as also for all faithful Chris- tians, both lhing and dead, that it may be profitable for my own and for their salvation unto life everlasting. Amen.
When the Priest pours wine and water into the chalice,
OGOD, who, in creating human
nature, didst wonderfully dignify it, and hast still more wonderfully renewed it : grant that, by the mystery of this water and wine, we may be made partakers of His divinity, who vouchsafed to become partaker of our humanity, Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord ; who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen,
Offering of the Chalice
WE offer unto Thee, O Lord, the Chalice of salvation, beseeching Thy clemency, that in the sight of Thy Divine Majesty, it may ascend with the odour of sweetness, for our salvation, and for that of the whole world. Amen.
In the spirit of humility, and with a contrite heart, let us be received by Thee, O Lord : and grant that the sacrifice we offer in Thy sight this day, may be pleasing to Thee, O Lord God.
Come, O Sanctifler, Almighty, Eternal God, and bless this ^ Sacrifice prepared to Thy holy Name.
Ordinary of the Mass 45
Here at Solemn Mass the incense is blessed, and the bread and wine and the altar are incensed.
MAY the Lord, by the intercession of blessed Michael the Archangel, stand- ing at the right hand of the altar of incense, and of all His elect, vouchsafe to bless ^ this incense, and receive it as an odour of sweetness. Through Christ, etc. Amen. May this incense which Thou hast blest, 0 Lord, ascend to Thee, and may Thy mercy descend upon us. Let my prayer, O Lord, ascend like incense in Thy sight : and the lifting up of my hands be as an evening sacrifice. Set a watch, 0 Lord, before my mouth, and a door round about my lips, that my heart may not incline to evil words, to make excuses in sins. May the Lord enkindle in us the fire of His love, and the flame of everlasting charity. Amen.
The Lav aba
T WILL wash my hands among the inno- X cent : and will encompass Thy altar,
0 Lord.
That I may hear the voice of praise ; and tell of all Thy marvellous works.
1 have loved, 0 Lord, the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.
Destroy not my soul with the wicked, O God : nor my life with men of blood.
46 Ordinary of the Mass
In whose hands are iniquities : their right hand is filled with gifts. But I h ave walked in my innocence redeem me and have mercy upon me. My foot hath stood in the right path: in the churches I will bless Thee, 0 Lord. Glory be to the Father, &c.
RECEIVE, 0 holy Trinity, this offering which we make to Thee in memory of the P assion, Resurrection, and Ascension of * our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honour of the blessed Mary ever a virgin, of blessed John the ] Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul,; of these and all the Saints : that it may be1 available to their honour and our salvation ; f and may they vouchsafe to intercede fori us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Orate Fratres
BRETHREN pray that my sacrifice and . yours may be acceptable to God the . Father Almighty. i R. May the Lord receive the sacrifice from Thy hands, to the praise and glory of His Name, to our benefit, and to that of all His holy Church. Amen.
"The Secret
SANCTIFY, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord our God, by the invocation of Thy holy
Ordinary of the Mass 47
Name, the Victim of this oblation ; and by- it make us ourselves an eternal offering unto Thee. Through Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
P. World without end. R. Amen.
P. The Lord be writh you.
R. And with thy spirit.
P. Lift up your hearts.
R. We have lifted them up unto the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our
God.
R It is meet and just.
The Preface
IT is truly meet and just, right and salu- tary, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, Everlasting God : who to- gether with Thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost art one God and one Lord ; not in the singleness of one Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For that which, by Thy revelation, we believe of Thy glory, the same also do we hold as to Thy Son, the same 3s to the Holy Ghost, without difference or distinction. That in the confession of the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in Person, unity in Essence, and equality in Majesty may be adored : which the Angels
48 Ordinary of the Mass
and Archangels, the Cherubim also and; Seraphim praise ; who cease not daily to cry out with one voice : saying,
S a net us
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts. Full are the heavens and the earth of Thy glory ; Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord: Hosanna in the heights.
The Canon of the Mass
VVT'E humbly pray and beseech Thee, there- VV fore, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to accept and bless these gifts, these presents, these holy, unspotted sacrifices, which in the first place we offer Thee for Thy holy Catholic Church, to which vouchsafe to grant peace ; as also to preserve, unite, and govern it throughout the world, together with Thy servant our Pope, N.9 and our Bishop, N.9 as also all orthodox believers and professors of the Catholic and Apostolic Faith.
Commemoration of the Living
o
E mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants, men and women, N. and N.
The Priest joins his hands, and prays silently for those he intends to pray for.
B
Ordinary of the Mass 49
AND of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known unto Thee ; for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee this sacrifice of praise for themselves, their families, and friends, for the hope of their safety and salvation, and who pay their vows to Thee, the eternal, living, and true God.
/COMMUNICATING with, and honouring in the first place the memory of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord and God Jesus Christ ; as also of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy Saints ; by whose merits and prayers grant that we may be always defended by the help of Thy protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
At the Consecration
W/E, therefore, beseech Thee, O Lord, *V graciously to accept this oblation of our service, as also of Thy whole family ; dispose our days in Thy peace, command us to be delivered from eternal damnation, and to be numbered in the flock of Thy elect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
50 Ordinary of the Mass
WHICH oblation do Thou, O God vouchsafe in all things to male blessed, approved, ratified, reasonable, anof acceptable, that it may become to us t] Body and Blood of Thy most beloved Son,? Jesus Christ our Lord.
WHO the day before He suffered, took, bread (he takes the Host) into His holy and venerable hands (he raises his eyes to heaven), and with His eyes lifted up towards heaven, to God, His Almighty Father, giving} thanks to Thee, did bless, break, and give tot His disciples, saying : " Take, and eat ye all of This ; for this is my body" §
The bell is rung. The priest, kneeling, adores, and then elevates
the sacred Host. \
IN like manner, after He had supped,? taking also this excellent Chalice into His holy and venerable hands, and giving! Thee thanks, He blessed, and gave to Hisj disciples, saying : Take and drink ye all oft This : for this is the Chalice of My Blood the new and eternal testament ; the Mysteryk of faith ; which shall be shed for you, and fori many, to the remission of sins. \ As often as ye do these things, ye shall dof
them in remembrance of Me. 1
i
The bell is rung. The Priest, kneeling, adores, and then elevates the Chalice.
Ordinary of the Mass 51
^/THEREFORE*, 0 Lord, we Thy ser- â– V vants, as also Thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed Passion of the same Christ Thy Son our Lord, His Resurrection from the dead, and glorious Ascension into heaven, offer unto Thy most excellent Majesty, of Thy gifts and grants, a pure Host, a holy Host, an immaculate Host, the holy Bread of eternal life, and the Chalice of everlasting salvation.
I f PON which vouchsafe to look with a v. ' propitious and serene countenance, and to accept them, as Thou wast graciously pleased to accept the gifts of Thy just ser- vant Abel, and the sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham, and that which Thy high Priest Melchisedech offered to Thee, a Holy Sacri- fice, an Immaculate Host.
X '-"J E most humbly beseech Thee, Almighty ;/ God, let these Offerings be carried by the hands of Thy holy Angel to Thy Altar on high, in the sight of Thy Divine Majesty, that as many of us (7y Usscs the altar) as by participation at this altar, shall receive the most sacred Body and Blood of Thy Son, may be filled with all heavenly benediction and grace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tht- Cowmemor-iiion or the- Dead
I E mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants, men * and women, N. and A7., who are gone
52 Ordinary of the Mass
before us with the sign of faith, and sleep in the sleep of peace.
Here the dead for whom it is intended
specially to pray are named.
TO these, 0 Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Priest, striking his breast, says :
AND to us sinners, Thy servants, hoping in the multitude of Thy mercies, vouch- safe to grant some part and fellowship with Thy holy Apostles and Martyrs : with John, Stephen, Mathias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alex- ander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetual Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia, and. with all Thy Saints : into whose company we; beseech Thee to admit us, not considering! our merits, but freely pardoning our offences. Through Christ our Lord.
By whom, O Lord, Thou dost always create, sanctify, quicken, bless, and give us all these good things.
Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, is to Thee, God the Father Almighty, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and] glory. |
P. For ever and ever. 1 R. Amen. 3
Ordinary of the Mass 53 Let us pray.
INSTRUCTED by Thy saving precepts, and following Thy Divine institution, we presume to say :
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name : Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil. P. Amen.
DELIVER us, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come : and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary ever Virgin, Mother of God, together with Thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and Andrew and all the Saints, mercifully grant peace in our days : that by the assistance of Thy mercy we may be always free from sin, and secure from all disturbance. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Who with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth God.
P. World without end. Amen.
P- May the peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with thy spirit.
MAY this minding and consecration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus
54 Ordinary of the Mass
Christ be to us that receive it effectual to eternal life. Amen.
The Agnus Dei
J AMB of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
TORD Jesus Christ, who saidst to Thy -L-rf Apostles, peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you ; regard not my sins, but the faith of Thy Church ; and vouchsafe to it that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will : who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
T ORD Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, according to the will of the Father, through the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, hast by Thy death given life to the world ; deliver me by this Thy most sacred Body and Blood from all mine iniquities and from all evils, and make me always adhere to Thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from Thee ; who with the same God the Father and Holy Ghost livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
JET not the participation of Thy Body, 0 Lord Jesus Christ, which I, unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and condemnation ; but through Thy goodness,
Ordinary of the Mass 55
may it be to me a safeguard and remedy, both of soul and body. Who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God for ever and ever. | Amen. \ T WILL take the Bread of heaven, and call fj A upon the Name of the Lord.
At the Communion
TORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof ; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
; Thrice.)
MAY the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen.
Taking the Chalice, the Priest says :
W/HAT shall I render to the Lord for all VV He hath rendered unto me ? I will take the Chalice of salvation, and call upon the Name of the Lord. I will call upon the Lord and praise Him, and I shall be saved ^rom mine enemies.
THE Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ pre- serve my soul to everlasting life. Amen,
RANT, O Lord, that what we have taken vJ with our mouth, we may receive with s pure mind ; and of a temporal gift mayil become to us an eternal remedy.
56 Ordinary of the Mass
»
MAY Thy Body, 0 Lord, which I have \ . received, and Thy Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my heart, and grant that no stain of sin may remain in me, who have been refreshed with pure and holy Sacra- ments. Who livest, &c. Amen.
The Communion
\WE bless the God of heaven, and shall VV praise Him before all things living; because He hath dealt with us according to His mercy.
P. The Lord be with you. A': And with thy spirit.
The Po si-Co vimtt-nion
AY the reception of this Sacrament, 0 Lord our God, as also the confession of the holy and everlasting Trinity, and of its undivided Unity, profit us unto the health of body and soul. Through, etc.
P. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. P. Go, the Mass is ended ; or, Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
In Masses for the Dead :
P. May they rest in peace. R. Amen.
Ordinary of the Mass 57
f\ HOLY Trinity, let the performance of V-/ my homage be pleasing to Thee ; and grant that the sacrifice which I, unworthy, have offered up in the sight of Thy Majesty, may be acceptable to Thee, and through Thy mercy be a propitiation for me, and all those for whom I have offered it. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
At the Blessing
ft K AY Almighty God, the Father, Son, and 1/1. Holy Ghost, bless you. A' . Amen.
The blessing is omitted in Masses for
the Dead.
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit. The beginning of the holy Gospel according to Saint John.
Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
J N the beginning was the Word, and the X Word was with God, and the Word was God : the same was in the beginning with God. All things were made- by Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made : in Him was life, and the Life was the light of men : and the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not com- prehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the Light, that all men might believe through Him. He was
58 Ordinary of the Mass
not the Light, but came to give testimony of the Light. He was the true Light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God : to those that believe in His Name, who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. *And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ; and we saw His glory, the glory as it were of the only- begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Thanks be to God.
*Here all genuflect.
DEVOTIONS FOR HOLY COMMUNION
Before Communion
OLORD Jesus Christ, King of everlasting glory, behold I desire to come to Thee this day, and to receive Thy Body and Elood in this heavenly Sacrament, for Thy honour and glory, and the good of my soul. I desire to receive Thee, because it is Thy desire, and Thou hast so ordained : blessed be Thy Name for ever. I desire to come to Thee like Magdalen, that I may be delivered from all my evils, and embrace Thee, my only good. I desire to come to Thee, that I may be happily united to Thee, that I may henceforth abide in Thee, and Thou in me ; and that nothing in life or death may ever separate me from Thee.
Commemorate the Passion of Christ
T DESIRE, in these holy mysteries, to A commemorate, as Thou hast commanded, all Thy sufferings : Thy agony and bloody sweat ; Thy being betrayed and appre- hended ; all the reproaches and calumnies, all the scoffs and affronts, all the blows and buffets, Thou hast endured for me ; Thy being scourged, crowned with thorns, and loaded with a heavy cross for my sins, and for those of the whole world ; Thy Cruci-
*9
60 Devotions for Communion 1
fixion and Death, together with Thy glorious] Resurrection and triumphant Ascension, if adore Thee, and give Thee thanks for all J that Thou hast done and suffered for us ; ] and for giving us, in the most blessed Sacra-] ment, this pledge of our redemption, this j victim of our ransom, this Body and Blood j which was offered for us.
