Calendar.
Reading edition
January, 31 Days.
1Circumcision of our Lord.
2Octave of S. Stephen. In the Diocese of Limerick, S. Munchin. B. and C.
3Octave of S. John, Apostle and Evangelist.
4Octave of Holy Innocents.
5S. Telesphorns, Pope and Martyr. Vigil.
6Epiphany of our Lord, with an Octave.
7S. Kenligerna, Widow., S. Lucian, Martyr
8 S. Albert. B. of Cashel. S. Appollinaris, B. C.
9 S. Finan, B. of Lindisfarne. S. Peter of Sebaste, B. C.
10 S. William, B. and C.
11 S. Hyginus, Pope and Martyr. S. Theodosius the Cenobiarch, Ab.
12 S. Arcadius, Martyr.
13 Octave of the Epiphany.
14 S. Hilary, B.C. S. Felix, Priest and Martyr.
15 S. Paul, the first Hermit, S. Maurus, Martyr.
16 S. Fursey, Ab. S. Marcellus. Pope and Mart.
17 S. Anthony, Ab.
18 Chair of S. Peter at Rome. S. Prisca, V.M.
19 S. Canute, King and M. SS. Maurius, Martha, Audifacis, and Abackum, Martyrs.
20 SS. Fabian and Sabastian, Martyrs.
21 S. Agnes, Virg. & Mar.
22 SS. Vincent and Anastatius, Martyrs.
23 Desponsation, Blessed Virgin Mary S. Emerentiana, V. and Martyr.
24 S. Timothy, Bp. and M.
25 Conversion of S. Paul the Apostle.
26 S. Polycarp, Bp. and M.
27 S. John Chrysostom, Bp. and Confessor.
28 Commemoration of S. Agnes.
29 S. Francis de Sales, Bp. and Confessor.
30 S. Martina. V. and M. S. Amnichad, Conf.
31 †S. Peter Nolasco, Conf. S. Aidan, Bp. of Ferns.
Feast of the most holy Name of Jesus, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.
February, 28 Days.
1 S. Bridget. Virgin. Patroness of Ireland. S. Ignatius, Bp. and Mar.
2 Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
3 S. Blase, Bp. and Mart.
4 S. Andrew Corsini, Bp. and Confessor.
5 S. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr.
6 S. Dorothy, V. and M. In the Diocese of Ardagh, S. Mel, B. and C.
7 S. Romuald, Abbot. S. Malon, Bishop.
8 S. John of Matha, Conf.
9 S. Apollonia, V. and M. S. Cairecha, Virgin.
10 S. Scholastica, Virgin and Martyr.
11 S. Raymund of Pennafort, Conf. S. Elchin, Bishop of Cluninfoda.
12 S. Sedulius, Bishop of Dublin. S. Benedict of Anian, Abbot.
13 S. Modomnoc, B. S. Catherine of Ricci, V.
14 S. Valentine, Priest and Martyr.
15 SS. Faustinas and Jovita. Martyrs.
16 S. Tanco, Bishop and M. S. Onesimus, Martyr.
17 S. Fintan, Abbot.
18 S. Simeon, Bp. and M.
19 S. Barbas, Bp. and Conf.
20 SS. Tyrannio, &c. Ms.
21 S. Severianus, Bishop and Martyr.
22 The Chair of S. Peter at Antioch.
23 S. Serenus, a Gardener, Martyr.
24 S. Matthias, Apostle.
25 S. Terasius, Patriarch of Constantinople. Conf.
26 S. Alexander, Patron of Alexandria.
27 S. Leander, Bp. and Con.
28 SS. Martyrs of Alexandria.
In Leap-years February hath 29 days, and the Feast of St. Matthias is kept on the 25th.
March, 31 Days.
1 S. Monenius, Bishop of Cluainferta Brendam. S. David, B. C.
2 SS. Martyrs under the Lombards.
3 S. Cunegundis, Empress.
4 S. Cassimirus, Confes. S. Lucius, Pope and M.
5 S. Kiaran, Bp. and C. SS. Adrian, &c. MM.
6 S. Fridolin, Abbot. S. Chrodegang, B. and C.
7 S. Thomas of Aquino, Confessor and Doctor. SS. Perpetua and Felicitas, MM.
8 S. Cataldus, B. C. S. Sennan, B. S. John of God, Confessor.
9 S. Frances, Widow.
10 SS. Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. S. Firsullus, Bishop.
11 S. Ængus, Abbot.
12 S. Gregory the Great, Pope, Conf. and Doctor.
13 S. Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople, C.
14 S. Maud, Empress.
15 SS. Abraham and Mary.
16 S. Julian, Martyr.
17 Patrick, Bishop and Confessor and Patron of Ireland.
18 S. Fridian, Bishop and Confessor.
19 S. Joseph, Conf. Spouse of the B. V, M.
20 S. Cuthbert, Bp. and C.
21 S. Benedict, Ab. Patron of the Western Monks.
22 S. Basil of Ancyra, Priest and Martyr.
23 S. Alphonsus Turibius, Bishop and Confessor.
24 S. Carlain, Bishop of Armagh. S. Ireneus, Bishop and Confessor.
25 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
26 S. Ludger, Bp. and C.
27 S. Rupert, Bp. and C.
28 SS. Priscus, MM.
29 SS. Jonas, &c. MM.
30 S. Fergus, Bp. of Drumleth-glass. S. John Clymacus, Abbot.
31 S. Benjamin, Martyr.
The Feast of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Friday after Passion Sunday.
April, 30 Days.
1 S. Hugh, Bp. and Conf.
2 † S. Francis of Paula, C.
3 SS. Agape, &c. MM.
4 S. Isadore, Bp. and Con. S. Tigernach, Bishop.
5 S. Vincent Ferrer, Conf.
6 S. Celestine, Pope and Confes. S. Cathubius, Abbot.
7 S. Celus, B. of Armagh.
8 S. Kensalud, Abbot of Benchor. S. Dionisius, Bishop and Confessor.
9 S. Mary of Egypt.
10 S. Bademus, Abbot.
11 S. Leo the Great, Pope Confessor and Doctor
12 S. Sabas, Martyr.
13 S. Hermenegild, Mart.
14 SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, MM.
15 S. Rundham, Bishop. S. Peter Gonzales, C.
16 S. Tegalius, Bp. SS. Martyrs of Saragossa.
17 S. Anicetus, P. and M. S. Leochadius, Abbot.
18 S. Laserian, Bishop of Leighlin. S. Apollonius the Apologist, M.
19 S. Leo IX. Pope and C.
20 S. Agnes, Virg. and Ab.
21 S. Anselm, Bp. and C. S. Berachus, Abbot.
22 SS. Soteras and Cauis, Popes and Martyrs.
23 S. George, Martyr, S. Ibar, Bishop.
24 S. Fidelis of Simarengen, Martyr.
25 S. Mark, Evangelist.
26 SS. Cletus and Marcellinus. Popes and Mars.
27 S. Asicus, Bp. of Elphin. SS. Anthimus, Bishop, &c. MM.
28 S. Vitalis, Martyr. S. Cronan, Abbot.
29 S. Peter, M. S. Ficano, Confessor.
30 S. Catherine of Sienna, Virgin. Patronage of S. Joseph, 3rd Sunday after Easter.
May, 31 Days.
