St. Alphonsus' prayer-book/Part 2.1: Pious Exercises
SECOND PART.
PIOUS EXERCISES FOR EVERY WEEK.
1. Devotions for each Day of the Week.
On entering the church, piously sign yourself with holy water; then, after having profoundly adored Jesus Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament, follow the Priest in saying:
IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, etc. Amen.
Anth. I will go in to the altar of God.
R. To God, Who giveth joy to my youth. Ps. xlii. — Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
R. For Thou art God, 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 and brought me unto Thy holy hill, and into Thy tabernacle.
R. And I will go in to 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?
R. Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him, the salvation of my countenance and my God.
P. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, etc.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
P. I will go in to the altar of God.
R. To God Who giveth joy to my youth.
Here the Priest says the Confiteor, and the people reply:
R. May Almighty God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee thy sins, and 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 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 Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and you, O Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
After the Confiteor has been said by the people:
P. May Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to life everlasting.
R. Amen.
P. May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins.
R. Amen.
P. Thou wilt turn again, O God, and quicken us.
R. And Thy people shall rejoice in Thee.
P. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
R. And grant us Thy salvation.
P. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
P. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
The Priest goes up to the altar, saying:
TAKE away from us our iniquities, we beseech Thee, O Lord; that we maybe worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of Holies. Through Christ Jesus Our Lord. Amen.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, by the merits of Thy saints, whose relics are here, and of all the saints, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive me all my sins. Amen.
The Kyrie Eleison
Kyrie eleison (three times). Lord have mercy on us.
Christe eleison (three times). Christ have mercy on us.
Kyrie eleison (three times). Lord have mercy on us.
Afterwards, standing at the middle of the altar, extending, and then joining his hands, he says the
Gloria in Excelsis.
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise Thee; we bless 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 takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us: Who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayers: Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only art holy: Thou only art the Lord: Thou only, O Jesus Christ, with the Holy. Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Prayer.
Eternal Father! relying on the promise made us by Thy Divine Son, when He said: "Amen, amen, I say to you: if you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it you." [2] I ask of Thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, pardon of all my sins, the gift of Thy holy love, perseverance in grace, the perfect accomplishment of Thy will, and the happiness of being with Thee and blessing Thee eternally in paradise. Amen.
Epistle.
If I speak with the tongues of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have all faith so that I could remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind. Charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth: beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never falleth away. [3]
Gospel.
Jesus taught His disciples, saying to them: 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. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: be glad and rejoice, for great is your reward in heaven. [4]
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 third day He rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, 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 in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Life-giver, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son: Who, together with the Father and the Son, is adored and glorified: Who spoke by the prophets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. And I look to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Offertory.
While the Priest offers the Host:
ACCEPT, O holy Father, almighty, eternal God, this immaculate Host, which I, Thy unworthy servant, offer unto Thee, my living and true God, for my innumerable sins, offences, and negligences, and for all here present; as also for all faithful Christians, both living and dead, that it may be profitable for my own and for their salvation unto life eternal. Amen.
The Priest puts wine and water into the chalice:
O God, 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 liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of, etc.
Whilst the Priest offers 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 odor 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.
The Priest washes his fingers:
I will wash my hands amongst the innocent; and will compass Thy altar, O Lord. That I may hear the voice of Thy praise; and tell all Thy wondrous works.
The beauty of Thy house I have loved, O Lord; and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.
Take not away my soul with the wicked; nor my life with bloody men.
In whose hands are iniquities; their right hand is filled with gifts.
But I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me.
My foot has stood in the direct way; in the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
When the Priest bows down:
Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation, which we make to Thee, in memory of the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, of Blessed John Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, of these and of all the saints: that it may be available to their honor and our salvation: and may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth. Through, etc.
Orate Fratres.
The Priest says:
Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father Almighty.
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.
Preface.
IT is truly meet and just, right and salutary, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God. Through Christ Our Lord; through Whom the angels praise Thy Majesty, the dominations adore, the powers do hold in awe, the heavens, and the virtues of the heavens, and the blessed seraphim, do celebrate with united joy. In union with whom, we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst command our voices also to be admitted with suppliant confession, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
During the Canon.
WE therefore humbly pray and beseech Thee, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, Our Lord [he kisses the altar], 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 protect, unite and govern it throughout the world, together with Thy servant N. our Pope, N. our Bishop, as also all orthodox believers and professors of the Catholic and Apostolic Faith.