Make an Act of Faith
I MOST firmly believe, O Jesus, that in this holy Sacrament Thou art present \ verily and indeed ; that here are Thy Body and Blood, Thy soul and Thy divinity. I believe that Thou, my Saviour, true God and true Man, art really here, wirh all Thy treasures; that here Thou communicatest Thyself to us, makest us partakers of the fruit of Thy Passion, and givest us a pledge of eternal life. I believe there cannot be a greater happiness than to receive Thee wor- thily, nor a greater misery than to receive Thee unworthily. All this I most steadfastly believe, because it is what Thou hast taught us by Thy Church.
Make an Act of Contrition
OLORD, I detest, with my whole heart, all the sins by which I have offended Thy Divine Majesty, from the first moment that I was capable of sinning to this very hour ; I desire to lay them all at Thy feet,
Devotions for Communion 61
to be cancelled by Thy precious Blood. Hear me, O Lord, by that infinite love by which Thou hast shed Thy Blood for me. 0 let not that Blood be shed in vain ! I detest my sins, because they have offended Thy infinite goodness. By Thy grace I will never commit them any more. I am sorry for them, and will be sorry for them as long as I live, and, according to the best of my power, will do penance for them. Forgive me, dear Lord, for Thy mercy's sake ; pardon me all that is past ; and be Thou my keeper for the time to come, that I may never more- offend Thee.
When the time comes to receive Holy Com- munion, join with the clerk in saying the Confiteor^ and zvith the Priest zchen he says ire Domine, non sum dignus. Approach the altar rails quietly and devoutly. Jt the moment
you receive say :
May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen.
After Commun i o n
After Communion, always spend at least a Quarter of an hour in thanksgiving.
Acts of Devotion, Praise, and Thanksgiving
OLORD Jesus Christ, my Creator and my Redeemer, my God and my All,
62 Devotions for Communion 1 whence is this to me, that my Lord, and sol great a Lord, whom heaven and earth can-] not contain, should come into this poor! dwelling, this house of clay of my earthly} habitation. Bow down thyself, with all thy] powers, 0 my soul, to adore the Sovereign! Majesty which hath vouchsafed to come to! visit thee ; pay Him the best homage thou I art able, as to thy first beginning and thy ! last end ; pour thyself forth in His presence 1 in praises and thanksgiving, and invite all J heaven and earth to join with thee in mag- J nifying their Lord and thine for His mercy J and bounty to thee. J What return shall I make to Thee, 0 Lord, 1 for all Thou hast done for me ? Behold' j when I had no being at all, Thou didst create 1 me ; and when I was gone astray, and lost J in my sins, Thou didst redeem me by dying j for me. All that I have, all that I am, is J Thy gift ; and now, after all Thy other 1 favours, Thou hast given me Thyself, j Blessed be Thy name for ever. Thou art J great, O Lord, and exceedingly to be J praised : great are Thy works, and of Thy J wisdom there is no end ; but Thy tender J mercies, Thy bounty and goodness to me, I are above all Thy works. These I desire to 1 confess and extol for ever. I Bless then, thy Lord, O my soul, and let J all that is within thee praise and magnify j His Name, Bless thy Lord, 0 my soul, and J see thou never forget all that He hath done 1
Devotions for Communion 63
for thee. 0 all ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and glorify Him for ever. 0 all ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and glorify His holy Name. Bless the Lord, all ye Saints, and let the whole Church of heaven and earth join in praising and giving Him thanks for all His mercies and graces to me, and so, in some measure, supply what is due from me. But as all this still falls short of what I owe Thee for Thy infinite love, I offer to Thee, 0 Eternal Father, the same Son of Thine whom Thou hast given me, and His Thanksgiving, which is infinite in value. Look not, then, upon my insensibility and ingratitude, but upon the face of Thy Christ, and with Him, and through Him, receive this offering of my poor self, which I desire to make to Thee.
Petitions after Communion
OMOST merciful Saviour, behold I have presumed to receive Thee this day into my house, relying on Thy infinite goodness and mercy, and hoping, like Zaccheus, to obtain Thy benediction. But, alas ! with how little preparation, with how little devotion! From my heart I beg pardon for my great unworthiness, and for my innumerable sins, which I detest for the love of Thee. Thou seest, 0 Searcher of hearts, all my maladies, and all the wounds of my soul. Thou knowest how prone I am to evil, and how backward
64 Devotions for Communion
and sluggish to good. Who can heal all these my evils but Thou, the true Physician of my soul, who givest me Thy Body and Blood in this blessed Sacrament, as a sovereign medi- cine for all my infirmities ? Dispel the dark- ness of ignorance from my understanding by Thy heavenly light ; drive away the corrup- tion and malice of my will by the fire of Divine love and charity ; strengthen my weakness with heavenly fortitude ; subdue in me all evil passions, particularly that which is most deeply rooted in me ; stand by me henceforward in all my temptations, that I may never more be overcome ; and grant me that I may rather die a thousand deaths than live to offend Thee mortally. O my Jesus, Thou art infinitely rich, and all the treasures of Divine grace are locked up in Thee ! These treasures Thou bringest with Thee when Thou dost visit us in this blessed Sacrament, and Thou takest an infinite pleasure in opening them to us to enrich our poverty. This it is that gives me confidence to present Thee now with my petitions, and to beg of Thee those graces and virtues which I stand so much in need of. Oh, increase and strengthen my belief of Thy heavenly truths, and grant that henceforward I may ever live by faith, and be guided by the maxims of Thy Gospel. Teach me to be poor in spirit, and take off my heart from the love of these transitory things, and fix it upon eternity : teach me,
Devotions for Communion 65
by Thy Divine example, and by Thy most efficacious grace, to be meek and humble of heart, and in my patience to possess my soul. Grant that I may ever keep my body and soul chaste and pure ; that I may ever bewail my past sins, and by a daily morti- fication, restrain all irregular inclinations and passions for the future. Teach me to love Thee, to be ever recollected in Thee, and to walk always in Thy presence ; teach me to love my friends in Thee, and my enemies for Thee ; grant me grace to persevere to the end in this love, and so to come one day to that blessed place where I may love and enjoy Thee for ever.
Have mercy also on my parents, friends, and benefactors, and on all those for whom I am bound to pray, that we may all love Thee and faithfully serve Thee. Have mercy on Thy whole Church, especially on the clergy and religious men and women, that all may live up to their callings and sanctify Thy Name. Give Thy grace and blessing to all princes and magistrates, and to all Christian people ; convert all un- believers and sinners, and bring all strayed sheep back to Thy fold ; particularly have mercy on N. and N., etc. 0 Blessed Virgin, Mother of my God and Saviour, recommend all these my petitions to your Son. O all ye Angels and Saints, citizens of heaven, unite your prayers with mine ; you ever stand before the throne,
66 Devotions for Communion
and see Him face to "face whom I here
receive hidden under the sacramental veil ; \
be ever mindful of me, and obtain from \
Him. and through Him, that with you I ma}' I
bless Him and love Him for even Amen. I
PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX
7^ which Pot>e Pius IX has annexed a
pl> nary Indulgence^ applicable to the souls in i
p: rguiory, which all the faithful may obtain, 1
ivho^ after having confessed their sins with 1
contrition, and received the Holy Communion, |
and prayed for the intentions of the Sovereign J
Pontiff, shall devoutly recite it before an image 1
or representation of Christ crucified. I
B EHOLD, 0 kind and most sweet Jesus, 1
I cast myself upon my knees in Thy ]
sight, and with the most fervent desire of |
my soul I pray and beseech Thee that Thou J
wouldst impress upon my heart lively senti- 1
ments of faith, hope, and charity, with true I repentance for my sins, and a firm desire of
amendment, whilst with deep affection and |
grief of soul I ponder within myself, and |
mentally contemplate Thy five most precious | wounds ; having before my eyes that which
David spake in prophecy : " They pierced \
My hands and My feet ; they have num- j
bered all My bones." ]
68 Devotions for Communion
INVOCATIONS TO BE SAID
AFTER HOLY COMMUNION
(300 days ; plenary each month if said every
day)
SOUL of Christ, be my sanctification ; Body of Christ, be my salvation; Blood of Christ, Ml] all my veins ; Water of Christ's side, wash out my stains ; Passion of Christ, my comfort be • O good Jesu, listen to me ; In Thy wounds I fain would hide, Ne'er to be parted from Thy side ; Guard me, should the foe assail me; Call me when my life shall fail me ; Bid me come to Thee above, With Thy Saints to sing Thy love World without end. Amen.
Devotions for Communion
68 Devotions for Communion
INVOCATIONS TO BE SAID
AFTER HOLY COMMUNION
(300 days ; plenary each month if said every
day)
SOUL of Christ, be my sanctification ; Body of Christ, be my salvation; Blood of Christ, Ml] all my veins ; Water of Christ's side, wash out my stains ; Passion of Christ, my comfort be • O good Jesu, listen to me ; In Thy wounds I fain would hide, Ne'er to be parted from Thy side ; Guard me, should the foe assail me; Call me when my life shall fail me ; Bid me come to Thee above, With Thy Saints to sing Thy love World without end. Amen.
MANNER OF SERVING AT
MASS
The Clerk or Server, kneeling at the left hand
of the Priest, answers him as follows : Priest Introibo ad altare Dei. Server. Ad Deum, qui laetificat juventu- tem meam.
(In Masses for the Dead the following Psalm
is omitted ) :
Psalm xlii.
Pr. Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam
meam de gente non sancta : ab h6mine
iniquo et dol6so erue me.
S,;r. Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea :
quare me repulisti ? et quare tristis incedo,
dum afflfgit me inimicus ?
Pr. Emftte lucem tuam et veritatem
tuam : ipsa me deduxerunt, et adduxerunt
in montem sanctum tuum, et in tabernacula
tua.
Scr. Et introibo ad altare Dei : ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam. Pr. Confitebor tibi in ci'thara, Deus, Deus meus : quare tristis es anima mea ? et quare conturbas me ?
Str. Spera in Deo qudniam adhuc con- fit^bor illi : salutare vultus mei, et Deus
meus. , .
Pr, G16ria Patri, et Filio, et Spintui
Sancto.
69
7° Manner of Serving Mass
Ser. Sicut erat in princi'pio, et nunc et semper, et in ssecula sasculdrum. Amen. Pr, Introfbo ad altare Dei.
Ser. Ad Deum, qui lasrificat juventutem meam.
Pr. Adjut6rium ^ nostrum in ndmine D6mini.
Ser. Qui fecit coelum et terram.
Then the Priest says : Conffteor, etc. . . . orare pro me ad D6minum Deum nostrum. Ser, Misereatur tui omnfpotens Deus, et dimfssis peccatis tuis, perducat te ad vitam aeternam. Pr. Amen.
Ser. Conffteor Deo omnipotent!, beatae Marfae semper Vfrgini, beato Michaeli Arch- angelo, ^ beato Joanni Baptists, Sanctis Ap6stolis Petro et Paulo, 6mnibus Sanctis, et tibi, pater, quia peccavi nimis, cogitatidne, verbo et 6pere, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Maria m semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Arch- angelum, beatum Joannem Baptfstam, sanc- tos Ap6stolos Petrum et Paulum, 6mnes Sanctos, et te, pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. Pr. ^ Misereatur vestri omnfpotens Deus, et dimfssis peccatis vestris, perducat vos ad vitam aeternam. Ser. Amen.
pT. Indulgentiam ^ absoluti6nem et re-
Manner of Serving Mass 71 missidnem peccatdrum nostr6rum, trfbuat nobis omnipotens et misericors D6minus.
{When a Bishop says Mass the Server here
gives him the Maniple) Ser. Amen.
pr. Deus, tu conversus vivificabis nos.
Ser Et plebs tua ketabitur in te.
pr[ Ostende nobis, D6mine, miseric6rdiam
tuam.
Ser. Et salutare tuum da nobis.
Pr. Domine, exaudi oratidnern meam.
Ser. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
pr. D6minus vobfscum.
Ser. Et cum spiritu tuo.
After the Introit :
Pr. Kyrie eleison.
Set, Kyrie eleison.
Pr. Kyrie eleison.
Ser. Christe eleison.
Pr. Christe eleison.
Ser. Christe eleison.
Pr. Kyrie eleison.
Ser. Kyrie eleison.
Pr. Kyrie eleison.
After the Gloria :
Pr. Ddminus vobiscum.
(A Bishop says ; Pax vobis,) Ser. Et cum spiritu tuo.
At the end of the Epistle the Server answers Deo gratias.
72 Manner of Serving Mass
The Epistle, Gradual, Alleluia, or Tract being read, the Server takes the missal to the Gospel
side, of the Altar.
Pr. Dominus vobiscum.
Ser. Et cum spfritu tuo.
Pr. Sequentia (tnftium) sancti Evangelii
secundum (N).
Ser. G16ria tibi, D6mine.