1 SS. Philip and James, Apostles. S. Ultan, Ab.
2 Athanasius, Bp. and C.
3 The invention of the Holy Cross. In the Diocese of Kildare, S. Conleath, Bp. and C.
4 S. Monica, Widow.
5 S. Pius V. Pope and C.
6 S. John before the Latin Gate.
7 S. Stanislaus, Bp. and M.
8 Apparition of S. Michael Arch. S. Indratht, M.
9 S. Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop and Confessor.
10 S. Comgall, Ab. S. Antonius Bp. and Conf. SS. Gordian and Epimachus, MM.
11 S. Mammertus, Bishop and Confessor.
12 SS. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs.
13 S. John the Silent, Bp. and Confessor.
14 S. Boniface, Martyr. S. Carthagh, Bishop of Lismore.
15 S. Dympna, V. and M. S. Gonebrard, Martyr.
16 S. Ubaine, B. C. and S. John Nepomucen, M. In the Diocese of Ardfert and Clonfert, S. Brendan. Abbot.
17 S. Maw, C. S. Paschal Baylon, Confessor.
18 S. Venantius, Martyr.
19 † S. Peter Celestine, Pope and C. S. Prudentiana, V.
20 S. Bernardin of Sienna, C.
21 S. Ubaldus, Bp. and C.
22 S. Ivo. Confessor.
23 S. Julia, Virg. and M.
24 S. Vincent of Lerins, C. S. Mac-Cartin, Bishop of Clogher.
25 S. Greg. VII. P. and C. S. Urban, P. and M.
26 † S. Philip Neri, C. S. Eleutherius, P. and M.
27 S. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, V. S. John, P. and M.
28 S. Germanus, B. and C.
29 S. Maximinus, B. and C.
30 S. Felix, Pope and M. S. Maguil, Confessor.
31 S. Petronilla, Virg. †S. Angela of Brescia, V.
June, 30 Days.
1 S. Justin, Martyr.
2 SS. Marcellinus and Peter, MM.
3 S. Comegen, Bishop of Glendaloch. S. Cecilius, Conf.
4 S. Petrocus, Confessor. SS. Breaca, &c. Virgs. S. Francis Caracciolo, Confessor.
5 S. Boniface, B. and M.
6 † S. Norbert, B. and C. S. Coca, Virgin.
7 S. Colman, Bishop of Dromore, Conf.
8 S. Syra, V. S. Bronius, Bishop, Cuil-ira. S. Medard, Bp. and C.
9 S. Columba, Ab. SS. Primus and Felican, Martyrs.
10 S. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Widow.
11 S. Barnabas, Apostle. S. Mectalus, Bishop,
12 S. John of Sahagun, C. and SS. Basilides, Cyras, &c. MM.
13 S. Anthony of Padua, C. S. Macnisius, Ab.
14 S. Basil the Great, Bp. and Conf.
15 SS. Vitus, Crescentia, and Modestus, MM.
16 S. John Francis Regis, Confessor.
17 SS. Nicander, &c. MM.
18 SS. Marcus and Marcellinus, MM.
19 † S. Juliana Falconieri, Virgin. SS. Gervasius and Protasius, MM.
20 S. Silverius, Pope and M. S. Gobain, Virgin.
21 S. Aloysius Gonzaga, C.
22 S. Paulinus, Bp. and C.
23 S. Etheldreda, V. and M. Vigil.
24 Nativity of S. John Baptist, with an Oct.
25 † S. William, Ab.
26 SS. John and Paul, Martyrs.
27 S. Ladislas, King and C.
28 S. Leo II. Pope and C. Vigil. Fast.
29 SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles, with an Oct.
30 Commemoration of S. Paul, Ap.
July, 31 Days.
1 Octave of S. John Baptist. S. Cumian, Bp.
2 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. SS. Processus and Martinian, MM.
3 S. Rumold, Bp. and M. S. Killen, Ab.
4 S. Finbar, Ab. S. Ulric, B. and C.
5 S. Modwena, Virgin. S. Peter, B. and C.
6 Octave of SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles.
7 S. Paulinus, Conf.
8 S. Kilian, Bp. and M. S. Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal.
9 SS. Martyrs of Gorcum.
10 SS. Seven Brethren, and Rufina and Secunda, Martyrs.
11 S. Pius I. Pope and M. S. Drostan, Ab.
12 † S. John Gualbert, Ab. SS. Nabor and Felix, Martyrs.
13 S. Anacletus, Pope and Martyr.
14 S. Bonaventure, B. C. and D. S. Idus, Bp.
15 S. Henry II., Emperor of Germany, Conf.
16 Commemoration of Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel.
17 S. Alexins, Confessor, S. Turnin, Conf.
18 † S. Camillus de Lellis, Conf. SS. Symphorosa, &c. Martyrs,
19 † S. Vincent of Paulo, C.
20 † S. Jerom Æmiliani, C. S. Margaret, V, M.
21 S. Praxedes, Virgin. S. Arbogastus, Bishop.
22 S. Mary Magdalen. S. Dabius, Conf.
23 S. Apollinaris, B. and M. S. Liborius, B. C.
24 S. Christina, V. and M. S. Declan, B. Vigil.
25 S. James, Apostle. S. Christopher, Martyr.
26 S. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
27 S. Pantaleon, Martyr. S. Congal, Ab.
28 SS. Nazarius, Celsus, and Victor, Martyrs. S. Innocent, Pope & C.
29 S. Martha, V. SS. Felix, Simplicius, &c, MM.
30 SS. Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs.
31 † S. Ignatius of Loyala, C.
August, 31 Days.
1 S. Peter's Chains. SS. Maccabees, MM.
2 S. Stephen, Pope and M. S. Chrocan.
3 Finding of S. Stephen's Relics.
4 † S. Dominick, Conf. S. Launus, Ab.
5 Dedication of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Nives.
6 Transfiguration of our Lord. SS. Xystus, Pope, Felicissimus, &c. Martyrs.
7 † S. Cajetan, Confessor. S. Donatus, Martyr.
8 SS. Cariacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, MM.
9 S. Romanus, Martyr. S. Nathy, Bp. and C. S. Fidlimid, Bp. and C. Vigil.
10 S. Laurence, M. with an Octave. S. Blan, Bp.
11 SS. Tiberius and Susanna, Martyrs.
12 † S. Clare, Virgin. S. Muredach Bp. and C.
13 SS. Hypolitus and Cassianus, Martyrs.
14 S. Eusebius, Conf. S. Fachanan, Ab. Vigil. Fast.
15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with an Oct.
16 S. Hyacinth, Conf.
17 Octave of S. Laurence.
18 S. Agapetus, Mart. S. Degha, Bp. S. Helen, Empress.
19 SS. Timothy, &c. MM.
20 S. Bernard, Abbot.
21 S. Jane Frances de Chantal, Widow.
22 Octave of the Assumption
23 S. Philip Beniti, Conf. S. Eugenius, B. Vigil.
24 S. Bartholomew, Apost.
25 S. Lewis IX. King of France, Confessor.
26 S. Zephyrinus, Pope and Martyr.
27 † S. Joseph Calasanctius, Confessor.