We also recommend to Thee, Lord, all those whom justice, gratitude, and charity oblige us to pray for; all those here present, particularly M. or N. And in order, dear Lord, that our homage may be the more agreeable to Thee, we unite it with that of the glorious Mary, ever Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and with that of all the apostles, martyrs, and saints who have lived and died in this holy Faith which we profess, and this only Church in which we live.
My God, why have I not, at this moment, the inflamed desires with which the holy patriarchs desired the coming of the Messias! Why have I not their faith and love! Come, Lord Jesus, come, beloved Redeemer of the world, come and accomplish that mystery which is the sum of all Thy marvels. He is coming, the Lamb of God; behold the adorable Victim by Whom the sins of the whole world are effaced.
Elevation of the Host.
Eternal Father, I now offer Thee all the virtues, the actions, the affections, of the Heart of Thy dear Jesus. Accept them, and by His merits, which are all mine— for He has given them to me, — grant me the graces which Jesus asks Thee for me. With these merits I thank Thee for the many mercies which Thou hast shown me; with these I satisfy for what I owe Thee for my sins; through these I hope for every grace from Thee, — pardon, perseverance, paradise, and, above all, the crowning gift of Thy pure love.
Elevation of the Chalice
PRECIOUS Blood of Jesus, wash my soul from all stains. Pure Heart of my Jesus, purify me. Heart most humble, teach me Thy humility. Sweet Heart, communicate to me Thy sweetness. Most merciful Heart, have compassion on me. Most loving Heart, inflame my heart with love!
Continuation of the Canon.
How great would be my malice and ingratitude if, after having seen what I now behold, I should consent to offending Thee! My God, I will never forget that which is represented by this august ceremony. The sufferings of Thy Passion, the glory of Thy Resurrection, Thy Body bruised for us, Thy Blood shed for us, are now really present on this altar.
It is now that we offer before the throne of Thy most excellent Majesty a holy, pure, and unspotted Victim, Whom it has pleased Thee Thyself to give us, and of which all others are but a figure. Yes, great God, we dare to say that we have here more than all the sacrifices of Abel, of Abraham, and of Melchisedech; here lies the only Victim worthy of Thine altar, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, the only object of Thine eternal delight.
May all those who here partake of this sacred Victim, either sacramentally or spiritually, be filled with heavenly grace and blessing!
Be mindful likewise, O Lord! of Thy servants N. and N. who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and rest in the sleep of peace. Grant them, Lord, in virtue of this sacrifice, an entire deliverance from their pains.
And grant to us also, we beseech Thee, the same grace when our hour shall come, O Father of infinite goodness! And grant us part and fellowship with Thy holy apostles and martyrs, and with all Thy saints, so that, with them, we may love Thee and glorify Thee to all eternity.
Pater Noster.
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 those who trespass against us: and lead us not into temptation.
But deliver us from evil.
Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O 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 [making the sign of the cross on himself with the paten, he kisses it, and says], 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.
V. World without end. R. Amen.
May this mixture, and consecration of the body and blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, be to us that receive it effectual to eternal life. Amen.
Agnus Dei.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace.
Lord Jesus Christ, Who saidst to Thy apostles, My peace I leave you, regard not my sins, but the faith of Thy Church; and grant her that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will: Who livest, etc. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who, according to the will of Thy Father, through the cooperation 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 my iniquities, and from all evils: make me always adhere to Thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from, Thee: Who livest and reignest with God, the Father, in the unity of, etc. Amen.
Let not the participation of Thy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and condemnation: but through Thy mercy, may it be a safeguard and remedy both of soul and body. Who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Domine, non sum Dignus.
LORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof: say but the word, and my soul shall be healed. [Three times.]
Act for a Spiritual Communion.
MY Jesus, I believe that Thou art truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire to possess Thee within my soul. Since I am unable now to receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace Thee as being already there, and unite myself wholly to Thee; never permit me to be separated from Thee.