At the end of the Gospel the Server anszvers : Ser. Laus tibi, Chnste.
Before the Offertory ;
Pr. Ddminus vobiscum. Ser. Et cum spfritu tuo.
Here give the wine and water, and afterwards prepare the basin, water and lavaho cloth for the Priest. When the Priest has washed his fingers, kneel in your former place and
answer :
Pr. Orate fratres, etc.
Ser.^ Suscfpiat D6minus sacriffcium de manibus tuis ad laudem et gltfriam n6minis sui, ad utilitatem quoque nostram, totiusque ecclesiae suae sanctse. 1
At the Preface :
Pr. Per 6mnia specula S3ecul6rum.
Ser, Amen.
Pr. Dominus vobiscum.
Ser. Et cum spfritu tuo.
Pr. Sursum corda.
Manner of Serving Mass 73
Ser. Hab6mus ad D6minum.
Pr. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
Ser. Dignum et justum est.
At the Sanctus ring the bell three times. When the Priest spreads bis hands over the chalice ring the hell once. Then holding up the Vestment with your left hand and having the hell in the right ring three times during the elevation of the Host, and three times during the elevation of the chalice.
At the Pater Noster :
Pr. Per 6mnia ssecula sascul6rum. Ser. Amen.
Pr. Praeceptis salutaribus, etc. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. Ser. Sed libera nos a malo.
A little later on the Priest says : Pr. Per 6mnia ssecuta saecuWruni. Ser, Amen.
Pr. Pax Domino sit semper vobiscum. Ser. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Ring the hell once each time the Priest says D6mine non sum dignus. If there be com- municants, give them the communion paten, and say the Conflteor, Afterwards serve first the wine and then the zvine and water to the Priest. Remove the missal to the Epistle side '
of the altar.
{A Bishop must here be served with water to wash his hands as at the offertory)
74 Manner of Serving Mass
Pr. D6minus vobiscum. Ser. Et cum spiritu tuo.
At the end of the Post-Communion the Server
answers Amen.
If after the Post-Communion the Priest, returning to the middle of the altar, leaves the missal open, the Server takes it to the Gospel
side.
Pr. Dominus vobfscum.
Ser. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Pr. Ite, missa est (or Benedicamus D6mi-
no).
Ser. Deo gratias.
(In Masses for the Dead ); Pr, Requiescant in pace.
Ser. Amen.
(At a Bishop's Mass) : Bishop. Sit nomen Efomini benedictum. Ser. ^ Ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum. Bishop. Adjut6rium nostrum in n6mine Ddmini.
Ser. Qui fecit ccelum et terram.
Then the Priest gives the Blessing, except in
Masses for the Dead ; pr, Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. Set. Amen.
At the last Gospel ; Pr, Dominus vobiscum.
Ser. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Manner of Serving Mass 75 Pr. Im'tium (Sequentia) sancti Evangelii secundum (N.). Ser. G16ria tibi, D6mine.
At the end of the last Gospel the Server says
Deo gratias.
BAPTISM
BAPTISM is necessary for salvation, for ^ Christ has said : Unless a man be born again of water and The Holy Ghost he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John iii. 5).
In Case of Necessity
When an infant is in danger of death, and a priest is not at hand, any lay person may baptise it. The water must he poured on the head of the child while the words are being said. The words are : " I baptise thee in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
The ritual of Baptism begins at the entrance to the church, as a symbol that the child is not yet admitted into the Church, though by the desire of its sponsors it has been brought into the " outer courts " of God's House.
Priest. N., What dost thou ask of the Church of God ?
Godfather. Faith.
Priest. What doth faith offer thee ? Godfather. Life everlasting. Priest. If then thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and thy neighbour as thyself.
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Then the Priest breathes gently thrice upon the face of the child, and says once :
Go out of him, thou unclean spirit, and give room to the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Then the Priest makes the sign of the Cross with his thumb on the forehead and breast of the child, saying :
Receive the sign of the Cross both upon thy forehead ^ and also upon thy heart ^ ; take unto thee the faith of heavenly doctrine, and in thy manners be such, that thou mayest now be the temple of God.
Then the Priest says the following prayers, during the second of which he lays his hand on the head of th&. child.
Let us pray.
W/E beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully W hear our prayers ; and guard by Thine unceasing power this Thy chosen child, N., signed with the sign of the Lord's Cross ; that possessing now the first begin- nings of Thy great glory, he may, by the keeping of Thy commandments, be brought to attain unto the glory of New Birth. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY, everlasting God, Father of â– our Lord Jesus Christ, deign to look
j8 Baptism
down upon this Thy servant N., whom Thou hast been pleased to call to the first beginnings of the faith ; drive out from him all blindness of heart ; break all the bonds of Satan, wherewith he was bound ; open unto him, O Lord, the gate of Thy mercy, that, being safely signed with the sign of Thy wisdom, he may be free from the reek of all wicked lusts ; and, following the sweet fragrance of Thy precepts, may joyfully serve Thee in Thy Church, and go forward from day to day. Through the same Christ our Lord. ^- Amen.
Then the Priest puts a small quantity of blessed salt into the mouth of the child, saying :
N., Receive the salt of wisdom; let it be for thee as an appeal for mercy, unto ever- lasting life. A- Amen.
Peace be with thee.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray. f\ GOD of our fathers, O God the author of all truth, we humbly beseech Thee, graciously deign to look down upon this Thy servant N., and, now that he tastes this first savour of salt, suffer him no longer to hunger for want of being filled with heavenly food, so that he may be always fervent in spirit, rejoicing in hope, ever serving Thy
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Name. Bring him, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to the bath of New Birth, that, with Thy faithful, he may be made to attain to the everlasting rewards of Thy promises. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
I exorcize thee, unclean spirit, in the name of the Father 4*, and of the Son and of the Holy >f< Ghost, that thou go out and withdraw from this servant of God, N. For it is He commands thee, accursed damned spirit, who walked on foot upon the sea, and stretched out His right hand to Peter in his sinking.
Therefore, accursed devil, acknowledge thy sentence, and give honour to the living and true God ; give honour to Jesus Christ, His Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; and withdraw from this servant of God N., because God, even our Lord Jesus Christ, hath vouch- safed to call him to His holy grace and bene- diction, and to the font of baptism.
Here, with his thumb, he signs the child on the forehead.
And this sign of the holy Cross ^ which we put upon his forehead, do thou, accursed devil, never dare to violate. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
With his hand on the head of the child he continues :
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Let us pray.
T BESEECH Thy eternal and most just A goodness, 0 holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, author of light and truth, in behalf of this Thy servant N. that Thou wouldst vouchsafe^ to enlighten him with the light of Thy wisdom : cleanse him and sanctify him : give unto him true know- ledge, that, being made worthy of the grace of Thy Baptism, he may hold firm hope, right counsel, holy doctrine. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Priest puts the end of his stole on the child, leading him into the church, saying :
N., Enter into the temple of God, that thou mayest ^ have part with Christ unto life everlasting. R. Amen.
When they have entered the church, the Priest says along with the godparents aloud the Apostles' Creed and the Our Father.
I BELIEVE in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth ; — and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; — who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ;— suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried • •
He descended into hell ; the third day He rose again from the dead; — He ascended
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into heaven ; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; — from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. — I believe in the Holy Ghost ; — the Holy Catholic Church ; the Com- munion of Saints ; — the forgiveness of sins ; — the resurrection of the body ; and life everlasting. Amen,
OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Before entering the Baptistery the Priest shall say :
1 exorcise thee, every unclean spirit, in the name of God the Father ^ Almighty, and in the name of Jesus Christ His Son, our Lord and Judge and in the power of the Holy Ghost A, that thou depart from this creature of God N., whom Our Lord hath vouchsafed to call unto His holy temple, that he may be made the temple of the living God, and that the Holy Ghost may dwell in him. By the same Christ our Lord, who shall come to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire. R. Amen.
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Then the Priest, moistening his thumb on his lips, shall touch therewith, in the form of a cross, the ears and nostrils of the child.
Touching the right and the left ear* he shall say :
Ephpheta, that is to say, Be opened.
Then he touches the nostrils, saying :
For a fragrant sweetness.
But thou, devil, begone ; for the judgment
of God draws near.
The Priest then questions the person to be baptised, by name, saying :
N.? dost thou renounce Satan ?
I do renounce him. Priest. And all his works ?
m I do renounce them. Priest. And all his pomps ? ^* I do renounce them.
Then the Priest dips his thumb in the oil of Catechumens and anoints the child on the breast, and between the shoulders, in the form of a cross, saying :
I anoint thee ►£< with the oil of salvation, in Christ Jesus our Lord, that thou mayest have life everlasting. Amen.
N., dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth ? 'v- I do believe.
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Priest. Dost thou believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was born and suffered ?
I do believe. Priest. Dost thou believe also in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the com- munion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life ever- lasting ?
R' I do believe.
Then, pronouncing the name of the person to be baptized, the Priest says :
N., wilt thou be baptized ?
The godfather anszvers : R- I will.
Then while the godfather or the godmother holds the child, the Priest takes baptismal water in a small vessel, and thereof thrice pours on the head of the child in the form of a cross, and at the same time pronouncing the words, he says once only, distinctly and attentively :
N., I baptize thee in the name of the Father v fa pours the first time; and of the Son >b Q°e pours the second time), and of the Holy* Ghost fa pours the third time).
This done, he dips his thumb in the holy chrism, and anoints the child on the top oj the head in the form of a cross, saying :
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Almighty ^ God, the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has regenerated thee by water and the Holy Ghost, and who has given unto thee remission of all thy sins {here he anoints), may He anoint thee with the chrism of salvation^ in the same Christ Jesus our Lord, unto life everlasting.
% Amen. Priest. Peace be to thee. ^- And with thy spirit.
"Then he puts on the head of the child a white linen cloth, and says ;
Receive this white garment, and see thou carry it without stain before the judgment- seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, that thou mayest have eternal life. ^- Amen.
Then the Priest places a lighted candle in the hand oj the person baptized, or of the godfather.
Receive this burning light, and keep thy baptism without blame : observe the com- mandments of God, that when the Lord shall come to the nuptials thou mayest be able to meet Him together with all the Saints in the heavenly court, and live for ever and ever. Amen.
Finally he says :
N., go in peace, and the Lord be with thee. Amen,
PENANCE
WE must try to avoid the danger of allowing our confession to become a matter of mere routine, entered into lightly without due thought and consideration. Remember that three things are required on the part of the penitent : Contrition, Confession, Satisfaction. Contrition.— Out sorrow should arise less from fear of hell, and more from the love of God; we must also have a firm purpose of amendment.
Confession.— We are bound to confess all mortal sins committed since our last confession.
Satisfaction.— Is to do the penance given us by the priest.
How to go to Confession
1 . Pray for grace to make a good confession.
2. Examination of conscience.
Prayer before Examination of Conscience
OMOST Merciful God, I most humbly thank Thee for all Thy mercies unto me, and particularly at this time, for Thy forbearance and long suffering with me, m spite of my many and grievous sins. It is of Thy great mercy that I have not fallen into greater and more grievous sins- than those which I have committed, and that I
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have not been cut off and been cast into hell. 0 my God, although I have been so ungrateful to Thee in times past, yet I now beseech^ Thee to accept me, returning to Thee with an earnest desire to repent and devote myself to Thee, my Lord and my God, and to praise Thy holy Name for ever. Receive my confession, and spare me, 0 most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, whom I, an unworthy sinner, am not worthy to name, because I have so often offended Thee. Rebuke me not in Thine anger, and cast me not away from Thy face, 0 good Jesus, who has said that Thou wiliest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live. Receive me, I beseech Thee, returning to Thee with a penitent and contrite heart. Spare me, 0 most kind Jesus, who didst die upon the cross that Thou might save sinners. To whom shall I flee but unto Thee, my only hope and salvation ? Have mercy on me, 0 most gracious Lord, and despise not the humble and contrite heart of Thy servant. I know Thy mercies are above all Thy works, and I most confidently hope that as in Thy mercy Thou hast spared me so long, and hast now given me this desire of returning to Thee, so Thou wilt finish the work Thou hast begun, and bring me to perfect reconciliation with Thee. I beg of you, most gracious Virgin Mary, beloved Mother of Jesus Christ my Re-
Penance $7
deemer, intercede for me with Him. Obtain for me the full knowledge of all my sins, with the grace of a sincere sorrow, and a firm determination to amend my life, to the salvation of my soul and the glory of His
Name. n I implore the same grace through thee, U my Angel Guardian ; through you, my holy patrons N.N. ; through you, 0 holy St. Peter and holy Magdalen, and through all the holy
saints of God. t Intercede for me, a sinner, repenting of my sins, and resolving to confess and amend them.
Examination of Conscience
1. Have you been guilty of ^
Negligence in the worship of God. Heresy, disbelief, or doubt of any
article of faith. Exposing yourself to the danger of
losing your faith by reading bad
books, etc. Despair or Presumption.