28 † S. Augustine, B. C. and D. S. Hermes. M.
29 Decollation of S. John Baptist. S. Sabina, M.
30 S. Fiaker, Conf. S. Rose of Lima, Virgin.
31 S. Raymund Nonnatus, Conf. S. Aidan, Bp. S. Joachim, on Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption.
September, 30 Days.
1 S. Giles, Abbot. SS. Twelve Brothers, MM.
2 S. Stephen, King of Hungary, Confessor
3 S. Macnisius, B. & C. S. Simeon Stilites.
4 S. Ultan, Bishop. SS. Marcellus, &c. MM.
5 S. Laurence Justinian, B.C. S. Alto, Abbot.
6 S. Bega, V. S. Macculindus, B. S. Pambo, Abbot.
7 S. Grimonia, V. M. S. Ennau, B. S. Cloud, C.
8 Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary, with an Oct. S. Adrian, M.
9 S. Gorgonius, Martyr. S. Kiaran, Abbot.
10 S. Nicholas of Tolentine, Conf. S. Finian, B.
11 SS. Proteus and Hyacinthus, Martyrs.
12 S. Albeus, B. S. Eanswide, V. Abbess. S. Sigonius, Abbot.
13 S. Eulogius, B. & C.
14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. S. Cormac, B.K.
15 Octave of Nat. Blessed Virgin Mary. S. Nicodemus, M.
16 SS. Cornelius & Cyprian, Bishops and Martyrs. SS. Euphemia, Lucia, and Geminiani, MM.
17 Impression of the Sacred Stigmas of S. Francis.
18 S. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor.
19 SS. Januarius, Bishop, and Companions, MM.
20 SS. Eustachius and Companions, MM. Vigil.
21 S. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.
22 S. Thomas of Villanova, B. and C. S. Maurice and Companions, MM.
23 S. Linus, P. and M. S. Thecla, V. and M. S. Eunan, B. C.
24 Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Redemp. of Captives.
25 S. Finbar, Bp. of Cork. S. Cleofrid, Abbot.
26 SS. Cyprian & Justina, Martyrs.
27 SS. Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs.
28 S. Wenceslaus, Duke and Martyr.
29 Dedication of S. Michael, Archangel
30 S. Jerom, Priest, Conf. and Doctor.
Festival of holy Name of Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday within Octave of Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary.—Seven Dolors, 3rd Sunday in September.
October, 31 Days.
1 S. Remigius, B. and C. S. Odran, Conf.
2 Feast of the Guardian Angels.
3 S. Dionysius the Areopagite. Bp. and M.
4 † S. Francis of Assisium, Confessor.
5 SS. Placidus and Companions, Martyrs.
6 † S. Bruno, Confessor.
7 S. Mark, Pope & Conf. SS. Sergius, &c. MM.
8 S. Bridget, Widow. S. Corcra, Abbot.
9 SS. Dionysius, Rusticus, &c. Martyrs.
10 S. Francis Borgia, Conf.
11 S. Kenny, Abbot, patron of Kilkenny.
12 S. Mobius, Ab. of Glasnaidh. S. Wilfrid, B.C.
13 S. Edward, King & Conf. S. Colman, M.
14 S. Callistus, Pope & M.
15 † S. Teresa, Virgin.
16 S. Gaul, Abbot. S. Syra, Abbess.
17 S. Hedwiges, or Avoice, Duchess of Poland, W.
18 S. Luke, Evangelist.
19 S. Peter of Alcantara, C.
20 S. John Cantins, Conf. S. Aidan, Bishop.
21 S. Hilarion, Abbot. †SS. Ursula & Companions, Virgins and Martyrs.
22 S. Donatus Bp. & Conf.
23 S. Theodoret, Martyr.
24 S. Raphael, Archangel.
25 SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, MM.
26 S. Evaristus, Pope & M.
27 S. Abban, Ab. S. Oteran, Bp. & Conf. Vigil.
28 SS. Simon & Jude, Ap.
29 S. Colman, Bp. & Conf.
30 S. Marcellus, Martyr.
31 S. Folian, M. S. Quintin, M. Vigil. Fast.
Feast of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1st Sunday in October. Anniversary of the Dedication of the Churches of Ireland, 2d Sunday in October.
November, 30 Days.
1 Festival of All Saints, with an Oct.
2 Commemoration of All Souls. S. Erc, Bp. of Slane.
3 S. Malachy, Bishop of Armagh, Conf.
4 S. Charles Borromeo, B.&C. SS. Vitalis and Agricola, MM.
5 S. Bertile, Abbess.
6 S. Leonard, Confessor.
7 S. Willibrord, Conf.
8 Oct. of All Saints. Four Crowned Brothers, M M.
9 Dedication of our Saviour's Church, called S. John of Lateran. S. Theodoras, M.
10 S. Andrew Avellina, C. SS. Triphon, &c. MM.
11 S. Martin of Tours, B. and C. S. Mennas, M.
12 S. Martin, Pope & M. S. Livin B. & M.
13 S. Didacus, C. S. Chillen, Priest. S. Stanislas Kostka, C.
14 S. Laurence, B. & C.
15 S. Gertrude, Virgin.
16 S. Edmond, B. & C.
17 S. Gregory Thaumaturgus, B.C. S. Duloch, C.
18 Dedication of the Churches of SS. Peter & Paul.
19 S. Elizabeth, Widow, S. Pontain, Pope & M.
20 † S. Felix of Valois, C.
21 Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
22 S. Cecily, V. and M.
23 S. Clement, Pope & M. S. Felicitas, ML.
24 S. Columban, Abbot. S. John of the Cross, C. S. Chrysogonus, M. S. Colman, B. C.
25 S. Catharine, V. & M.
26 S. Peter of Alexandria, Bishop and Martyr.
27 S. Virgil, B. & C. S. Secundin, Bishop
28 S. Stephen the Younger, Martyr.
29 S. Saturninus, Bishop & Martyr. Vigil.
30 S. Andrew, Ap. S. Brendan, of Birr, Abbot. Feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2d Sunday in Nov.
December, 31 Days.
1 S. Eligius, Bp. & Conf.
2 S. Bibiana, V. & M.
3 Francis Xavier, Conf. Apostle of the Indies.
4 S. Peter Chrysologus, Bp. & Conf. S. Barbara, Virgin & Martyr.
5 S. Sabbas, Abbot
6 S. Nicholas, Bp. & Conf.
7 S. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor.
8 Conception of the B.V.M. with an Octave.
9 S. Leocadia, V. & M.
10 S. Melchiades, P. & M.
11 S. Damascus, P. & C.
12 S. Finian, Bishop. SS. Epimachus, &c. MM.
13 S. Lucy, Virg. & M.
14 SS. Fingar, and Companions, MM. S. Spiridion, Bp. & Conf.
15 Octave of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
16 S. Eusebius, B. & Mart. S. Beanus, Bishop.
17 S. Olympias, Widow.
18 Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Diocese of Killaloe, S. Flannan, B. & C.