How sweet would it be, O my God! were I of the number of those whose sanctity allows them to receive Thee daily! What an advantage, could I, at this moment, possess Thee in my heart, there pay Thee my homage, lay open to Thee my wants, and share in the favors which Thou grantest to those who receive Thee sacramentally. But since I am unworthy, do Thou, O Lord! supply my want of preparation. Pardon me my sins; I sovereignly detest them, because they are displeasing to Thee. Accept my ardent wish to be united to Thee; cast Thine eye upon me, and purify my soul, that I may soon be fit to receive Thee worthily. But until the arrival of this happy day, I earnestly entreat Thee, O dearest Lord! to make me a sharer in all the advantages which the Communion of the Priest shall produce in these Thy people. Increase my faith by the virtue of this sacrament, strengthen my hope, fill my heart with love, that it may beat but for Thee and live for Thee alone. Amen.
The Last Prayer.
THOU hast offered Thyself, O Lord! for my salvation; I desire to be sacrificed for Thy glory. I am Thy victim, do with me as Thou wiliest. Whatever I have I consecrate entirely to Thee. Whatever crosses Thou mayest please to send me, I freely accept and bless; I receive them from Thy hand, and unite them with those Thou hast endured for my sake. I am now about to leave Thy temple resolved, with Thy help, to serve Thee faithfully, I will strive to correct my faults, and chiefly that to which I am most inclined. Thy law shall thenceforth direct me, and I shall forfeit all, and suffer everything, rather than mortally transgress it.
Benediction.
Bless, O my God, these holy resolutions; bless us all by the hand of Thy minister, and may the effects of Thy benediction remain with us forever. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Psalms for Vespers. [5]
Psalm 109. Dixit Dominus.
THE Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at My right hand: Until I make thy enemies thy footstool.
The Lord will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.
With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength, in the brightness of the saints: from the womb, before the day-star, I begot thee.
The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent: Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech.
The Lord at Thy right hand: hath broken kings in the day of His wrath.
He shall judge among nations, He shall fill ruins: He shall crush the heads in the land of many.
He shall drink of the torrent in the way: therefore shall He lift up the head.
Psalm 110. Confitebor tibi.
I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the counsel of the just, and in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all His wills.
His work is praise, and magnificence: and His justice continueth forever and ever.
He hath made a remembrance of His wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: He hath given food to them that fear Him.
He will be mindful forever of His covenant: He will show forth to His people the power of His works.
That He may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles; the works of His hands are truth and judgment.
All His commandments are faithful; confirmed forever and ever: made in truth and equity.
He hath sent redemption to His people: He hath commanded His covenant forever.
Holy and terrible is His name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
A good understanding to all that do it: His praise continueth forever and ever.
Psalm 111. Beatus vir.
Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exeedingly in His commandments.
His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth forever and ever.
To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: He is merciful, and compassionate, and just.
Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth, he shall order his words with judgment: because he shall not be moved forever.
The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.
His heart is ready to hope in the Lord; his heart is strengthened: he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.
He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor; his justice remain eth forever and ever: his horn shall be exalted in glory.
The wicked shall see, and shall be angry; he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Psalm 112. Laudate pueri.
Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord; from henceforth now and forever.
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same: the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
The Lord is high above all nations: and His glory above the heavens.
Who is as 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 the barren woman to dwell in a house: the joyful mother of children.
Psalm 113. En eritu Israel.
When Israel went out of Egypt: the house of Jacob from a barbarous people.
Judea was made his sanctuary: Israel his do minion.
The sea saw, and fled: Jordan was turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams: and the hills like the lambs of the flock.
What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee: and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?
Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams: and ye hills, like lambs of the flock?
At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved: at the presence of the God of Jacob.
Who turned the rock into pools of water: and the stony hill into fountains of waters.
Not to us, O Lord, not to us: but to Thy name give glory.
For Thy mercy and for Thy truth's sake: lest the Gentiles should say, Where is their God?
But our God is in heaven: He hath done all things whatsoever He would.
The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold: the works of the hands of men.
They have mouths, and speak not: they have eyes, and see not.
They have ears, and hear not: they have noses, and smell not.
They have hands, and feel not; they have feet, and walk not: neither shall they cry out through their throat.
Let them that make them become like unto them: and all such as trust in them.
The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.
The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord:
He is their helper and their protector.
They that fear the Lord have hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.
The Lord hath been mindful of us: and hath blessed us.
He hath blessed the house of Israel: He hath blessed the house of Aaron.
He hath bessed all that fear the Lord: both little and great.
May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you, and upon your children.
Blessed be you of the Lord: Who made heaven and earth.
The heaven of heaven is the Lord's: but the earth He has given to the children of men.
The dead shall not praise Thee, O Lord: nor any of them that go down to hell.