2. Taken God's Name in vain, by swearing, blaspheming, or rash oaths.
3. Neglected to hear Mass on Sunday or Holyday of Obligation, or performed un- necessary servile works ?
Kept the days of fasting and abstinence ?
Made your Easter duties ? received
any Sacrament unworthily ?
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4- Children, have you neglected your duty towards your parents ? Parents, have you neglected to provide for the Spiritual and Temporal needs of your children ?
Do you bring up your children in the knowledge and practice of their religion ?
5- Have you been guilty of violence towards your neighbour, scandal or bad example ?
6. Have you been guilty of impurity of
thought, word or action ? 7- Have you been guilty of stealing, cheat- ing, or keeping that which does not belong to you ? have you paid your debts ? '
If you have wronged your neighbour, either in his person or in his goods, you are bound to make restitution.
Have you been guilty of telling lies, calumny or detraction ?
9- Have you been guilty of unchaste thoughts or desires, pride, gluttony, or avarice ?
10. Have you been envious of your neigh- bour's goods ?
Having examined your conscience make a good act of contrition.
ACT OF CONTRITION r\ MY GOD, because Thou art so good V 1 very sorry that I have sinned against Thee and I will not sin again.
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Penance 89 METHOD OF CONFESSION
Kneeling down, make the sign of the cross,
saying :
IN the Name of the ^ Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then ask a blessing in these words :
Pray, Father, give me your blessing, for I
have sinned.
The Priest's blessing : May the Lord be in your heart, and on your lips, that you may, with truth and with humility, confess all your sins, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then say the first fart of the Confiteor, as
follows :
I CONFESS to Almighty God, to Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.
Then say :
Since my last confession, which was (mention how long since), I accuse myself, etc. After this accuse yourself oj your sins either according to the order of God's commandments, or such other order as you find most helpful to
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your memory, adding after each sin the number of times that you have been guilty of it, and such circumstances as may very considerably aggravate the guilt, but carefully abstaining from such as are irrelevant or unnecessary, and from excuses and long narrations. After you have confessed all that you can remember, conclude with this or the like form : For these and all other my sins, which I cannot at present call to my remembrance, I am heartily sorry, purpose amendment for the future, and most humbly ask pardon of God, and penance and absolution of you, my ghostly Father.
Therefore I beseech thee blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, and you, F ather, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
Then give attentive ear to the instructions and advice of your Confessor, and humbly accept of the penance enjoined by him. Whilst the Priest gives you absolution, bow down your head, with great humility call upon God for mercy, and repeat once again the Act of Contrition.
THANKSGIVING AND
SATISFACTION
Having received from God the great blessing of the pardon of your sins, be caref ul at once to thank Him for His goodness.
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A Prayer after Confession
WHAT thanks are not due to Thee, 0 my Jesus, for Thy great goodness to me ? When I was faithless to Thy goodness and loving-kindness Thou hast had patience with me ; and even when I offended Thee Thy grace waited for me. It is to Thy infinite grace and goodness that I am indebted for this sacrament, in which Thou hast reconciled me to Thyself. To Thee, and to Thy precious Blood, I desire to offer all the love of my heart, just cleansed from sin. Humbled before Thee, I cried out like David, Have mercy on me, 0 God, according to Thy great mercy ; and Thou hast heard my prayer, 0 my God, Thou hast forgiven me my sins, Thou hast restored unto me the joy of Thy salvation. Join with me, 0 my dear Mother Mary, and you, my Angel Guardian and holy Patron, in thanking our dear Jesus for His goodness and mercy to me.
I desire once again, O my Jesus, to express the grief and contrition of my heart for having offended Thee. Whilst thanking Thee for having released me from _ my sins, I renew the hatred and detestation of them, with which Thou hast inspired me. Reject not, I beseech Thee, the sacrifice of a con- trite and humble heart. It is to Thee that I have returned, sinful and sorrowing ; it is through Thy mercy that I have received
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the pardon of my sins. Blessed and praised for evermore be Thy infinite goodness and mercy. Amen.
A Prayer for Perseverance
A S Thou hast given me, 0 my God, the ± * grace once again to return to Thee, I am resolved from henceforth to live wholly for Thee. I belong to Thee, 0 my God ; keep me as the pupil of Thine eye, protect me under^ the shadow of Thy wing. I will fly from sin, I will avoid the occasions, and abstain even from the appearances of sin. from henceforth my whole life shall be devoted to Thee ; I will seek in all things to do Thy most holy will. Assist me, O my God, to keep these holy resolutions ; guide my feet in the way of Thy commandments ; permit not that iniquity should have any dominion over me. Let me not receive Thy grace in vain, but do Thou, 0 my God, complete the work Thou hast wrought in me, and bestow on me that sorrow which leads to true repentance. Grant me the grace of perseverance, that I may faithfully serve Thee all the days of my life. Amen.
Satisfaction is an integral fart of the Sacra- ment of Penance ; we must therefore, be most careful to perform the penance given us by our confessor. It is best to do so before leaving the church.
MATRIMONY
I T is the wish of the Church that, whenever possible, Catholics should marry Catho- lics. Mixed marriages, while permitted in certain circumstances, are discouraged bv the Church. Such marriages often bring diffi- culties and troubles to the Catholic party ; especially where the children are concerned.
What to do when you wish to be married :
Visit your Parish Priest, taking with you your Baptismal certificate, and arrange for your banns to be called. Where both parties are Catholic they should try to have a Nuptial Mass if this can be suitably arranged.
In the case of mixed marriages the non- Catholic will be required to sign the follow- ing promises before a dispensation will be granted : —
I. Not to interfere with the religious beliefs of the Catholic.
2 That the marriage shall not be preceded nor followed by any other religious cere- mony.
* That all children of both sexes shall be brought up in the knowledge and practice of the Catholic religion.
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THE MARRIAGE SERVICE
The priest questions the man and woman concerning their consent to marry. The
Priest first asks the bridegroom, who stands at
the right hand of the bride :
N~ WILT thou take N., here present, for thy lawful wife, according to the rite of our holy mother the Church ? R. I will.
Then the Priest asks the bride :
N., wilt thou take N., here present, for thy
lawful husband, according to the rite of our
holy mother the Church ?
R. I will,
The woman is now given away by her father or her friends. The man holds her right hand in his own right hand, and, taught by the Priest, plights her his troth in these words :
I, N., take thee, N., to my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part; and thereto I plight thee my troth.
Now loosing their hands and joining them again, the woman, taught by the Priest'", says :
I., N., take thee, N., to my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
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in sickness and in health, till death do us part; and thereto I plight thee ray troth.
Their troth thus plighted, and their hands being joined, the Priest says :
I join you together in marriage, in the Name of the Father^ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
He sprinkles them with holy water. Now the bridegroom puts upon a salver , gold and silver, and also a ring, which the Priest blesses in these words :
V . Our help is in the name of the Lord :
R. Who made heaven and earth.
V. 0 Lord, hear my prayer :
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V . The Lord be with you :
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
BLESS ^ O Lord, this ring, which we bless 5^ in Thy name> that she who shall wear it, keeping true faith unto her husband, may abide in Thy peace and according to Thy will and may ever live with him in mutual love. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
The Priest now sprinkles the ring with holy water in the form of a cross. The bridegroom receives the ring from the hand of the Priest
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and gives the gold and silver to the bride , saying :
With this ring I thee wed ; this gold and silver I thee give; with my body I thee worship ; and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.
Now the bridegroom places the ring on the thumb of the left hand of the bride, saying :
In the name of the Father ; then on the second finger, saying : and of the Son ; then on the third finger, saying : and of the Holy Ghost ; lastly, on the fourth finger, saying : Amen.
Which being finished, the Priest says :
V. Confirm that, O God, which Thou hast wrought in us :
^ From thy holy temple, which is in Jerusalem. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father, etc., secretly. V . And lead us not into temptation : R. But deliver us from evil. V . Save Thy servants : R. Who hope in Thee, O my God. V . Send them help, O Lord, from the Sanctuary :
R. And defend them out of Sion. V. Be unto them, O Lord, a tower of strength :
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R. From the face of the enemy.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer :
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you :
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
IOOK down, we pray Thee, Lord, upon these Thy servants, and lovingly be present at this Thine institution, which Thou hast ordained for the furtherance of mankind ; so that they who by Thine au- thority are united, may by Thine assistance be preserved, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
98 In Time of Sickness
EXTREME UNCTION
T^onTT^ " adm;"''^ered when a ness rL dan?er of <****h bv sick-
a the pofm o7T Tl! the perSon is acfu »7
Pries^Preme^eatt bef°re -VOU send ^ the rt,;7 c remember that one of the effect* f this Sacrament is to restore health if r J sees it to be expedient ' lf G°d
pJacinTin iT™* °f the P*« by
crucifix h' tW° Wax candle*> and a
^ Prayer proper to be Daily Repeated m Time of Sickness
s De t0 t«e honour of Th\, R^i submission to all TkT an entlre
pleases? For I am tL ' Thou 5l» have «it2^»^&fr and smce my sins have a^ong time criej
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aloud to heaven for justice, why shall I now complain if I feel Thy hand upon me ? No, my God, Thou art just in all Thy ways ; I have truly deserved Thy punishments, and therefore I have no reason to complain of Thee, but only of my own wickedness. But rebuke me not, O Lord, in Thy fury, nor chastise me in Thy wrath ; but have regard to my weakness. Thou knowest how frail I am ; that I am nothing but dust and ashes : deal not with me therefore according to my sins, neither punish me according to my iniquities ; but according to the multi- tude of Thy most tender mercies, have com- passion on me. O let Thy justice be tem- pered with mercy ; and^ let Thy heavenly grace come in to my assistance, to support me under this my illness. Confirm my soul with strength from above, that I may bear with a true Christian patience all the uneasiness, pains, disquiets and difficulties of my sickness ; and that I may cheerfully accept them as the just punishment of my offences : preserve me from all temptations, and be Thou my defence against _ all the assaults of the enemy, that in this illness I may no way offend Thee. And if this is to be my last, I beg of Thee so to direct me by Thy grace, that I may no ways neglect, or be deprived of those helps, which Thou hast, in Thy mercy, ordained for the good of my soul, to prepare it for its passage into eternity ; that being perfectly cleansed from
ioo In Time of Sickness all my sins, I may believe in Thee, put my whole trust in Thee, love Thee above all things, and, through the merits of Thy death and Passion, be admitted into the company of the blessed, where I may praise -Thee for ever. J men.
Short Jets of the Most Necessary Virtues, proper to be inculcated in the Time
of Sickness
IORD, I accept this sickness from Thy 4 hands, and entirely resign myself to Thy blessed will, whether it be for life or death : not my will, but Thine be done : Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lord, I submit to all the pains and uneasi- nesses of this my illness: my sins have deserved infinitely more. Thou art just, O Lord, and Thy judgment is right. Lord, I offer up to Thee all that I now suffer, or may have yet to suffer, to be united to the sufferings of my Redeemer, and sanctified by his Passion. I adore Thee, O my God and my All, as my first beginning and last end : and I desire to pay Thee the best homage I am able, and to bow down all the powers of my soul to Thee.
Lord, I desire to praise Thee for ever, in sickness as well as in health : I desire to join my heart and voice with the whole
102 In Time of Sickness
and take full possession of my whole soul, and teach me to love Thee for ever. I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. Oh ! when will Thy kingdom come ?
0 Lord, when wilt Thou perfectly reign in all hearts ? When shall sin be no more ?
1 desire to embrace every neighbour with perfect charity for the love of Thee. I forgive from my heart all that have any ways offended or injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have any ways offended. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy _ great mercy ; and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out all my iniquities.
0 ! who will give water to my head and fountains of tears to my eyes, that night and day I may bewail all my sins !
0 ! that I had never offended so good a God ! O that I had never sinned ! Happy those souls that have always preserved their baptismal innocence.
Lord, be merciful to me a sinner ; sweet Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on me.
1 commend my soul to God my Creator, who made me out of nothing ; to Jesus Christ my Saviour, who redeemed me with his precious blood ; to the Holy Ghost, who sanctified me in baptism. Into Thy hands,
0 Lord, I commend my spirit.
1 renounce from this moment, and for all eternity, the devil and all his works : and I
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abhor all his suggestions and temptations. O suffer not this mortal enemy, 0 Lord, of my soul to have any power over me, either now, or at my last hour. 0 let Thy holy angels defend me from all the powers of darkness.
0 holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. O all you blessed angels and saints of God, pray for me a poor sinner.
It may be proper also in time of sickness to read to the sick person leisurely, and as he is able to bear it, the Passion of Christ, or some meditations on His Passion ; as also the paraphrase on the Lord's Prayer, the Miserere, and the other penitential psalms ; devout acts of contrition, etc. But not too much at once ; {or that might fatigue him, and do him harm.
A Short Exercise in Preparation for Death, which may be used every day
1. O Y heart is ready, 0 God, my heart IVJL is ready ; not my will, but Thine be
done. 0 my Lord, I resign myself entirely to Thee, to receive death at the time, and in the manner, it shall please Thee to send it.