19 S. Samthana, Vir. & Ab. S. Nimesion, Mart.
20 S. Philagonius, Bishop and Confessor. Vigil.
21 S. Thomas, Apostle.
22 S. Ischyrion, Martyr.
23 S. Serbulus, Confessor.
24 Vigil of the Nativity. Fast.
25 Nativity of our Lord.
26 S. Stephen, first Martyr. S. Jarlath, Bishop of Tuam, Confessor.
27 S. John, Apost. & Evan.
28 Feast of the Holy Innocents, with an Oct.
29 S. Thomas, Bishop of Canterbury, Martyr.
30 The Office of the Sunday within Octave of the Nativity.
31 S. Sylvester, Pope & C.
Morning Prayer.
Morning Prayer is a duty which God requires as the first fruits of the day:—most religiously then should it be consecrated to him. The success of our actions for the rest of the day, depends in a great measure upon this first duty. To begin the day without imploring God's grace, and thanking him sincerely for the repose of the night, is certainly to expose ourselves to infinite danger.
But before prayer, recollect yourself a moment; think what you are, of yourself and what God is, to whom you are going to speak. You will thus conceive the importance of the action, and the sentiments of humility, of regret for your faults, of attention, respect, and modesty, of fervour, love, and confidence, with which you should address him.
Awaking in the Morning, say:
O my God, my only good, the author of my being, and my last end, I offer thee my heart. Praise, honour, and glory be to thee, for ever and ever. Amen.
At Up-rising, say:
+ In the name of the Father, + and of the Son, + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
I will arise from this bed of sleep, to adore my God, and to labour for the salvation of my soul. O! may I arise on the last day to life everlasting!
While clothing yourself, say:
O my God, clothe my soul with the nuptial robe of charity, and grant that I may carry it pure and undefiled before thy judgment-seat.
When clothed, kneel down, and say:
+ In the name of the Father, &c. Amen.
Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for evermore. Amen.
Come, O Holy Ghost, take possession of my heart, and enkindle therein the fire of thy divine love. Amen.
Attend seriously to the presence of God; return him thanks for his benefits; and offer yourself to him without reserve.
O eternal God! most holy and adorable Trinity! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; the beginning and end of all things; in whom we live, move, and have our being; I firmly believe that thou art here present; I adore thee with the most profound humility; I praise thee; I give thee thanks from the bottom of my heart, for having created me after thine own image and likeness, and redeemed me with the precious blood of thy Son; for having hitherto preserved me, and brought me safe to the beginning of this day. Behold, O Lord, I offer thee my whole being, and in particular all my thoughts, words, and actions, together with such crosses and contradictions as I may meet with in the course of this day. I consecrate them entirely to the glory of thy name, in union with those of Jesus Christ my Saviour, that, through his infinite merits, they may find acceptance in thy sight. Give them, O Lord, thy blessing. May thy divine love animate them; and may they all tend to the greater honour of thy Sovereign Majesty. Amen.
Resolve to avoid evil, and to do good.
Adorable Jesus! divine model of that perfection to which all Christians should aspire; I will endeavour this day, after thy example, to be mild, humble, chaste, zealous, patient, charitable, and resigned. Incline my heart, O Lord, to keep thy commandments. I am resolved to watch over myself with the greatest diligence and circumspection, and to live soberly, justly, and piously for the time to come. I will place a guard on my mouth, and a gate of prudence before my lips, that I may not offend with my tongue. I will turn away my eyes, that they may not see vanity; and I will be particularly attentive not to relapse into my accustomed failings; but will struggle against them, and with thy gracious assistance, correct them. Enlighten my mind, O Lord; purify my heart, and guide my steps, that I may pass this and the remaining days of my life in thy divine service. Amen.
Implore the necessary Graces.
Thou knowest, O God, my weakness; thou knowest that I am so poor and destitute, that I cannot do, or even think of any good, without thy assistance; arise, therefore, to my help, and strengthen me with thy grace, that I may fervently execute what I have firmly resolved, and not only avoid all the evil thou forbiddest; but also perform all the good thou commandest.
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 Angelical Salutation.
Hail Mary, full of grace, our Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The Apostles' Creed.
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, died, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he will 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 a 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 grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever a Virgin, the blessed Michael the archangel, the blessed John the baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
May almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution, and remission of all my sins. Amen.
Invoke the blessed Virgin, your Angel guardian, and your Patron Saint.
O holy Virgin! Mother of God! my advocate and patroness! pray for thy poor servant; prove thyself a mother to me. And thou, O blessed Spirit! my Guardian Angel, whom God in his mercy hath appointed to watch over me, intercede for me this day, that I may not stray from the paths of virtue. Our glorious apostle St. Patrick, and thou also, O happy saint, whose name I bear, pray for me, that I may serve God faithfully in this life, as thou hast done, and with thee glorify him eternally in heaven. Amen.
Indulgences
To Be Obtained By The Faithful, Who Devoutly Repeat Acts Of Faith, Hope, And Charity.
A Plenary Indulgence once a month, is obtained by those who repeat Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, devoutly, once every day; and who, on any day of that month, shall confess and receive the holy Communion, and pray for peace and concord among Christian princes, for the extirpation of heresy, and the exaltation of the Catholic Church; granted by Pope Benedict XIII. the 25th of January, 1728, and confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV. the 28th of January, 1756; who further granted the application thereof for the relief of the souls in purgatory; and also an Indulgence of seven years' and seven forty days' penance, to all the faithful, as often as they devoutly repeat the same. Pope Clement XIV. the 5th of April, 1772, made this Indulgence perpetual to the Catholics of this kingdom; but requires an Act of Contrition to be made previous to the Acts of Faith. Hope, and Charity. This Indulgence may be applied also for the relief of the souls in purgatory.
Acts Of Faith, Hope, And Charity,
A Prayer Before The Acts.
O almighty and eternal God! grant unto us an increase of Faith, Hope, and Charity; and that we may obtain what thou hast promised, make us love and practise what thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
An Act Of Contrition.
O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended thee; and I detest my sins most sincerely, because they are displeasing to thee, my God, whom I should have never ceased to adore and love. I now firmly purpose, by the assistance of thy holy grace, never more to offend thee; and to avoid for the future, to the utmost of my power, all dangerous occasions which might expose me to sin.
An Act Of Faith.
O my God! I firmly believe that thou art one only God, the Creator and Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, infinitely great, infinitely good, and infinitely perfect. I firmly believe that in thee, one only God, there are three Divine Persons, really distinct, and in all things equal, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I firmly believe that God the Son, the second person of the most Holy Trinity, became man; that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and was born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered and died on a cross to redeem and save us: that he arose on the third day from the dead; that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father, always living to make intercession for us; that he will come at the end of the world to judge mankind, and render to every one according to his works; that he will reward the good with eternal happiness and condemn the wicked to the everlasting pains of hell. I believe these and all other articles which the Holy Roman Catholic Church proposes to our belief, because thou, my God, the infallible Truth, hast revealed them; and thou hast commanded us to hear the Church, which is the Pillar and the Ground of Truth. In this Faith I am firmly resolved, through thy holy grace, to live and die.