But we that live, bless the Lord: from this time now and forever.
Psalm 116. Laudate Dominum.
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye peoples:
For His mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.
Psalm 121. Laetatus sum.
I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet were standing: in thy courts, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, which is built as a city: which is compact together.
For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
Because their seats have sat in judgment: seats upon the house of David.
Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee.
Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers.
For the sake of my brethren and of my neighbors: I spoke peace of thee.
Because of the house of the Lord our God: I have sought good things for thee.
Psalm 126. Nisi Dominus.
Except the Lord build the house: they labor in vain that build it.
Except the Lord keep the city: he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.
It is in vain for you to rise before light: rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow.
When He shall give sleep to His beloved: behold, children are the inheritance of the Lord, their reward, the fruit of the womb.
As arrows in the hand of the mighty: so the children of them that have been shaken.
Blessed is the man that hath filled his desire with them: he shall not be confounded, when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 131. Memento, Domine.
O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness.
How he swore to the Lord: he vowed a vow to the God of Jacob:
If I shall enter into the tabernacle of my house: if I shall go up into the bed wherein I lie:
If I shall give sleep to my eyes: or slumber to my eyelids,
Or rest to my temples: until I find out a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
Behold, we have heard of it in Ephrata: we have found it in the fields of the wood.
We will go into His tabernacle: we will adore in the place where His feet stood.
Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting-place: Thou and the ark which Thou hast sanctified.
Let Thy priests be clothed with justice: and let Thy saints rejoice.
For Thy servant David's sake: turn not away the face of Thy anointed.
The Lord hath sworn truth to David, and He will not make it void: Of the fruit of thy womb I will set up on thy throne.
If thy children will keep My covenant: and these My testimonies which I shall teach them:
Their children also for evermore: shall sit upon thy throne.
For the Lord hath chosen Sion: He hath chosen it for His dwelling.
This is My rest forever and ever: here will I dwell, for I have chosen it.
Blessing, I will bless her widow: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
I will clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding great joy.
There will I bring forth a horn to David: I have prepared a lamp for My anointed.
His enemies I will clothe with confusion: but upon him shall My sanctification flourish.
Psalm 147. Lauda Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion.
Because He hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates: He hath blessed thy children within thee.
Who hath placed peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the fat of corn.
Who sendeth forth His speech to the earth: His word runneth swiftly.
Who giveth snow like wool: scattereth mist like ashes.
He sendeth his ice like morsels: who shall stand before His cold?
He shall send out His word, and shall melt them: His wind shall blow, and the waters shall run.
Who declareth His word to Jacob: His justices, and His judgments to Israel.
He hath not done in like manner to every nation: and His judgments He hath not made manifest to them.
The Magnificant, or Canticle of the Blessed Virgin.
My soul doth magnify the Lord.
And my spirit hath rejoiced: in God my Saviour.
Because He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Because He that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is His name.
And His mercy is from generation unto generation: unto them that fear Him.
He hath showed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel His servant: being mindful of His mercy.
As He spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed forever.
The Antiphon to the Blessed Virgin.
Mother of mercy, hail, O gentle Queen!
Our life, our sweetness, and our hope, all hail!
Children of Eve, To thee we cry from our sad banishment;
To thee we send our sighs,
Weeping and mourning in this tearful vale.
Come, then, our Advocate;
Oh, turn on us those pitying eyes of thine:
And our long exile past, Show us at last
Jesus, of thy pure womb the fruit divine.
O Virgin Mary, mother blest!
O sweetest, gentlest, holiest!
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin. [6]
To obtain the pardon of our sins.
See, Mother of my God! at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee, and puts his trust in thee. I am not worthy that thou shouldst even cast thine eyes upon me; yet well I know that thou, beholding Jesus, thy Son, dying for sinners, dost thyself yearn to save them. O Mother of mercy! look on my miseries, and have pity on me. Men say thou art the refuge of the sinner, the hope of the despairing, the aid of the abandoned: be thou, then, my refuge, my hope, and my aid. It is thy prayers which must save me. For the love of Jesus Christ be thou my help, reach forth thy hand to the poor fallen wretch who cries to thee for succor. I know that thy heart delights to aid the sinner when thou canst: help me, then, now whilst thou canst. My sins have forfeited the grace of God and my own soul. Behold me in thy hands. Oh, tell me what to do that I may regain my Saviour's grace, and lo! I do it. He bids me go to thee for help; He wills that I should seek thy tender pity's refuge, that so, not thy dear Son's merits only, but thine own prayers too, may help to save me. To thee, then, I have recourse; pray thou to Jesus for me, and make me know and feel what thou canst do for one who trusts in thee. Be it done unto me according to my hope. Amen. Hail Mary, three times.