2. I most humbly ask pardon for all my sins committed against Thy sovereign goodness, and repent me of them all from the bottom of my heart.
104 In Time of Sickness
3. I firmly believe whatsoever the holy Catholic Church believes and teaches ; and by Thy grace I will die in this belief.
4. I hope to possess eternal life by Thy infinite mercy, and by the merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ.
5- O my God, I desire to love Thee as my sovereign good above all things, and to despise this miserable world : I desire to love my neighbour as myself for the love of Thee ; and to forgive all injuries from my heart.
6. O my divine Jesus, how great is my desire to receive Thy sacred body ! O come now into my soul, at least by a spiritual communion ! 0 grant that I may worthily receive Thee before my death ! I desire to unite myself to all the worthy communions which' shall be made in Thy holy church even to the end of the world.
7. Grant me the grace, O my divine Saviour, perfectly to efface all the sins I have committed by any of my senses, by applying daily to my soul Thy blessed merits, the holy unction of Thy precious blood.
8. Holy Virgin, Mother of my God, defend me from my enemies in my last hour, and
resent me to thy divine Son. Glorious t. Michael, prince of the heavenly host, and thou my angel guardian, and you my blessed patrons, intercede for me and assist me in this last and dreadful passage.
9. 0 my God, I renounce all temptations of
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the enemy, and in general whatsoever may displease Thee. I adore and accept Thy divine judgments with regard to my soul, and entirely abandon myself to them as most just and equitable.
THE BURIAL SERVICE
The priest, in the house of the deceased, or, at least, meeting the remains at the churchyard gate, sprinkles them with holy water' and begins the Antiphon.
If thou, 0 Lord, shalt observe iniquities.
De Profundis
rsalm 129
QUT of the depths have I cried to thee, 0
Lord, Lord, hear my voice. Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If thou, O Lord, shalt observe iniquities, Lord, who shall abide it ? For with thee there is merciful forgiveness, and by reason of thy law have I waited for thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on his word, my soul
hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night
let Israel hope in the Lord.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with
him plentiful redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel from all his
iniquities.
Eternal rest give unto him (her), 0 Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him (her), If thou, 0 Lord, shalt observe iniquities, Lord, who shall abide it ?
106
The Burial Service 107
Then, while the remains are being carried to the
church, the priest thus continues : The bones that have been humbled shall rejoice.
M iserere
Psalm 50
HAVE mercy upon me, 0 Lord, according to thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity. Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For J acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.
Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight; that thou mayest be justified in thy words and overcome when thou art judged. _ t
For behold, I was conceived in iniquities ; and in sins did my mother conceive me. For behold, thou hast loved truth : the uncertain and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed : thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladness ; and the bones that were humbled shall rejoice.
108 The Burial Service
Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, 0 God ; and renew a right spirit within my bowels. Cast me not away from thy face ; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation ; and strengthen me with a perfect spirit. I will teach the unjust thy ways ; and the wicked shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God of my salvation ; and my tongue shall extol thy justice.
O Lord, thou wilt open my lips ; and my
mouth shall declare thy praise.
For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would
indeed have given it ; with burnt offerings
thou wilt not be delighted.
The sacrifice of God is an afflicted spirit : a
contrite and humble heart, 0 God, thou
wilt not despise.
Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion, that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.
Then shalf thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt-offerings ; then shalt thou lay calves upon thine altars! Eternal rest give unto him (her), 0 Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him (her) .
The bones that have been humbled shall rejoice in the Lord.
The Burial Service 109
After entering the Church, the following Responsory is said :
COME to his (her) assistance, all ye saints of God ; meet him (her) all ye angels of the Lord, receiving his (her) soul, offering it in the sight of the Most High. May Christ receive thee, who hath called thee, and may the angels conduct thee to Abraham's bosom. Receiving his (her) soul, offering it in the sight of the Most High. Eternal rest give to him (her), 0 Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him (her). Offering it in the sight of the Most High.
If the Office of the Dead is to be said, it follows
here.
After the Antiphon the officiating priest
intones :
Our Father, silently.
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. From the gate of hell.
R. Deliver his (her) soul, 0 Lord.
V. May he (she) rest in peace. Amen.
Vm O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
ABSOLVE, we beseech thee, O Lord, the soul of thy servant Ar, from every chain of sin ; that he (she) may be raised up in
no Mass for the Dead
the glory of the resurrection and live anew amid thy saints and elect. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
THE MASS FOR THE DEAD
The Mass follows the ordinary form (see p 36) but with the following special parts.
Intro it
ETERNAL rest give to them, 0 Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. A hymn, 0 God, becometh thee in Sion ; and a vow shall be paid to thee in Jeru- salem : 0 Lord, hear my prayer ; all flesh shall come to thee. Eternal rest, &c.
Prayer for Bishops or Priests
OGOD, who didst raise thy servants to the dignity of bishops or priests in the apostolic priesthood ; grant, we beseech Thee, that they may be joined in fellowship with thine apostles for evermore.
For Deceased Brethren, Kinsfolk and
Benefactors
OGOD, who grantest forgiveness and desirest the salvation of mankind, we beseech thee in thy mercy to grant that the brethren of our congregation with their
Mass for the Dead III
kinsfolk and benefactors who have passed out of this life, by the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin and of all thy saints, may partake of everlasting bliss.
For all the Faithful Departed
OGOD, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful ; grant tc> the souls of thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through pious supplications they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired : who livest.
Lesson : Apoc. 14
IN those days : I heard a voice from heaven, saying to me, Write, Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord. From hence- forth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, for their works follow them.
Gradual
ETERNAL rest give to them, 0 Lord : 1 and let perpetual light shine upon them. The just shall be in everlasting remem- brance ; he shall not fear the evil hearing.
Tract
ABSOLVE, O Lord, the souls of all the . faithful departed from every bond of sins. And by the help of thy grace may they be enabled to escape the judgment of unishment, and enjoy the happiness of ght eternal.
112
Mass for the Dead
Sequence
DAY of wrath and doom impending, David's word with Sibyl's blending ! Heaven and earth in ashes ending ] Oh, what fear man's bosom rendeth, When from heaven the Judge descendeth, On whose sentence all dependeth ! Wondrous sound the trumpet flingeth, Through earth's sepulchres it ringeth, All before the throne it bringeth. Death is struck and nature quaking, All creation is awaking, To its Judge an answer making. Lo ! the book exactly worded, Wherein all hath been recorded ; Thence shall judgment be awarded. When the Judge His seat attaineth, And each hidden deed arraigneth. Nothing unavenged remaineth. What shall I, frail man, be pleading ? Who for me be interceding, When the just are mercy needing ? King of majesty tremendous, Who dost free salvation send us, Fount of pity, then befriend us. Think, kind Jesu, my salvation Caused Thy wondrous Incarnation ; Leave me not to reprobation. Faint and weary Thou hast sought me, On the Cross of suffering bought me ; Shall such grace be vainly brought me ? Righteous Judge, for sin's pollution
Mass for the Dead 113
Grant Thy gift of absolution, Ere that day of retribution. Guilty now I pour my moaning, ^ All my shame with anguish owning ; Spare, 0 God, Thy suppliant groaning. Through the sinful woman shriven, Through the dying thief forgiven, Thou to me a hope hast given. Worthless are my prayers and sighing, Yet, good Lord, in grace complying, Rescue me from fires undying. With Thy sheep a place provide me, From the goats afar divide me, To Thy right hand do Thou guide me. When the wicked are confounded, Doomed to flames of woe unbounded, Call me, with Thy Saints surrounded. Low I kneel, with heart submission ; See, like ashes my contrition ! Help me in my last condition ! Ah ! that day of tears and mourning ! From the dust of earth returning, Man for judgment must prepare him ; Spare, O God, in mercy spare him ! Lord, all pitying, Jesu blest, Grant them Thine eternal rest. Amen,
Gospel. John v. 25-29
AT that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews, Amen, Amen, I say unto you, that the hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God ; and they that hear shall live.
H4 Mass for the Dead
For as the Father hath life in himself, so He hath given to the Son also to have life in himself : and he hath given him power to do judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Wonder not at this, for the hour cometh wherein all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God ; and they that have done good things shall come forth unto the resurrection of life, but they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.
Offertory
f \ LORD Jesus Christ, King of Glory, \J deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the deep pit : deliver them from the mouth of the lion, that hell may not swallow them up, and they may not fall into darkness, but may the holy standard-bearer Michael intro- duce them to the holy light; which thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed. We offer thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers ; do thou receive them in behalf of those souls whom we commemorate this day. Grant them, O Lord, to pass from death to that life which thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed.
Secret
For Bishops and Priests
RECEIVE, O Lord, we beseech thee, the sacrifice which we offer up on behalf
Mass for the Dead 115
of the souls of thy servants who are bishops or priests ; so that those whom in this world thou didst raise to episcopal or priestly rank may, by thy command, be gathered to thy saints in the kingdom of heaven. Through Our Lord.
For Brethren, Kinsfolk and Benefactors
OGOD, whose mercy is boundless, favourably receive our humble prayers and by means of these sacraments of our salvation, grant to the souls of our brethren, kinsfolk and benefactors, who by thy grace did confess thy name, the remission of all their sins.
For All the Faithful Departed
IOOK down in thy mercy, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, upon this sacrifice, which we offer up to thee for the souls of thy servants ; that to those to whop thou didst grant the merit of Christian faith, thou mayest also grant its reward.
Communion
MAY light eternal shine upon them, O Lord. With thy saints for ever, because thou art merciful. Eternal rest give to them, 0 Lord ; and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Post Communion For Bishops and Priests
WE beseech thee, O Lord, that thy clemency which we implore, may
In Time of Sickness 101 church of heaven and earth in blessing Thee for ever.
I give Thee thanks from the bottom of my heart for all Thy mercies and blessings, bestowed upon me, and Thy whole church, through Jesus Christ Thy Son ; and above all, for Thy having loved me^ from all eternity, and redeemed me with His precious blood : 0, let not that blood be shed for me in vain !
Lord, I believe all those heavenly truths which Thou hast revealed, and which Thy holy Catholic Church believes and teaches : Thou art the sovereign truth, who neither canst deceive, nor be deceived : and Thou hast promised the spirit of truth to guide Thy church into all truth. / believe in God the Father Almighty, etc. In this faith I resolve, through Thy grace, both to live and die : 0 Lord, strengthen and increase this my faith.
0 my God, all my hopes are in Thee : and through Jesus Christ my Redeemer, and through his Passion and death, I hope for mercy, grace and salvation from Thee. In Thee, 6 Lord, have I put my trust ; O, let me never be confounded I
0 sweet Jesus, receive me into Thy arms in this day of my distress ; hide me in Thy wounds, bathe my soul in Thy precious blood. I love Thee, O my God, with my whole heart and soul above all things : at least I desire so to love Thee. 0 come now,
u6
The Burial Service
benefit the souls of thy servants who arel bishops or priests ; that by thy mercy they j may partake of all that in which they hoped: and believed.
For Brethren, Kinsfolk and Benefactors
we beseech thee, Almighty and merciful God, that the souls of our brethren, kinsfolk and benefactors, for whom we offer up to thy majesty this sacri- fice of praise, may by virtue of this sacra- ment be cleansed from all sin and by thy mercy receive the happiness of eternal light.
For All the Faithful Departed
TET the prayer of those who humbly pray to thee avail for the souls of thy servants and handmaids, 0 Lord, we beseech thee, so that thou mayst loose them from all sin, and let them share in thy redemption.
After the Mass for the Dead, the following prayer is recited :
NTER not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord, for in thy sight shall no man be justified, unless thou grant him remission of all his sins. Therefore we be- seech thee, let not the sentence of thy judg- ment fall heavy upon him, whom the true and humble prayer of Christian faith recom- mends unto thee, but by the help of thy grace let him be found worthy to escape the judgment of condemnation, who in life was
E
1
I
The Burial Service 117
signed with the sign of the blessed Trinity. Who livest and reignest world without end; Amen.
The Responsory
DELIVER me, O Lord, from everlasting death in that dread day, when heaven and earth shall quake; when thou shalt come to judge the world by fire. I tremble, and am sore afraid for the judg- ment and wrath to come. When heaven and earth shall quake.
0 that day ! that day of wrath, of woe and of tribulation 1 a great day and exceeding bitter. When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire. Eternal rest give unto him (her), 0 Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him (her). Deliver me, O Lord, from everlasting death in that dread day. When heaven and earth shall quake. When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father, etc., silently.
Meanwhile the priest goes round the bier and sprinkles the remains with holy water thrice on each side. He then incenses them in the same
way.
V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil. V \ From the gate of hell.
H8 The Burial Service
F SeHvr }\ <H soul> 0 Lord.
* O W (fi? rest in Pea-- *â– Amen.