An Act Of Hope.
O my God! who hast graciously promised every blessing, even heaven itself, through Jesus Christ, to those who keep thy commandments: relying on thy power which is infinite, thy mercies, which are over all thy works, and thy promises, to which thou art always faithful, I confidently hope to obtain the pardon of my past sins, which I now detest; grace to serve thee faithfully in this life, by doing the good works thou hast commanded; and eternal happiness in the next, through my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
An Act Of Charity.
O my God! my Creator! my Redeemer! my Sovereign Good! whose boundless charity to me has been unceasing, and whose infinite perfections adoring angels behold with unspeakable delight, I love thee with my whole heart and soul, and above all things; and for thy sake I love my neighbour as myself. Oh, teach me, my gracious God, to love thee daily more and more; and mercifully grant that having loved thee on earth, I may love and enjoy thee for ever in heaven.
A Pious Devotion.
For a perpetual glorification of the MOST HOLY TRINITY, and the INCARNATION of our Blessed Redeemer JESUS CHRIST, first instituted in France, with the approbation of Christopher Beaumont, late Archbishop of Paris, and confirmed by a decree of his Holiness Pious VI. issued the 16th May, 1784; who, in order to promote and extend the same, was pleased to grant an Indulgence for the City of Rome, and the Faithful throughout the world, who shall voluntarily associate themselves in the practice of this devotion according to the intention of his Holiness, in the following manner.
Three persons, united in our Lord by the bands of mutual charity, are to engage themselves voluntarily (though without any obligation of conscience) to practise a religious exercise, which consists in adoring the three divine Persons three times a-day, viz. morning, noon, and night, reciting seven Gloria Patris, &c. and one Ave, &c. each time, to adore the Incarnation of the Eternal Word, and in honour of the most holy Virgin Mother of God. These prayers may be said either in common or separately, according to the convenience or inclinations of the persons associated; and in order that these unions may be continued, it is necessary that the associates should be mutually acquainted, that in case of a vacancy by death or otherwise, the loss may be repaired by appointing another; by which means this pious society may be perpetuated to the end of time.
Litany Of The Holy Name Of Jesus.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, 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, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity one God, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Son of the living God, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Splendour of the Father, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Brightness of Eternal Light, Have mercy on us. Jesus, King of Glory, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Sun of Justice, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, Have mercy on us. Jesus, most amiable, Have mercy on us. Jesus, most adorable, Have mercy on us. Jesus, the mighty God, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Father of the World to come, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Angel of the Great Council, Have mercy on us. Jesus, most powerful, Have mercy on us. Jesus, most patient, Have mercy on us. Jesus, most obedient, Have mercy on us. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Lover of Chastity, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Lover of Peace, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Lover of us, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Author of Life, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Example of Virtues, Have mercy on us. Jesus, zealous Lover of Souls, Have mercy on us. Jesus, our God, Have mercy on us. Jesus, our Refuge, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Father of the Poor, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, Have mercy on us. Jesus, good Shepherd, Have mercy on us. Jesus, true Light, Have mercy on us. Jesus, eternal Wisdom, Have mercy on us. Jesus, infinite Goodness, Have mercy on us. Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Joy of Angels, Have mercy on us. Jesus, King of Patriarchs, Have mercy on us. Jesus, the Inspirer of the Prophets, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Master of the Apostles, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Light of Confessors, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Spouse of Virgins, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Crown of all Saints, Have mercy on us. Be merciful unto us, Spare us, O Lord Jesus! Be merciful unto us, Hear us, O Lord Jesus! From all sin, Lord Jesus deliver us. From thy wrath, Lord Jesus deliver us. From the snares of the devil, Lord Jesus deliver us. From the spirit of uncleanness, Lord Jesus deliver us. From everlasting death, Lord Jesus deliver us. From the neglect of thy holy inspirations, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' the mystery of thy holy incarnation, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy nativity, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy divine infancy, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy sacred life, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy labours, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy cross and passion, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy pains and torments, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy death and burial, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy glorious resurrection, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy triumphant ascension, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy joys and glory, Lord Jesus deliver us. In the day of judgment, Lord Jesus deliver us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord Jesus! Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Hear us, O Lord Jesus! Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus! Jesus, Master of the Apostles, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Light of Confessors, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Spouse of Virgins, Have mercy on us. Jesus, Crown of all Saints, Have mercy on us. Be merciful unto us, Spare us, O Lord Jesus! Be merciful unto us, Hear us, O Lord Jesus! From all sin, Lord Jesus deliver us. From thy wrath, Lord Jesus deliver us. From the snares of the devil, Lord Jesus deliver us. From the spirit of uncleanness, Lord Jesus deliver us. From everlasting death, Lord Jesus deliver us. From the neglect of thy holy inspirations, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' the mystery of thy holy incarnation, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy nativity, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy divine infancy, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy sacred life, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy labours, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy cross and passion, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy pains and torments, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy death and burial, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy glorious resurrection, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy triumphant ascension, Lord Jesus deliver us. Thro' thy joys and glory, Lord Jesus deliver us. In the day of judgment, Lord Jesus deliver us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord Jesus! Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Hear us, O Lord Jesus! Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus! Lord Jesus, hear us! Lord Jesus, graciously hear us!
O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast said, Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the gift of divine charity, that we may ever love thee with our whole hearts, and never cease from praising thy holy name; who liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen.
The Salve Regina.
Hail to the Queen who reigns above, 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 thy ears; O then, sweet Advocate! bestow A pitying look on us below. After this exile let us see Our blessed Jesus, born of thee. O merciful, O pious Maid, O gracious Mary, lend thy aid. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God; R. 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 commemoration, so by her pious intercession we may be delivered both from present evils and everlasting death: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Angelus Domini.
To be said morning, noon, and night, in memory of the adorable mystery of the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour.
1. The Angel of the Lord declared unto 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.
3. And the word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. Hail, Mary, &c.
Let Us Pray.
Pour forth, we beseech thee, O 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.
Should the duties of your state of life afford you leisure, you may, after Morning Prayers, recite the prayer peculiar to the day, which may be found amongst the "Devotions for every Day in the Week:" meditate also on the proper Reflections of the day, which may be seen amongst the "Pious Reflections for every Day in the Month."
Aspirations And Ejaculations
Which may be secretly repeated in the heart, amidst the ordinary actions of the day.
O my God, grant me the grace never to offend thee.
O my God, teach me to love thee with my whole heart, and soul, and mind, and strength, in time and eternity.
Too late have I known thee, O infinite goodness.
Too late have I loved thee, O eternal beauty.
To thee, O God! to thee alone be all honour, and glory, and praise, and adoration, for ever.
Mortify in me, O Jesus, whatever displeaseth thee; and make me according to thine own heart.
O blessed Jesus; give me grace to learn of thee to be meek and humble of heart, that I may be united with thee, and find rest for my soul.
O my God, and my All! teach me in all things to do thy holy will.
O Lord! keep me from sin, and grant me the grace of a happy death.
O Fountain of all Goodness! have mercy on me.