Prayer to our Holy Patron.
Great Saint ――――, my glorious patron, I render thanks to God that He has crowned thee with such great glory and happiness in His courts.
But, amidst thy greatness, forget not me, miserable sinner that I am; have compassion on me, for I am still a traveller here below, wandering in this vale of tears, mourning and weeping, and exposed to great danger of losing my God. Take pity on me, and help me, and beg of Jesus to pardon all the faults of which I have hitherto been guilty. Beg of Him to deliver me from all attachment to the things of this world, which might prevent my loving Him, with thee, one day in paradise.
MONDAY.
Consecrated to the Holy Ghost,[7] and to the Commemoration of the Dead.
Prayers during the Mass
For the Souls in Purgatory.
From the Commencement to the Epistle.
Heavenly Father, prostrate before the throne of Thine infinite majesty, I offer Thee this sacrifice of the true Body and Blood of Thine only Son for the poor souls in purgatory; I unite it to all the pains and sufferings which He underwent in His passion for our salvation. And Thou, beloved Saviour of our souls, remember what Thou didst suffer for us in the Garden of Olives; there, at the sight of all the anguish and the ignominious death on the cross that did await Thee, at the sight of the sins and monstrous ingratitude shown by men, above all at the sight of so many souls plunging themselves into hell by their own malice, without seeking to profit by the fruit of Thy passion, Thou didst deign, through an excess of love, to suffer such anguish, fear, and sadness that Thou didst fall into mortal agony, and didst sweat blood till it ran down to the very earth. I humbly beg Thee to offer these sufferings to the justice of Thine eternal Father, in union with the sacrifice of Thy divine Body and precious Blood, in favor of the souls in purgatory: they are wailing in the flames, and are sighing for the happiness of seeing Thee and possessing Thee eternally in heaven, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost. Amen.
| Requiem aeternam dona eis. Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis. | Eternal rest give unto them. O Lord, and may perpetual light shine up on them. |
From the Epistle to the Offertory.
Father of mercies, receive to-day. in favor of the souls in purgatory, the sacrifice of the true Body and Blood of Thy divine Son, in union with all the pains and sufferings which He endured for our salvation during His Passion. He appears before Thee as a king of sorrows, and offers Thee the anguish caused to His heart by Judas's betrayal of Him, and that inexpressible confusion which He experienced on seeing Himself bound by cords and chains, dragged first before one tribunal, then before another, where He received cruel blows and was spat upon, where He was struck, scorned, trodden under foot like a worm of the earth, and judged worthy of death like a heathen and a blasphemer. He offereth Thee all these sufferings as our Mediator; and I, miserable sinner as I am, I unite myself to Him and ask of Thee rest and peace for the souls in purgatory.
Requiem, etc.
From the Offertory to the Sanctus.
Almighty Father, Who doth ardently desire the salvation of men, and Who wouldst have all men saved and none perish, we pray Thee to behold Thy Son on this altar where, true victim of charity, He reneweth the sacrifice of the cross, by offering Himself for the living and the dead, so that all may share in Thy mercy. Heavenly Father, do Thou this day receive the sacrifice of His Body and His Blood for the souls in purgatory, and, by the merits of His Passion, deliver them from their state of suffering. He who is Thine eternal force and wisdom hath not refused, in order to expiate our follies, for such are our sins, to be treated as a madman before Herod's court, and, as such, to be clothed with a white robe, buffeted, scoffed at, and scorned by that impious king and his bands. In union with this present sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Thy Son, in Whom are contained all the treasures of the Divinity, I offer Thee His profound humility in favor of the souls in purgatory, and I ask Thee to grant them repose and peace.
Requiem, etc.
From the Sanctus to the Elevation.