• And let my cry come unto thee. ' - I he Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray. 0 u °D? Wh°se ProPerty it is always to
^eecrtw7C7^and *? ^ we oeseecn thee for the soul of thv servant N
S tWatLthH°Urhast taken ^?t£
Of the en,â„¢ 7" " n0t int0 the ^nds
or tne enemy, nor forget it for ever • k.,t com^ d the h ]y an|ds tQ f-ee;er but
» it hatTtr hea/en i 80 that> ^much ae it hath believed and hoped in thee it
may not suffer the pains of hell but mav We everlasting joys Throng , CU . 7 Lord. Amen. trough Chnst our
Here the remains are carried to the grave and tn the nuanUme is said or sung thefoZ^inf:
MAJa^apngdS lead ^ ^to paradise: . may the martyrs rece ve thee at thv
Trin!' f d thee into the holy city of
Jerusalem. May the choir of angels receive
LaS^of olTf th°U' P6 poor man Lazarus of old, have everlasting rest.
TheZt ^ " reaChed> k is U<s»d with the following prayer, which is omkud '» .
cemetery be already blessed ;
The Burial Service 119
Let us pray.
OGOD, by whose mercy the souls of the faithful find rest, vouchsafe to bless this grave, and appoint thy holy angel to keep it ; and release the souls of all those whose bodies are buried here from every bond of sin, that they may always rejoice in thee with thy saints for ever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Here the remains and grave are sprinkled with holy water, and incensed; and when the remains are laid in the grave, the following is said :
I am the Resurrection.
The Canticle of Zachary. Luke i.
BLESSED be the Lord God of Israel; because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people. And he hath raised up the horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant. As he spoke by the mouth of his holy pro- phets, who are from the beginning. Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. To work mercy with our fathers ; and re- member his holy testament. The oath which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant us. That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear.
120 The Burial Service
In holiness and justice before him, all our days.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways lo give the knowledge of salvation to his people unto the remission of their sins. Ihrough the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the orient from on high hath visited us.
To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death : to direct our feet in the way of peace.
Eternal rest grant to him (her), 0 Lord. And let perpetual light shine on him (her) 1 am the resurrection and life ; he that believeth in me, though he be dead, shall live ; and every one that liveth and be- heveth m me shall not die for ever. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father, etc.
In the meantime the remains are sprinkled
with holy water,
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R- But deliver us from evil.
V . From the gate of hell.
Ry Deliver his (her) soul, 0 Lord.
v k7 h? (lhe) rest in Peace* *• A^en. r . (J Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to thee.
The Burial Service 121
V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
GRANT to thy servant (handmaid) de- parted, 0 Lord, we beseech thee, this favour, that he (she) who prayed that thy will might be done may not receive punish- ment for his (her) deeds ; and that even as here on earth the true faith joined him (her) to the ranks of the faithful, so in heaven by thy mercy he (she) may have fellowship with the choirs of angels. Through Christ our Lord A.fYi€7i.
V. Eternal rest give to him (her), 0 Lord. R. And let perpetual light shine upon him
V . May he (she) rest in peace. R Amen. May his fher) soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Then is said ;
c
OME to his assistance, all ye saints of
God ; meet him all ye angels of God :
receiving his soul, offering it in the sight of the Most High. May Christ receive thee, who hath called thee, and may the angels conduct thee to Abraham's bosom. Receiv- ing his soul and offering it in the sight of the Most High.
/•'. Eternal rest give to him, 0 Lord : and let perpetual light shine upon him.
122 The Burial Service
R. Offering it in the sight of the Most High.
F. Lord, have mercy on him. R. Christ, have mercy on him. V. Lord, have mercy on him. Our Father, etc.
V . And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V . Eternal rest give to him, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon him.
V. From the gates of hell.
R. Deliver his soul, 0 Lord.
V. May he rest in peace.
R, Amen.
V . 0 Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
TO thee, 0 Lord, we commend the soul of thy servant N., that being dead to this world he may live to thee ; and whatever sin he has committed in this life through human frailty, do thou in thy most merciful goodness forgive. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
"Then, for a conclusion, may he added the following prayer for those who are present :
G RANT, 0 God, that while we lament the departure of this thy servant, we may always remember that we are most certainlv to follow him. And give us grace to prepare for that last hour by a good life, that we
The Burial of Infants 123
may not be surprised by a sudden and unprovided death, but be ever watching, that, when thou shalt call, we may, with the bridegroom, enter into eternal glory: through Christ our Lord. J men.
THE BURIAL OF INFANTS
The priest, meeting the remains at the church- yard gates (if he cannot do so sooner), sprinkles them zvith holy water, saying :
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Psalm 112.
P RAISE the Lord, ye children : praise ye the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever. From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy
of praise. m
The Lord is high above all nations : and
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like to the Lord our God, who
dwelleth on high, and looketh down on the
low things in heaven and in earth ?
Raising up the needy from the earth, and
lifting up the poor out of the dung-hill. ^
That he may place him with princes, with
the princes of his people.
Who maketh a barren woman to dwell m a
house, the joyful mother of children.
124 Prayers for the Dead
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed be the name of the Lord from hence- forth now and for ever.
PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD
A Prayer upon the Day of a Person's Decease, or Burial
C\ GOD, whose property is always to have V-/ mercy and to spare, we humbly beseech thee for the soul of thy servant N. which thou hast this day called out of the world, that thou wouldst not deliver it up into the hands of the enemy, nor forget it unto the end : but command it to be received by thy holy angels, and to be carried to paradise its true country ■that as in thee it had faith and hope, it may not suffer the pains of hell, but may take possession of everlasting joys • through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Another
TVTE beseech thee, 0 Lord, admit the soul VV of thy servant, N. which this day has departed out of this world, into the fellow- ship of the saints, and pour forth upon it the dew of thy eternal mercy ; through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
Prayers for the Dead 125
On the Anniversary Day
OLORD, the God of mercy and pardon grant to the soul of thy servant N. whose anniversary we commemorate, the seat of refreshment, the happiness of rest, and the brightness of light : through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
A Prayer for One Lately Deceased
ABSOLVE, we beseech thee, O Lord, the . soul of thy servant N.9 that being dead to the world, he may live to thee : and what- ever he has committed in this life through human frailty, do thou of thy most merciful goodness forgive : through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
For Father and Mother GOD, who hast commanded us to ^ honour our father and mother, have mercy on the souls of my father and mother : and grant that I may see them in the glory of eternity : through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
For Brethren, Relations and Benefactors
OGOD, the giver of pardon, and lover of the salvation of men, we beseech thy clemency in behalf of our brethren, kinsfolk, and benefactors, who are departed this life, that by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,' and of all thy saints, thou wouldst receive them into the joys of thy eternal kingdom : through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
o
126 Prayers for the Dead
For All that lie in the Church or Churchyard
OGOD, by whose mercy the souls of the faithful find rest, grant to all thy servants here or elsewhere, that have slept in Christ, the full pardon of their sins ; that being discharged from all guilt, they may rejoice with thee for all eternity : through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
For a Man Deceased
HEAR, we beseech thee, O Lord, our prayers, which we humbly address to thy mercy, that the soul of thy servant which thou hast called out of this world, may be received into the region of light and peace, and be numbered amongst the blessed : through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
For a Woman Deceased
WE beseech thee, O Lord, according to thy great goodness, to shew mercy to the soul of thy servant, that being now delivered from the corruptions of this mortal life, she may be received into the inheritance of eternal bliss : through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
For Many Deceased
OGOD, whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, be favourably propitious to the souls of thy servants ; and
Prayers for the Dead 127
.rant them the remission of all their sins that bein? delivered from the bonds of this that Deing admitted to life
mortal hie, tney may Christ everlasting. Through our Lord Jesus Lhnst
thy Son, &c.
DEVOTIONS TO THE SACRED HEART
HPHERE are some who think that this is A a new devotion ; this is not the case, as there is ample evidence to show that it was practised by St. Gertrude (1302) and before her time.
It was St. Margaret Mary who was chosen by God^ to make this devotion public and spread it through the world. Our Divine Lord appeared to her on several occasions urging her to propagate the devotion to His Sacred Heart. The most famous of these visions took place during the octave of Corpus Christi in the year 1675, when Christ appeared with His Heart aflame, saying :
" Behold the Heart that has so loved men that It has spared nothing, even to exhaust- ing and spending Itself utterly, in order to testify to them Its love ; while in return I receive for the most part nothing but the ingratitude, contempt, irreverence, sacrileges and coldness which they show Me in this Sacrament of Love . . . Therefore I ask of thee that the first Friday after the Octave of the Blessed Sacrament be kept as a parti- cular feast in honour of My Heart, by com- municating on that day, and making an act of reparation to It, in order to atone for the
128
Devotions to the Sacred Heart 129
indignities which It has received while It is exposed upon the altars." Since the death of St. Margaret Mary the devotion to The Sacred Heart has spread throughout the whole church. The Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi has become the Feast of The Sacred Heart, and in June 1899 Pope Leo XIII ordered the whole of mankind to be consecrated solemnly to The Sacred Heart.
Promises given to St. Margaret Mary by Our Lord in favour of persons devoted to the Sacred Heart :
1 . I will give them all the graces necessary to their state.
2. I will give peace to their families.
3. I will comfort them in all their trials.
4. I will be their sure refuge during life, and especially at the hour of death.
5. I will shed abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and ocean of infinite mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall rise rapidly to a high degree of perfection.
9. I will bless the houses wherein the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honoured.
10. I will give to Priests the power to touch the hardest hearts.
130 Devotions
1 1« Those who propagate this Devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, whence they shall never be effaced.
I2- I promise them in the abundance of My Heart's Mercy that It's all-powerful love shall secure for all those who communi- cate on the first Fridays of nine con- secutive months the grace of final per- severance so that they shall not die in my displeasure, or without receiving the last Sacraments : and that My Heart shall be to them a sure refuge in that last hour.
PRAYER OF ST. MARGARET
MARY
Tp TE RNAL Father, suffer me to offer Thee •p* the Heart of Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, as He himself offered it in sacrifice to Thee. Receive this offering for me, as well as all the desires, sentiments, affections, move- ments and acts of this Sacred Heart. They are all mine, since He offered Himself for me, and henceforth I wish to have no other desires but His. Receive them in satisfaction for my sins, and in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits. Grant me through His merits all the graces necessary for my salvation, especially that of final perseverance. Receive them as so many acts of love, adoration, and praise, which I offer to Thy divine Majesty, sinceit is through the Heart of Jesus,that Thou art worthily honoured and glorified. Amen.
to the Sacred Heart 131
LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART
t'ORD, have mercy on us.
\ j Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, *
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High, Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of
heaven, . Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity, Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love, Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, Heart of Jesus, king and centre of all hearts, Heart of Jesus, in Whom are all the treas- ures of wisdom and knowledge, * have mercy on us.
l32 Devotions
Heart of Jesus, in Whom dwells the fulness of divinity,*
Heart of Jesus, in Whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of Whose fulness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, 6 Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness, Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, Heart of Jesus, loaded down with oppro- brium,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offences, Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death, Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, Heart of Jesus, victim for sin, Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust on Thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints,
have mercy on us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
the world, spare us, 0 Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
the world, graciously hear us, 0 Lord. * have mercy on us.
to the Sacred Heart 133 Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. y, Jesus meek and humble of heart, R. Make our hearts like unto Thine.
Let us pray.
O ALMIGHTY and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy dearly beloved Son, and upon the praise and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of sinners and for those who seek Thy mercy ; be Thou ap- peased, and grant us pardon in the Name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
*
FORM OF CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
O SWEETEST Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrated before Thine altar. We are Thine, and Thine we would ever be : and in order that we may live more closely united to Thee, behold here to-day every one of us consecrates himself to Thy Sacred Heart. Many, alas ! have never known Thee ; many, despising Thy commandments, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, O most loving Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. 0 Lord, be Thou King, not only of
134 Devotions
the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children, who have abandoned Thee ; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of misery and hunger. Be Thou King of those who live in the delusion of error, or who are separated from Thee by schism, call them back to the haven of truth and to the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one fold and one Shepherd. And, lastly, be Thou King of all those who sit in the ancient superstition of paganism ; and refuse not to deliver them out of darkness into light and to the Kingdom of God. Grant, O Lord, safety and liberty to Thy Church ; give peace and order to all nations ; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry : Praise to the divine Heart whence comes our salvation, to It be glory and prayer for ever. Amen.
PRAYER OF ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI TO THE SACRED HEART
O ADORABLE Heart of my Jesus, Heart ^ created expressly for the love of men ! Until now I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, 0 my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, abyss of love and of mercy, how is it possible that I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee ? Thou, my Creator,
to the Sacred Heart 135
after having created me, hast given Thy Blood and Thy life for me ; and not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself up every day for me in the holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thou- sand insults and outrages Ah, Jesus , do Thou wound my heart with a great contri- tion for my sins, and a lively love for Thee ; through Thy tears and Thy Blood give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love until 1 breathe my last sigh. Amen.
LITANY OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS
(300 days" indulgence)
TORD, have mercy on us.