O my God, grant me the grace to perform all my works with the pure intention of pleasing thee.
Let the name of the Lord be blessed and glorified for ever and ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and let all that is within me bless his holy name.
Thanks be to God for all his benefits.
Praise be to thee, O Christ; blessed be thy holy name, O Jesus.
O God of my heart, and my portion for ever; O let nothing in life or death ever separate me from thee.
O rather let me die a thousand deaths than offend thee mortally.
"In all thy works aim at perfection."—Ecclesiastes xxxiii. 23.
Prayers For Night.
If it be a duty of the greatest importance to begin the day well, it is, doubtless, one of no less consequence to conclude it properly. The new graces conferred on us daring the course of the day, and the protection we stand in need of against the dangers of the night, are urgent reasons why we should address ourselves to God, and pray to him with the utmost gratitude and fervour.
A daily Examination of Conscience, both in general, with regard to our whole conduct throughout the day, and in particular, with regard to our predominant vice, passion, or evil custom, and the particular virtue we want to acquire, is strongly recommended by all spiritual writers, as one of the most important duties of a Christian life, and the most profitable exercise we can apply ourselves to, both for the avoiding of sin, and the acquiring of virtue. It is a looking-glass, in which we see ourselves in our true colours, and come to the knowledge of our sins and evil inclinations. It is a sponge, by which we wipe away guilt from our souls, and become the more pure before God, the more diligently we practise it. If we do not daily weed the garden of our souls by this holy exercise, the corrupt ground of the heart will naturally produce vices and imperfections in abundance.
The nightly Examination of Conscience makes up the principal part of the last exercise of the day. The method thereof consists in the following acts, viz., of the presence of God, thanksgiving, supplication, examine, sorrow, and good resolutions.
The many single blessings which God has bestowed and does bestow on those families where prayers are regularly said in common, should alone be a sufficient inducement to establish this practice every where, and chiefly at night, when all may be assembled with greater convenience.—"Where two or three persons shall be assembled in my name, there," saith Christ, "shall I be in the midst of them." O Christians, what stronger inducement can we have to procure so great a happiness?
+ In the name of the Father, &c. Amen.
Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for evermore. Amen.
Come, O Holy Ghost, replenish the hearts of the faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of thy divine love. Amen.
Let us place ourselves in the presence of God, and humbly adore him.
Impressed with the most lively sense of the presence of thy Eternal Majesty, I adore thee, O my God! I believe in thee, because thou art truth itself; I hope in thee, because thou art faithful to thy word; I love thee with my whole heart, because thou art infinitely amiable and worthy of my love; and, for thy sake, I love my neighbour as myself.
Let us return thanks to God for the favours he has conferred on us.
Enable me, O Lord, to return thee sufficient thanks for all thy inestimable blessings and favours.
Thou hast thought of me, and loved me, from all eternity; thou hast formed me from nothing; thou hast delivered up thy beloved Son to the ignominious death of the cross for my redemption; thou didst preserve me from falling into the abyss of eternal misery, when my sins had often provoked thee to cut the slender thread of my life, which thou heldest in thy all-powerful and chastising hand; and thou still continuest to preserve me, notwithstanding I still continue to offend thee. Alas! my God, what return can I make for the innumerable blessings thou hast conferred on me, during the whole course of my life, as well as for the particular favours of this day? O all ye angels and saints! unite with me in praising the God of Mercies, who is so bountiful to so unworthy a creature.
Let us beg of God to make our sins known to us.
O Eternal Source of Light! who saidst, "Let there be light," and there was light; illuminate the darkness of my understanding, and dispel those shades of ignorance and error, which conceal from me the filth and enormity of my offences. Discover to me, I beseech thee, all the sins I have committed this day, whether in thought, word, deed, or omission; grant me a lively sense of their enormity, in order that I may hold them in the utmost detestation, and dread nothing so much as ever to commit them hereafter.
Let us examine our consciences, and consider where and in what company we have been this day. Let us also call to mind the sins we have committed against God, our neighbour, and ourselves, and reflect whether we have fulfilled the duties of our state of life.
Against God: By omission or negligence in the discharge of our religious duties; irreverence in the church; wilful distractions or inattention at prayer; resistance to the divine grace; oaths; murmurings; want of confidence and resignation. Pause and examine.
Against our Neighbour: By rash judgments; hatred; jealousy; contempt; desire of revenge; quarrelling; passion; imprecations; injuries; detraction; raillery; false reports; damaging, either in goods or reputation; bad example; scandal; want of obedience, respect, charity, or fidelity. Pause and examine.
Against Ourselves: By vanity; human respect; lies; thoughts, desires, discourses, or actions contrary to purity; by intemperance, rage, or impatience; by an useless and sensual life; or by sloth, in not complying with the duties of our state. Pause and examine.
Repeat the General Confession, "I confess," &c. p. 29.
Prayer.
Penetrated with grief, and overwhelmed with confusion, at the sight of my iniquities, I acknowledge myself unworthy, O Lord, to be numbered amongst thy servants, much less to be accounted thy child. Is it possible I could repay such infinite patience and goodness with so much malice and ingratitude? Creator of heaven and earth! I have sinned against thee! I have, alas! offended thee, who are so good, so amiable, and so worthy of my love! Yet, Lord, when I consider that I am the work of thy hands, and the price of the blood of thine only Son, who expired on the cross for my salvation, I cease to despair of thy pardon. It is therefore through his infinite merits, that I implore and hope that thou wilt grant me the forgiveness of my sins. Have pity on me, O eternal Father, and spare me, for the sake of thy beloved Son. Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out my iniquities. I am heartily sorry for them, because they are offensive to thee; and shall continue to repent sincerely of them to the very hour of my death. Amen.
Let us make a firm purpose of amendment.
O Almighty and eternal God, I wish from the bottom of my heart, that I had never sinned against thee; but since I have been so unhappy, O grant me now thy grace, that I may never offend thee more. Thou hast said: "I will not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be converted and live." Convert me therefore, and I shall be converted. "Have mercy on me according to thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my iniquities." I renounce all sin, firmly purposing henceforth to walk in the path of thy commandments. This fixed resolution I am determined to keep, with the assistance of thy grace, purchased for me through the infinite merits of thine only Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Repeat the Lord's Prayer, the Angelical Salutation, the Creed, the Acts of the Theological Virtues, and the Angelus Domini, as in Morning Prayer.
The Litany Of The Blessed Virgin.
Anthem
We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God! despise not our prayers in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O thou ever glorious and blessed Virgin.