ALMIGHTY God, Father of mercy, and source of all consolation, do Thou this day console the souls in purgatory by the merits of the sacrifice of the true Body and Blood of Thy Son, which I offer Thee in union with the Church triumphant and the Church militant, and do Thou deliver them from the pains, they are enduring in their prison. Jesus, Thy Son, offers Thee His Body and Blood for their ransom. He offereth that same Body which, through excess of love, He allowed to be fastened to a column, where it received not merely hundreds, but thousands of stripes, in order to satisfy Thy justice for our sins committed in the flesh; He offereth that same Blood, which, shed in torrents during that terrible flagellation, cleansed the Church, His Spouse, from all the defilements it had received from the demon. I pray Thee behold this innocent Body and this divine Blood, and break asunder the chains which hold the souls of thy children captive in purgatory. Merciful Father, by the merit of this great sacrifice and of all the wounds received by Thine only Son during His cruel scourging, grant Thy grace to me, a miserable sinner, and grant repose and peace to the souls in purgatory.
Requiem, etc.
From the Elevation to the Pater Noster.
O God, Who art our heavenly Father, and the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, humbly prostrate before the throne of Thine infinite majesty. I offer Thee this day the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Thy Son for the ransom of the souls in purgatory; and with this sacrifice, I offer to Thee the sufferings, derision, insult, and bad treatment which Jesus vouchsafed to suffer for the salvation of all men when, after His flagellation, He was crowned with thorns. Wishing to satisfy Thy justice for all our sins of thought, He did not refuse being crowned with thorns, blindfolded, clothed in a tattered purple robe, and treated like a mock-king with a reed for a sceptre: neither did He turn away His face from being struck and spat upon. By these sufferings He has superabundantly paid our debts and obtained our pardon. Look upon Thy Son thus humiliated, O Father of mercies, and deliver from their purgatorial prison those souls who are Thy cherished spouses, and do Thou grant them repose and peace.
Requiem, etc.
From the Pater Noster to the Communion.
Father Almighty, eternal, unchanging, invisible, and infinite in all Thy perfections, all the choirs of angels are incessantly singing before Thee, "Holy, holy, holy," and we on the earth, by Jesus Christ, with Jesus Christ, and in Jesus Christ, by offering Thee this great sacrifice of the Mass, are rendering Thee all the glory and honor due to Thine infinite majesty. We pray Thee for the deliverance of the souls in purgatory. Receive then this day, O heavenly Father, the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Thy Son, in union with the sufferings He experienced when He was so shamefully reviled by the Jews; for when Pilate, from his judgment-seat, presented Him to the people, crowned with thorns, covered with a tattered scarlet mantle, a reed in His hand, and blood gushing from every wound, saying, "Behold the Man!" the Jews judged Him worthy of death, and preferred Barabbas, a wicked homicide, to Jesus, and cried out, "Not this man, but Barabbas. Crucify Him, Crucify Him!" Jesus, condemned to death, like a gentle lamb, embraced His cross and carried it to Calvary, the place of sacrifice. It was charity on the part of Thy divine Son that made Him humble Himself thus for our salvation; but it is justice on Thy part, accepting this profound humiliation in order to raise us and deliver the souls in purgatory. I pray Thee, then, by the merits of this sacrifice, and by the profound humility which Thy Son practised during His Passion, to grant rest and peace to the souls in purgatory.
Requiem, etc.
From the Communion to the End of the Mass.
O God of love, Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, look down now on this altar whereon the unbloody sacrifice of Thy Son's Body and Blood is representing His most holy Death and grievous Passion. In quality of High Priest He offered it to Thee on Calvary by the effusion of all the blood in His veins, when stretched naked on the cross, He was nailed thereon, and after three hours' agony, amid derision and insult, gall and vinegar being given Him to drink, He yielded His soul into Thy hands, being obedient even unto death. In consideration of this holocaust of agreeable odor, do Thou exercise Thy mercy in favor of the souls in purgatory, and deliver them from the chains which bind them and prevent them from taking their flight to heaven, where they wish to praise and love Thee with a consummate love. Together with the sorrows of Thy divine Son, I also offer Thee those of His blessed Mother, whose maternal heart was crucified at the foot of the cross. The lance that pierced the side and the heart of Jesus, Thy Son, also transfixed Mary's soul, as had been prophesied by Simeon, and thus she became the Queen of all the martyrs. Behold then, O heavenly Father, the disfigured face of Thy Son on the cross, and the crucified heart of His Mother at the foot of the cross; and by the merits of the Son's and Mother's sufferings, grant peace and rest to the souls in purgatory.
Requiem, etc.