-Lrf Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,*
God the Son, Redeemer of the world
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God, Jesus, Son of the living God, Jesus, splendour of the Father, , esus, brightness of eternal light, Jesus, King of glory, Jesus, sun of justice, Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, Jesus, most amiable, Jesus, most admirable, Jesus, mighty God, Jesus, Father of the world to come Jesus, Angel of great counsel, Jesus, most powerful, Jesus, most patient, Jesus, most obedient, Jesus, meek and humble of heart, * have mercy on us.
136
Litany of the Holy Name 1 37
esus, lover of chastity * Jesus, lover of us, Jesus, God of peace, Jesus, Author of life, Jesus, example of virtues, Jesus, zealous lover of souls, Jesus, our God, Jesus, our refuge, Jesus, Father of the poor, Jesus, treasure of the faithful, Jesus, Good Shepherd, Jesus, true light,
Jesus, eternal wisdom, Jesus, infinite goodness,
Jesus, our way and our life,
Jesus, joy of Angels,
Jesus, King of Patriarchs,
Jesus, Master of Apostles,
Jesus, Teacher of Evangelists,
Jesus, strength of Martyrs,
Jesus, light of Confessors,
Jesus, purity of Virgins,
Jesus, crown of all Saints,
*Have mercy on us.
Be merciful unto us ; Spare us, 0 Jesus. Be merciful unto us ; Graciously hear us, 0 Jesus From all evil,*
From all sin,
* Jesus, deliver us.
138 Litany of the Holy Name
From Thy wrath*
From the snares of the devil,
From the spirit of uncleanness,
From everlasting death,
From the neglect of Thy inspirations,
Through the mystery of Thy holy
incarnation, Through Thy nativity, Through Thine infancy, Through Thy most Divine life, Through Thy labours, Through Thine agony and passion, Through Thy cross and dereliction, Through Thy faintness and weariness, Through Thy death and burial, Through Thy resurrection, Through Thine ascension, Through Thy institution of the most
Holy Eucharist, Through Thy joys, Through Thy glory,
* Jesus, deliver us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, 0 Lord Jesus,
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, 0 Lord Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of
the world,
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord Jesus.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
Litany of the Holy Name i 39 Let us pray.
OLORD Jesus Christ, who hast said : Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you ; grant, we beseech Thee, to us who ask, the grace of Thy most Divine love, that with all our heart, words, and works, we may love Thee, and never cease to praise Thee.
Make us, 0 Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name ; for Thou never failest to govern those whom inou dost solidly establish in Thy love, lhrough Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE WAY OF THE CROSS
(A plenary indulgence may be gained at each
recitation^)
The Priests and Acolytes, kneeling before the altar, say as follows :
O JESUS, our adorable Saviour, behold us prostrate at Thy feet, imploring Thy mercy for ourselves, and for the souls of all the faithful departed. Vouchsafe to apply to lis the infinite merits of Thy Passion, on which we are now about to meditate. Grant that while we trace this path of sighs and tears, our hearts may be so touched with contrition and repentance, that we may be ready to embrace with joy all the crosses, sufferings, and humiliations of this our life and pilgrimage. V . Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord. R. And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.
V . O God, come to my assistance. R. O Lord, make haste to help me. V . Glory be, etc. R. As it was, etc.
Then the Priest and people move in procession to the First Station. 140
E
Way of the Cross 141
First Station Jesus Christ is Condemned to Death.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
EAVING the house of Caiphas, where
/He had been blasphemed, and the
house of Herod, where He had been mocked, Jesus is dragged before Pilate, His back torn with scourges, His head crowned with thorns ; and He, who on the last day will judge the living and the dead, is Himself condemned to a disgraceful death.
Prayer
T was for us that Thou didst suffer, O — blessed Jesus ; it was for our sins Thou wast condemned to die. Oh, grant that we may detest them from the bottom of our hearts, and by this repentance obtain Thy mercy and pardon.
An Act of Contrition GOD, we love Thee with our whole ^ hearts and above all things, and are heartily sorry that we have offended Thee. May we never offend Thee any more. Oh, may we love Thee without ceasing, and make it our delight to do in all things Thy most holy will.
1
o
142 Way of the Cross
Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be to tht Father.
Have mercy on us, O Lord ; have mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. ^- Amen.
This Act of Contrition is to be repeated after
each Station.
While -passing from one Station to another \ a verse of the Stabat Mater sung or said.
V . Stabat Mater dolorosa
Juxta crucem lacrymosa
Dum pendebat Filius. °- Sancta Mater, istud agas,
Cruciflxi fige plagas
Cordi meo valide.
Second Station Jesus Receives the Cross.
V* We adore Thee, 0 Christ, and we bless Thee.
R- Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
A HEAVY cross is laid upon the bruised X shoulders of Jesus. He receives it with meekness, nay, with a secret joy, for it is the instrument with which He is to redeem the world.
Way of the Cross H3 Prayer
O JESUS ! grant us, by virtue of Thy Cross, to embrace with meekness and cheerful submission the difficulties of our state, and to be ever ready to take up our cross and follow Thee.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V, Cujus animam gementem, Contristatam, et dolentem, Pertransivit gladius.
R. Sancta Mater, etc.
Third Station Jesus Falls the First Time under the Weight of the Cross.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
BOWED down under the weight of the cross, Jesus slowly sets forth on the way to Calvary, amidst the mockeries and insults of the crowd. His agony in the garden has exhausted His body ; He is sore with blows and wounds ; His strength fails Him; He falls to the ground under the cross.
144 Way of the Cross
Prayer
0 JESUS ! who for our sins didst bear the heavy burden of the Cross, and fell under its weight, may the thoughts of Thy sufferings make us watchful over ourselves, and save us from any grievous fall into sin. Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V. 0 quam tristis et afflicta
Fuit ilia benedicta
Mater Unigeniti ! R. Sancta Mater, etc.
Fourth Station Jesus is met by his Blessed Mother.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
STILL burdened with His cross, and wounded yet more by His fall, Jesus proceeds on His way. He is met by His Mother. What a meeting must that have been I What a sword of anguish must have pierced that Mother's bosom ! What must have been the compassion of that Son for His holy Mother !
Prayer
O JESUS ! by the compassion which Thou didst feel for Thy Mother, have
Way of the Cross 1 45
compassion on us, and give us a share in her intercession. O Mary, most afflicted Mother ! intercede for us that, through the sufferings of thy Son, we may be delivered from the wrath to come.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V Quae mcerebat et dolebat, Pia Mater, dum videbat Nati poenas inclyti.
R. Sancta Mater, etc.
Fifth Station The Cross is laid upon Simon of Cyrene.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R, Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
AS the strength of Jesus fails, and He is unable to proceed, the executioners seize and compel Simon of Cyrene to carry His cross. The virtue of that cross changed his heart, and from a compulsory task it became a privilege and a joy.
trayer
OLORD Jesus ! may it be our privilege also to bear Thy cross ; may we glory in nothing else ; by it may the world be crucified unto us, and we unto the world ;
146 Way of the Cross
may we never shrink from sufferings, but, rather rejoice if we may be counted worthy to suffer for Thy Name's sake.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V, Quis est homo qui non fleret,
Matrem Christi si videret
In tanto supplicio ? Rm Sancta Mater, etc.
Sixth Station The Face of Jesus is Wiped by Veronica.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
AS Jesus proceeds on the way, covered with ^ the sweat of death, a woman, moved with compassion, makes her way through the crowd, and wipes His face with a handkerchief. As a reward of her piety, the impression of His sacred countenance is miraculously imprinted upon the hand- kerchief.
Prayer
O JESUS ! may the contemplation of Thy sufferings move us with the deepest compassion, make us to hate our sins, and kindle in our hearts more fervent
Way of the Cross 147
love to Thee. May Thy image be graven on our minds, until we are transformed into Thy likeness.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V. Quis non posset contristari, Christi Matrem contemplari Dolentem cum Filio ?
R- Sancta Mater, etc.
Seventh Station
Jesus Falls a Second Time.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
THE pain of His wounds and the loss of blood increasing at every step of His way, again His strength fails Him, and Jesus falls to the ground a second time.
Prayer
O JESUS ! falling again under the burden of our sins, and of Thy suffer- ings for our sins, how often have we grieved Thee by our repeated falls into sin ! Oh, may we rather die than ever offend Thee again !
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
148 Way of the Cross
P. Pro peccatis suae gentis Vidit Jesum in tormentis, Et flagellis subditum.
R> Sancta Mater, etc.
Eighth Station The Women of Jerusalem Mourn for
Our Lord.
V. We adore Thee, 0 Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
A T the sight of the sufferings of Jesus * 1 some holy women in the crowd were so touched with sympathy that they openly bewailed and lamented Him. Jesus knowing the things that were to come to pass upon Jerusalem because of their rejection of Him, turned to them and said, " Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."
Praygt
r\ LORD Jesus, we mourn, and will ^ mourn, both for Thee and for our- selves ; for Thy sufferings and for our sins which caused them. Oh, teach us so to mourn, that we may be comforted, and escape those dreadful judgments prepared for all who reject or neglect Thee in this life.
Way of the Cross 149 Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V. Vidit suum dulcem Natum
Moriendo desolatum,
Dum emisit spiritum. R. Sancta Mater, etc.
Ninth Station
Jesus Falls the Third T ime under the
Cross.
V. We adore Thee, 0 Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
JESUS had now arrived almost at the summit of Calvary; but before He reached the spot where He was to be crucified, His strength again fails Him, and He falls the third time, to be again dragged up and goaded onward by the brutal soldiers.
Prayer
OLORD Jesus ! we entreat Thee, by the merits of this Thy third most painful fall, to pardon our frequent relapses and our long continuance in sin ; and may the thought of these Thy sufferings make us to hate our sins more and more.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
6
150 Way of the Cross
V . Eia Mater, fons amoris,
Me sentire vim doloris
Fac, ut tecum lugeam. R. Sancta Mater, etc.
Tenth Statiqn Jesus is stripped of his Garments.
V. We adore Thee, 0 Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
A RRIVED at last at the place of sacrifice, ± 1 they prepare to crucify Him. His gar- ments are torn from His bleeding body, and He, the Holy of Holies, stands exposed to the vulgar gaze of the rude and scoffing multi- tude.
Prayer
C\ LORD Jesus, Thou didst endure this shame for our most shameful deeds. Strip us, we beseech Thee, of all false shame, conceit, and pride, and make us so to humble ourselves voluntarily in this life, that we may escape everlasting igno- miny in the world to come.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V . Fac ut ardeat cor meum In amando Christum Deum Ut sibi complaceam.
R- Sancta Mater, etc.
Way of the Cross 15 1
Eleventh Station Jesus is Nailed to the Cross.
V. We adore Thee, 0 Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
THE cross is laid upon the ground, and Jesus is stretched upon His bed of death. At one and the same time He offers His bruised iimbs to His Heavenly Father on behalf of sinful man, and to His fierce executioners to be nailed by them to the disgraceful wood. The blows are struck I The blood gushes forth !
Prayer
JESUS, nailed to the cross, fasten our ^ hearts there also, that they may be united to Thee until death shall strike us with its fatal blow, and with our last breath we shall have yielded up our souls to Thee.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V. Sancta Mater, istud agas ;
Crucinxi fige plagas
Cordi meo valide. R. Sancta Mater, etc.
o
152 Way of the Cross
Twelfth Station Jesus Dies upon the Cross.
V. We adore Thee, 0 Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest ;
FOR three hours has Jesus hung upon His transfixed hands ; His blood has run in streams down His body, and bedewed the ground ; and, in the midst of excruciat- ing sufferings, He has pardoned His mur- derers, promised the bliss of paradise to the good thief, and committed His blessed Mother and beloved disciple to each other's care. All is now consummated ; and meekly bowing down His head, he gives up the ghost.
Praver
O JESUS ! we devoutly embrace that honoured cross where Thou didst love us even unto death. In that death we place all our confidence. Henceforth let us live only for Thee ; and in dying for Thee, let us die loving Thee, and in Thy sacred arms.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
F. Tui Nati vulnerati,
Tarn dignati pro me pati, Pcenas mecum divide.
R. Sancta Mater, etc.
Way of the Cross 153
Thirteenth Station Jesus is laid in the Arms of his Sacred
Mother.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee*
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
THE multitude have left the heights of Calvary, and none remain save the beloved disciple and the holy women, who, at the foot of the cross, are striving to stem the grief of Christ's inconsolable Mother. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take down the body of her Divine Son from the cross and deposit it in her arms.
Prayer
OTHOU, whose grief was boundless as an ocean that hath no limits, Mary, Mother of God, give us a share in thy most holy sorrow in the sufferings of thy Son, and have compassion on our infirmities. Accept us as thy children with the beloved disciple. Show thyself a mother unto us ; and may He, through thee, receive our prayer, who for us vouchsafed to be thy Son.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V . Fac me tecum pie Here,
Crucifixo condolere,
Donee ego vixero. R. Sancta Mater, etc.
154 Way of the Cross
Fourteenth Station Jesus is laid in the Sepulchre.
V. We adore Thee, 0 Christ, and we bless Thee,
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest :
'T'HE body of her dearly beloved Son is A taken from His Mother, and laid by the disciples in the tomb. The tomb is. closed, and there the lifeless body remains until the hour of its glorious resurrection.