Lord have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord 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, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Pray for us. Holy Mother of God, Pray for us. Holy Virgin of Virgins, Pray for us. Mother^of Christ, Pray for us. Mother of Divine Grace, Pray for us. Most pure Mother, Pray for us. Most chaste Mother, Pray for us. Mother undefiled, Pray for us. Mother unviolated, Pray for us. Most amiable Mother, Pray for us. Most admirable Mother, Pray for us. Mother of our Creator, Pray for us. Mother of our Redeemer, Pray for us. Most prudent Virgin, Pray for us. Most venerable Virgin, Pray for us. Most renowned Virgin, Pray for us. Most powerful Virgin, Pray for us. Most merciful Virgin, Pray for us. Most faithful Virgin, Pray for us. Mirror of Justice, Pray for us. Seat of Wisdom, Pray for us. Cause of our Joy, Pray for us. Spiritual Vessel, Pray for us. Honourable Vessel, Pray for us. Vessel of singular Devotion, Pray for us. Mystical Rose, Pray for us. Tower of David, Pray for us. Tower of Ivory Pray for us. House of Gold, Pray for us. Ark of the Covenant, Pray for us. Gate of Heaven, Pray for us. Morning Star, Pray for us. Health of the Weak, Pray for us. Refuge of Sinners, Pray for us. Comforter of the Afflicted, Pray for us. Help of Christians, Pray for us. Queen of Angels, Pray for us. Queen of Patriarchs, Pray for us. Queen of Prophets, Pray for us. Queen of Apostles, Pray for us. Queen of Martyrs, Pray for us. Queen of Confessors, Pray for us. Queen of Virgins, Pray for us. Queen of All Saints, Pray for us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us, O Lord, Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ graciously hear us. Lord have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. Our Father, &c. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God; R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Prayer.
Pour forth, we beseech thee, O 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.
Prayer.
Bless, O Lord, the repose I am going to take, that by renewing my bodily strength, I may be the better enabled to serve thee. O all ye saints and angels, but especially thou, O Mother of God, intercede for me, not only during this night, and the rest of my life, but more particularly at the hour of my death. Amen.
Another Prayer.
Pour down thy blessings, O Lord, on my parents, benefactors, friends, and on my enemies too, if I have any. Protect my superiors, spiritual and temporal. Help the poor and sick, and those that are in their last agony. Convert all heretics and unbelievers. O God of mercy and goodness! have mercy on the souls of the faithful in purgatory; put an end to their sufferings; and grant to all those for whom I am particularly bound to pray, eternal light, rest, and happiness. Amen.
Hymn
Before the closing of the day, Creator, we thee humbly pray, That for thy wonted mercy's sake, Thou us into protection take. May nothing in our minds excite Vain dreams and phantoms of the night; Our enemy repress, that so Our bodies no uncleanness know. In this, most gracious Father, hear, Through Christ thy equal Son, our prayer; Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen.
Prayer.
Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive away from it all the snares of the enemy; let thy holy angels dwell therein to preserve us in peace; and may thy blessing be upon us for ever; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen.
Before you go to bed, read a chapter in some spiritual book. Resolve within yourself on the subject of the next morning's meditation, which may be found amongst the "Pious Reflections for every Day in the Month," and think upon it while you are undressing. When you compose yourself in bed, think on your grave, and how soon death, of which sleep is an image, will be with you; and what your sentiments will then be of all worldly vanities. Offer up your sleep to God, submitting it with a pure intention to his holy will; that by this repose of nature you may recover new vigour of mind and body to serve him. Wish that every breath you are to draw this night, may be so many acts of praise and love of the divine Majesty, like the happy breathings of the angels and saints, who never sleep; and so compose yourself to rest in the arms of your Saviour.
If you awake in the night, renew the offering of yourself to God, saying:
"My soul hath desired thee in the night." Isaiah, xxvi. 9.
Into thy hands, O Lord, I recommend my spirit: Lord Jesus, receive my soul, &c.
A Prayer Before Sermon, Spiritual Reading, &c.
O incomprehensible Creator, true fountain of light, and only author of all knowledge, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to enlighten our understanding with the rays of thy wisdom, and to chase away from our minds all darkness of sin and ignorance. Thou who makest eloquent the tongues of those that want utterance, pour on our lips, and into our hearts, the grace of thy blessing; give us a diligent and obedient spirit, quickness of apprehension, capacity of retaining, and the continual assistance of thy holy grace: that we may apply whatever we hear, read, or meditate on, to thy honour, and the eternal salvation of our own souls: through, &c. Amen.
On The Mass.
Of all the duties prescribed by our holy religion, the Sacrifice of the Mass is that which is most pleasing to God, and most salutary to man. Here it is that Jesus Christ renews the great mystery of our redemption; here doth he make himself our victim in a real, though unbloody sacrifice, and in person applieth to each of us the merits of that blood, which, hanging on a cross, he was pleased to shed for mankind. This should give us the most sublime idea of the Mass, and make us desire to hear it with the utmost reverence and devotion; for to assist at it irreverently, or without putting a proper restraint on our eyes and our whole exterior, is to dishonour religion, and renew, as far as in us lies, the insults he received on Mount Calvary. To avoid then so great an evil, let us always come to this august sacrifice with the most earnest devotion; let us enter into the spirit of Christ; let us offer ourselves up with him, and as he does; let the church, as we enter it, strike us with awe; let our modesty and recollection be uninterrupted from the beginning to the end thereof; let our hearts, thoughts, and imaginations be, as it were, buried in God, and the interests of our souls.
The Practical Reflections (in small letter) at the head of each prayer, may help to excite our attention.
The Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, usually read on Sundays and Holidays, before Mass, may be found in page 30.
O merciful Father, who didst so love the world as to give up thy only Son to death, even the death of the cross, for our redemption; vouchsafe, through his infinite merits, to accept in our behalf the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in the offering of which we are about to participate. We approach thy throne, O Lord, with humble but firm hope, when we remember that we have the price of the world's redemption to lay before thee. That price has been paid by the death of thy ever blessed Son; and among the wondrous means which he has provided for applying the fruits thereof to our souls, we contemplate, with especial gratitude, that enduring memorial of his love, which he instituted at his last supper, whereby he enables us not only to possess within us; in the divine Communion, the very Author of grace, the Victim of propitiation, who died for us on the cross, but also to present him anew to thy acceptance, really present on our altar, as our Advocate and Mediator, through the ministry of his Priests, in the adorable Sacrifice of the Mass.
At this adorable Sacrifice we are now assembled to assist. O Lord, look upon the face of thy Christ; and grant, that while we unite with thy holy Church and its Minister, in offering him before the throne of thy mercy, for all the purposes for which he once shed his most precious blood, we may be made partakers of the one all-atoning sacrifice which he consummated on Calvary.
Bowing down, therefore, in humble adoration, before thy sovereign Majesty, we now offer the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass to thy honour and glory, to acknowledge thy infinite perfections, thy supreme dominion over all thy creatures, our entire subjection to thee, and our total dependance on thy gracious providence.
We offer it to thee in thanksgiving for having created us to thine own image, and destined us for eternal glory; for having redeemed us from the slavery of Satan by the precious blood of thy divine Son; for having called us to the true faith; assisted us by thy graces; borne with our ingratitude; watched over us by thy special providence; blessed us, notwithstanding our utter unworthiness, with the continuance of thy gracious protection; and for all the other innumerable favours which we owe to thy undeserved bounty.
We offer it to move thee to compassion for our spiritual miseries, that thou mayest grant us the gift of compunction and the pardon of our sins.