Prayer to Mary.[8]
To obtain Holy Perseverance
MOST holy Mary, Queen of Heaven. I, who was once the slave of Satan, now dedicate myself to thy service forever. I offer myself to honor and to serve thee while I live. Accept me as thy willing servant, and cast me not from thee as I deserve. Mother, in thee have I placed all my hope. All blessing and thanksgiving be to God, Who in His mercy giveth me this trust in thee. True it is that in the past I was miserably fallen in sin. But through the merits of Jesus Christ, and by thy prayers, I hope that God has pardoned me my sins. Yet it is not enough, my Mother, to be forgiven whilst the thought appals me that I may still lose the grace of God. Danger is ever nigh; the devil sleeps not; fresh temptations assail me. Protect me then, my sovereign mistress! help me against the assaults of hell. Never, never let me sin again and offend Jesus, thy Son. No, never, never more suffer me to risk my soul, heaven, and my God, by sin. For this one grace I ask thee, Mary; this I desire; this may thy prayers obtain for me. Such is my hope. Amen.
Hail Mary, three times.
TUESDAY.
Consecrated to the Holy Angels. [9]
Excellent Manner of Hearing Mass.
In order to hear Mass with devotion, we should remember that the sacrifice of the altar is the same as that which was accomplished on Calvary; except that there the blood of Jesus Christ was really shed, while on the altar it is shed only mystically. Had you been present at Calvary at that solemn moment, with what tender devotion would you not have followed the course of that great sacrifice! With lively faith, then, behold what took place once on Calvary and is now taking place on the altar; and call to mind also that this divine sacrifice is not offered only by the Priest, but also by all those present. Thus, by being present at Mass, all the faithful in a manner perform the office of Priest, and thereby the merits of the Passion of Jesus are applied to each one in particular.
We should also call to mind that the sacrifice of the Mass was instituted for four ends, namely: i. To honor God; 2. To satisfy for our sins; 3. To thank God for the benefits bestowed on us by Him; 4. To obtain His grace.
Whence arise the following considerations, which will enable us to hear Mass with great fruit:
1. At Mass, by offering to the Eternal Father the person of Jesus Christ, Man and God, we render God an infinitely greater homage than if we offered Him the lives of all men and all angels.
2. By this offering of Jesus Christ, which is made at Mass, we offer to God complete satisfaction for all the sins of men, specially of those present at the Sacrifice, to whom is applied the same divine Blood as was shed on Calvary for the redemption of the human race. Thus, by a Mass, we make more satisfaction to divine justice for our faults than by any other expiatory work. It is, however, true that, although Mass be of infinite value, God only accepts of it in a finite manner according to the dispositions of each one present at it; and this is why it is useful to hear several Masses.
3. Mass is a means for us of thanking God worthily for all the benefits we have received from Him.
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St. Joseph, my protector, obtain for me a holy death. My guardian angel, St. Michael the Archangel, defend me from the Evil One in that last conflict. My holy patrons, and all ye saints in paradise, succor me in that last hour. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, be with me at the hour of my death. Amen.
Little Beads of the Immaculate Conception.
These beads are divided into three parts, and are said as follows:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. First part. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the ever Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Father once, Hail Mary four times. Glory be, once. The same prayers are repeated for the second and third parts.[10]
Prayer to Mary. [11]
To obtain her Protection.
O my most holy Mother! on the one hand I see the graces thou hast obtained for me; and on the other, the ingratitude I have shown thee. The ungrateful are unworthy of all favors; yet not for this will I distrust thy mercy. Great advocate, have pity on me. Thou, Mary, dost bestow every grace which God vouchsafes to us sinners, and therefore did He make thee mighty, rich, and kind, that so thou mightest succor us. I wish to save my soul. In thy hands I place my eternal welfare; to thee I intrust my soul. I wish to be of those who are thy special servants: cast me not, then, away. Thou art ever seeking the wretched, to console them. Do not abandon a wretched sinner who has recourse to thee. Speak for me, Mary: thy Son grants what thou askest. Take me under thy protection, and it is enough; because, with thee to guard me, I fear no ill. No, not my sins, because thou wilt obtain God's pardon for them: nor the devils, because thou art far mightier than hell: nor my Judge, Jesus Christ, for, at thy prayer, He will lay aside His wrath. Protect me, then, my Mother; obtain for me pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, holy perseverance, a good death, and paradise. It is true, I merit not these graces; yet do thou only ask them of our God, and lo! they shall be mine. Pray, then, to Jesus for me. Mary, my Queen, in thee I trust; in this trust I rest, I live; in this trust I hope to die. Amen.