Prayer
WE, too, 0 God, will descend into the grave whenever it shall please Thee, as it shall please Thee, and wheresoever it shall please Thee. Let Thy just decrees be ful- filled ; let our sinful bodies return to their parent dust, but do Thou, in Thy great mercy, receive our immortal souls, and when our bodies have risen again, place them likewise in Thy kingdom that we may love and bless Thee for ever and ever. Amen.
Act of Contrition, etc., as before.
V . Juxta crucem tecum stare, Et me tibi sociare In planctu desidero. Sancta Mater, etc.
THE PSALTER OF JESUS
" There is no other name under heaven- given to men whereby we must be saved" — dcU iv. 12.
This Psalter is divided into three parts ; each fart consisting of five Petitions, and each Petition prefaced by tenfold repetition of the sacred name of Jesus. As it is not to be run over in a hasty manner, but performed with the utmost reverence and recollection, the whole may be said without interruption ; or, each part, at three distinct periods of time, according to the leisure which persons may find, after- discharging the indispensable duties of their several states and conditions of life.
First Part
" At the name of Jesus let every knee bow, both in heaven, on earth, and under the earth ; and let every tongue acknowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father."— Phil «.
The First Petition
JESUS ! {repeated ten times) thou God of compassion, have mercy on me, and forgive the many and great offences I have committed in Thy sight. Many have been the follies of my life, and great are the
15$
156 The Jesus Psalter
miseries I have deserved for my ingratitude. Have mercy on me, dear Jesus, for I am weak ; heal me, 0 Lord, for I am unable to help myself. Deliver me from an inordinate affection for any of Thy creatures, which may divert my eyes from incessantly looking up to Thee. For the love of Thee, grant me henceforth the grace to hate sin, and, out of a just esteem of Thee, to despise all worldly vanities.
Have mercy on all sinners, I beseech Thee, dear Jesus : turn their vices into virtues ; and making them sincere lovers of Thee, and observers of Thy law, conduct them to bliss in everlasting glory. For the sake of Thy glorious name, Jesus, and through the merits of thy bitter passion, have mercy also on the souls in purgatory. 0 Blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Second Petition
JESUS ! {repeated ten times) help me to overcome all temptations to sin, and the malice of my ghostly enemy. Help me to spend my time in virtuous actions, and in such labours as are acceptable to Thee. Enable me to resist and repel every inordi- nate emotion of sloth, gluttony, and carnal- ity. Render my heart enamoured of virtue, and inflamed with desires of Thy glorious presence. Help me to merit and preserve a
The Jesus Psalter 157
good name by a peaceable and pious life, to Thy honour, 0 Jesus ! to my own comfort, and the edification of others. Have mercy on all sinners, etc., as in the first petition. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Third Petition
JESUS ! (repeated ten times) grant me effectual strength of soul and body, to please Thee in the performance of such virtuous actions as may bring me to Thy everlasting joy and felicity. Grant me, O merciful Saviour, a firm purpose to amend my life, and to make atonement for the years past ; those years, which I have lavished, to Thy displeasure, in vain or wicked thoughts, evil words, deeds, and habits. Make my heart obedient to Thy will, and ready, for Thy love, to perform all the works of mercy. Grant me the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which, through a vir- tuous life, and devout frequenting of Thy most holy sacraments, may at length conduct me to Thy heavenly kingdom. Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Fourth Petition
r,SUS ! {repeated ten times) comfort me, and .grant me grace to fix in Thee my chief joy and only felicity ; inspire me with heavenly meditations, spiritual sweetness,
158 The Jesus Psalter
and fervent desires of Thy glory ; ravish my soul with the contemplation of heaven, where I hope to dwell everlastingly with Thee. Bring Thy unspeakable goodness to my frequent recollection, and let me always, with gratitude, remember Thy gifts ; but when Thou bringest the multitude of the sins whereby I have so ungratefully offended Thee to sad remembrance, comfort me with the assurance of pardon ; and by the spirit of true penance, purging away my guilt, prepare me for the possession of Thy heavenly kingdom.
Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Fifth Petition
JESUS ! {repeated ten times) make me constant in faith, hope, and charity. Grant me perseverance in virtue, and a resolution never to offend Thee. May the memory of Thy passion, and of those bitter pains Thou didst suffer for my sake, fortify my patience, and refresh my soul under every tribulation and adversity. Render me a strenuous professor of the Catholic faith, and a diligent frequenter of my religious duties. Let me not be blinded by the delights of a deceitful world, nor my forti- tude shaken by internal frauds or carnal temptations. My heart has for ever fixed its repose in Thee, and resolved to contemn all things for Thine eternal reward.
The Jesus Psalter 159
Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary. " The Lord Jesus Christ, for our sakes, became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.5' — Phil. ii.
Hear these petitions, O most merciful Saviour, and grant me the grace frequently to repeat and consider them, that they may serve as so many easy steps, whereby my soul may ascend to Thy knowledge and love, and to a diligent performance of my duty to Thee and my neighbour, through the whole course of my life. Amen. Our Father. Hail Mary. I believe in God.
Second Part
Begin as before, saying, "At the name of Jesus let every knee bow, both in heaven, on "earth, and under the earth" etc., as in part the first, page 155.
The Sixth Petition
JESUS ! (repeated ten times) enlighten me with spiritual wisdom, whereby I may arrive at a knowledge of Thy goodness, and of everything which is most acceptable to Thee. Grant me a perfect apprehension of my only good, and a discretion to regulate my life accordingly. Grant me wisely to proceed from virtue to virtue, till at length I enjoy a clear sight of Thy glory. Forbid,
160 The Jesus Psalter
dear Lord, that I return to the sins of which I accused myself at the tribunal of con- fession. Let others be edified by my pious example, and my enemies mollified by my good counsel.
Have mercy upon all sinners, etc., page 156. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Seventh Petition
JESUS ! {repeated ten times) grant me grace inwardly to fear Thee, and avoid every occasion whatsoever of offending Thee. Let the threats of the torments prepared for sinners, the dread of the loss of Thy love, and of Thy heavenly inheritance, always keep me in awe. Suffer me not to slumber in sin, but rather rouse me to repentance, lest through Thine anger I may be overtaken by the sentence of eternal wrath and endless damnation. Let the powerful intercession of Thy blessed Mother and all Thy saints, but above all Thine own merits and mercy, serve as a rampart between my poor soul and Thine avenging justice. Enable me, O my God ! to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, and the apprehension of Thy sacred judgments. Make me a more humble and diligent suitor to the throne of Thy mercy. Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Jesus Psalter
161
The Eighth Petition
JESUS ! (repeated ten-times) grant me the grace truly to love Thee, for Thine infinite goodness and those excessive boun- ties I have received, or shall ever hope to receive from Thee. Let the recollection of Thy benignity and patience conquer the malice and wretched propensity of my perverse nature. May the consideration of the many deliverances, frequent calls, and continual helps I have received from Thee during the course of my life, make me blush at my ingratitude. Ah, what return dost Thou require of me for all Thy mercies, but that I love Thee ! And why dost Thou require it ? Because Thou art my only gOOCj i—Thou art my dear Lord 1 the sole object of my life ; and I will diligently keep Thy commandments, because I truly love Thee.
Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Ninth Petition
JESUS ! {repeated ten times) grant me the grace always to remember my latter end, and the account I am to give after death ; that my soul may be always well disposed, and ready to depart out of this life in Thy grace and favour. At that hour, by the powerful intercession of Thy blessed Mother,
i6z The Jesus Psalter
the glorious assistance of St. Michael, and my good angel, rescue my poor soul, 0 Lord, from the snares of the enemy of my salva- tion. Remember, then, Thy mercy, 0 dear Jesus ! and hide not Thy face from me on account of my offences. Secure me against the terrors of that awful period, by causing me now to die daily to all earthly things, and to have my conversation continually in heaven. Let the remembrance of Thy death teach me to set a just value on life, and the memory of Thy resurrection en- courage me to descend cheerfully to the grave.
Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary. The Tenth Petition
JESUS ! {repeated ten times) send me my purgatory in this life, and thus prevent me from being tormented in the cleansing fire, which awaits those souls who have not been sufficiently purified in this world. Vouchsafe to grant me those merciful crosses and afflictions which Thou seest necessary for weaning my affections from things here below. Suffer not my heart to find any repose but in sighing after Thee, since no one can see Thee who loves any- thing which is not for Thy sake. Too bitter, alas ! will be the anguish of the soul that desires to be united to Thee, and whose separation is retarded by the heavy chains
The Jesus Psalter 163
of sin. Keep me, then, 0 my Saviour, continually mortified in this world, that being purified thoroughly with the fire of Thy love, I may pass from hence to the immediate possession of Thee in everlasting glory.
Have mercy on all sinners, etc., as at the conclusion of the First Petition, p. 156.
Third Part
Begin as before ^saying : At the name of Jesus let every knee bow, etc., p. 155.
The Eleventh Petition
IESUS ! {repeated ten times) grant me grace to avoid bad company; or, if I should chance to come in the midst of such, preserve me from being infected with the least temptation to mortal sin, through the merits of Thine uncorrupt conversation a- mong sinners. Art Thou not always present, O Lord ? And wilt Thou not take an exact account of all our words and actions, and judge us accordingly ? How then dare I con- verse with liars, slanderers, drunkards, or blasphemers ; or with those whose discourse is either vain, quarrelsome, or dissolute. Re- press in me, dear Jesus, every inordinate affection to carnal pleasures and to delights of taste ; and strengthen me by Thy grace to avoid such company as would enkindle the
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flames of those unruly appetites. May Thy power, Thy wisdom, and Thy fatherly com- passion defend, direct and chastise me ; and cause me to lead such a life that I may be fit hereafter for the conversation of angels. Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Twelfth Petition
JESUS ! (repeated ten times) grant me the grace to call on Thee for help in all my necessities, and frequently to remember Thy death and resurrection. Wilt Thou be deaf to my cries, Who hast laid down Thy life for my ransom ? Or canst Thou not save me who took it up again for my crown ? Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee. Whom have I in heaven but Thee, O my Jesus ! from whose blessed mouth issued such sweet words ? Thou art my sure rock of defence against all my ene- mies, and my gracious assistant in every good work. I will then invoke Thee with con- fidence in all trials and afflictions, and when Thou hearest me, O Jesus ! Thou wilt have mercy on me.
Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Thirteenth Petition
JESUS ! {repeated ten times) enable me to persevere in a virtuous life, and never to grow weary in Thy service till Thou
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rewardest me in Thy kingdom. In pious customs, holy duties, and in al] honest and necessary employments, continue, O Lord, to strengthen me both in soul and body. My life is nothing on earth but a pilgrimage towards the heavenly Jerusalem, to which he that sits down or turns out of the way can never arrive. May I always, O Jesus ! follow Thy blessed example. With how much pain and how little pleasure didst Thou press on to a bitter death — the assured way to a glorious resurrection. Let me fre- quently meditate on those severe words of Thine : He only that perseveres to the end shall be saved.
Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Fourteenth Petition
JESUS ! ^repeated ten times) grant me grace to fix my mind on Thee, especially while I converse with Thee in time of prayer. Check the wanderings of my fanciful brain, put a stop to the desires of my fickle heart, and suppress the power of my spiritual enemies, who at that time endeavour to withdraw my mind from heavenly thoughts to vain imaginations. Thus shall I joyfully look on Thee as my deliverer from all evil, and thank Thee as my benefactor, for all the good I have received, or hope to obtain. I shall be convinced that Thou art my chief good, and
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that all other things were ordained by Thee only as the means of engaging me to fix my affections on Thee alone : that by persever- ing till death in Thy love and service, I might be eternally happy. Let all my thoughts, O beloved of my soul ! be ab- sorbed in Thee, that my eyes being shut to all vain and sinful objects may become worthy to behold Thee, face to face, in Thy everlasting glory.
Have mercy, etc. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Fifteenth Petition
JESUS ! {repeated ten times) grant me the grace to order my life with reference to my eternal welfare, sincerely intending, and wisely referring all the operations of my soul and body towards obtaining the reward of Thy infinite bliss and eternal felicity. For what use is this world, but a school for the tutoring of souls, created for eternal happi- ness in the next ? And how are they educated but by an anxious desire of enjoying God, their only end ? Break my froward spirit, Jesus ! by the reins of humility and obedi- ence. Grant me grace to depart hence with the most sovereign contempt for this world, and with a heart overflowing with joy at the thought of going to Thee. Let the memory of Thy passion make me cheerfully undergo every temptation or suffering in this state of probation, for love of Thee;
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whilst my soul, in the meantime, languishes after that life of consummate bliss and immortal glory, which Thou hast prepared for Thy servants in heaven. O Jesus, let me frequently and attentively consider, that whatsoever I may gain, if I lose Thee, all is lost; and that whatever I may lose, if I obtain Thee, all is gained. Have mercy on all sinners, etc., as at the conclusion of the First Petition.
DEVOTIONS TO OUR BLESSED LADY THE