Hail Mary, three times, and also the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, on account of its being Saturday.
Ejaculations to Mary.
O Mary, I give myself entirely to thee; accept me as thy servant, and watch over me.
O my Queen, do thou hold the arm of thy Son, that He may never repulse me.
O Mary, may my heart never cease to love thee, nor my tongue to praise thee.
O my Sovereign, in the name of thy love for Jesus, help me to love Him.
O Mother of God, preserve me from falling again into sin.
O my Sovereign, obtain for me that I may rather die than lose the grace of God.
O Mary, Mother of God, and my Mother, I venerate thee. Would that all hearts revered thee as thou dost deserve on account of thy greatness.
Most beautiful Mary, Mother worthy of all love, thou didst win God's heart; ah! take my poor heart and make me holy.
O my Queen and my Mother, I would that, even at the price of all my blood, I could make all the nations of the earth to love and honor thee as thou dost deserve. All-powerful Virgin, thou canst make me a saint; I place my trust in thee.
O Mary, console us always, but principally at the hour of our death; do thou then take our souls and present them, thyself, to thy divine Son, Who is to judge us.
My Sovereign, abandon me not, but be with me till death.
Holy Mary, my advocate, pray for me. In thee, O Mary, have I placed all my hopes. It is impossible, O sweet Sovereign, that thou shouldst abandon any one who puts his trust in thee.
Invocations to our Lady of Perpetual Help.
O Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, in thee I place all my confidence: I pray thee, come to my aid.
| Advocate of all sinners who have recourse to thee, | I pray thee, come to my aid. | |
| Salutary balm that cureth our wounds, | ||
| Generous co-operatrix in our redemption, | ||
| Faithful dispenser of the treasures of the Heart of Jesus, | ||
| Hope of those who have lost all hope, | ||
| Valiant woman, the terror of hell. | ||
| Safe and certain guide in the path of virtue, | ||
| Hostelry ever open to the miserable, | ||
| Most perfect ideal of maternal goodness, | ||
| Joy of those whose hearts are mourning in this valley of tears, | ||
| Light of souls that wish to leave the ways of sin, |
| Mediatrix whose prayers are always heard, | I pray thee, come to my aid. | |
| Noble instrument of which God makes use to multiply His wonders, | ||
| Olive tree of ravishing beauty whence the oil of mercy abundantly flows, | ||
| All-powerful and compassionate protectress of the unfortunate, | ||
| Certain refuge of all sinners, | ||
| Salvation of all who invoke thee, | ||
| Treasury within which all the treasures of holiness are contained, | ||
| Only immaculate flower in the Church's garden, | ||
| Virgin Mother who rendereth all thy servants chaste, | ||
| Indefatigable promoter of the work of our salvation, |
V. Thou hast become our refuge, O Mary.
R. Our aid in our necessities and tribulations.
Let us Pray.
Almighty and merciful God, Who hast enabled us to venerate the picture of Thy beloved Mother under the special title of Mother of Perpetual Help, grant, we beseech Thee, that, amidst all the vicissitudes of this life, we may be covered by the constant protection of the immaculate and ever virgin Mary, so that we may merit the fruits of Thine eternal redemption. Thou Who liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen.
- ↑ For Devotions to the Holy Trinity, see Part IV. Section I.
- ↑ John xvi. 23.
- ↑ 1 Cor. xiii. i.
- ↑ Matt. v.
- ↑ There are always five Vesper Psalms, which vary according to the feasts; we here give those which are the most frequently used.
- ↑ An indulgence of 300 days once a day to all the faithful who, with a contrite heart, shall devoutly recite each prayer on the day assigned to it, with three Hail Marys in reparation of the blasphemies uttered against our Blessed Lady. A plenary indulgence once a month to all those who have daily recited the said prayers during an entire month, provided that, being contrite for their sins, they go to confession and Communion and pray for the intention of the Pope. (June 21, 1808, and June 18, 1876.)
- ↑ See Devotions to the Holy Ghost, Part IV., Section. 3.
- ↑ See note p. 134
- ↑ See Devotion to the Holy Angels, Part IV., Art. 6.
- ↑ 300 days indulgence each time; and if recited daily for a month, a plenary indulgence on one day at choice, on the usual conditions. (Tune 22, 1857.)
- ↑ See note, page 134.