We offer it for the propagation of the Catholic Faith, that all may be brought into the one fold under the one shepherd; for our most holy Father the Pope, that the spirit of wisdom, and fortitude, and piety, may rest upon him; for our Prelate, and for all the Pastors and Clergy of thy holy Church, that they may direct the faithful in the way of salvation; for the Queen, and for all who are in high station, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life; for concord and good will among all states and people; for the necessities of mankind; for the inhabitants of this parish, particularly for the congregation here present; and to obtain all the blessings that we stand in need of in this life, the happiness of heaven in the next, and eternal rest to the faithful departed.
And as Jesus Christ so ordained, when he instituted at his last supper this wonderful mystery of his power, wisdom, and goodness, we offer the Mass in grateful remembrance of all that he has done and suffered for the love of us, making special commemoration of his bitter passion and death, and of his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven. Vouchsafe, O almighty and eternal God, to whom alone the supreme worship of sacrifice is due, graciously to accept it for these and all other purposes agreeable to thy holy will. We offer it, not confiding in any merits of our own— we offer it through the merits of the same Jesus Christ, thy beloved Son, our High Priest and Victim, and in the name of the most holy Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; to whom be honour, praise, and glory, for ever and ever.
O all ye Angels and Saints who stand before the throne of God, vouchsafe to join in our humble supplications; and thou, above all, O ever blessed Virgin, immaculate mother of God our Saviour, assist us with thy prayers. We know that thou art near to that most loving Son, through whom only we can find access to the throne of grace, and who will refuse thee nothing, that through his infinite merits thou wilt deign to solicit for us. At thy suggestion he wrought the stupendous miracle of changing water into wine. Oh then, beseech him, by all that he has suffered for our salvation, that the still more wondrous prodigy which he is about to perform on our altar, may not, through our unworthiness, be unprofitable to us; that he may move us to assist at it with the deepest awe, the firmest confidence, and the most ardent love; that it may thus ascend in the odour of sweetness to the throne of mercy in our behalf, to be to us an unfailing source of grace here, and a pledge of eternal life hereafter. Amen.
Prayers At Mass. [Footnote 2]
The Beginning Of The Mass.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
It is in thy name, O adorable Trinity, it is to honour thee, and to do thee homage, that I assist at this most holy and august sacrifice. Permit me then, O Lord, to unite my intention with that of thy Minister now at the altar, in offering up this precious victim; and give me the same sentiments I ought to have had on Mount Calvary, had I been an eye-witness of that bloody sacrifice.
At The Confiteor.
Think, in the bitterness of your heart, on all your past sins, and recollect, in a general manner, such of them as are most humiliating. Lay your weaknesses before God, and beg of him to pardon them. Implore his assistance in all your necessities, through the infinite efficacy of this great sacrifice.
I confess, O my God, not only in thy presence, who seest the secrets of hearts, but also in the presence of all the blessed in heaven, and faithful on earth, that I have often and grievously offended thee in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Yes, Lord, I have sinned; I acknowledge to my shame, and with the most bitter regret, that I have ungratefully abused all thy gifts; and therefore I humbly beseech thee, O blessed Virgin Mary, and all ye saints and angels, to intercede for me. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to listen to them; grant to the ardour of their prayers, what thou mayest justly refuse to the coldness of mine; and to their services, that pardon to which my offences can have no claim.
When The Priest Is Going Up To The Altar.
Unite, O Lord, our hearts and wills, and remove from us every thing that may any way make us unfit for appearing in thy sanctuary. Of ourselves we are unworthy to appear in thy presence: therefore we implore the intercession of the saints in our behalf. Grant to their prayers the pardon of all our sins: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
At The Introit.
We beseech thee, O Lord, that we may be truly prepared for the offering of this great sacrifice to thee this day. Our sins alone can render us displeasing to thee, we therefore call aloud to thee for mercy.
At The Kyrie Eleison.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, and forgive us all our sins; and though we have nothing of our own to move thy goodness, let our importunity prevail: have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
At The Gloria In Excelsis.
Conceive a vehement desire of promoting the glory of God, and your neighbour's good. Rejoice with the angels, at the share you nave in these holy mysteries; and form to yourself the highest idea of the majesty of God; and of his Son Jesus Christ.
Who is like unto thee, O almighty God! To whom can the most unlimited tribute of honour, praise, and glory be due, either in heaven or on earth, if not to thee, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and beneficent Creator of the universe! The angels and saints, with unceasing rapture, sing forth thy praises, and glorify thy name in heaven; and shall not I, the work of thy hands, praise thee also on earth? Yes, O Lord! Graciously vouchsafe to accept the homage I now pay thee, and which I purpose fervently to offer thee all the days of my life.
At The Collect.
So called, because the priest lays before God the necessities of all his people; their vows and desires collected, as it were, together; whence, turning to the congregation, he invites them to unite with him in the petition, saying: Oremus, or Let us Pray.
Almighty and eternal God, we humbly beseech thee to look down from thy heavenly sanctuary upon this congregation, and graciously hear these prayers, which thy church addresses to thee for us by the ministry of thy priest.
Grant us, in thy infinite mercy, pardon of our sins, health of mind and body, peace in our days, unity and increase of Catholic faith, fervent charity, sincere devotion, patience in suffering, and every thing else conducive to thy glory and our own salvation: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At The Epistle.
Return God thanks for having called you to the knowledge of his holy law; submit to it with perfect docility; and beg of him to extend our holy religion over the whole world.
O eternal God, who never ceasest to excite us to the worship and love of thy holy name, or to arm us against the attacks of the world, the flesh, and the devil, by the public ministry of thy church, by the doctrine of thy prophets and apostles, and by many other holy admonitions; grant we may faithfully attend to these lessons of salvation, that thus our knowledge of thy law may never rise in judgment against us, but guide us securely to thee: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
At The Gospel.
Look on the Gospel as the rule of your faith and morals; a rule which Christ himself has drawn up; a rule which you have solemnly promised by your baptism to follow, and by which you shall most certainly be judged.
It is not thy interpreters, O God, who are now to instruct me; it is thy only Son; it is his word I am about to hear. I most gratefully embrace this heavenly doctrine. I stand up to declare in the face of heaven and earth, that I will walk faithfully in that way which he hath marked out for me. He tells me here, that "it will avail a man nothing to gain the whole world, if he lose his own soul; that the sensual, the covetous, the worldling, the libertine, the detractor, and such as are insensible to the miseries of the poor, shall have no share in his heavenly kingdom; and that, in order to become his disciple, I must take up my cross and follow him." I receive with my whole heart all these sacred maxims. Grant me the grace to put them in practice; for to what purpose should I declare myself thy disciple, if I were not to live according to the maxims of thy gospel.
At The Creed.
Renew your faith in all those articles which the church proposes to your belief, because they are founded on God's own word, revealed in the scriptures, announced by the prophets, supported by miracles, confirmed by the blood of the martyrs, verified by the establishment of our faith, and obvious by the sanctity of our religion.
I return thee infinite thanks, O Lord, for having given me birth in the bosom of the holy Catholic Church. The precious gift of faith is much more dear to me than any advantage of birth or fortune. Grant me a perfect docility for all it teaches, as well for what I understand, as for what is above my conception. It is neither just nor possible that I should fully comprehend an infinite God, who cannot even comprehend myself. By thy grace I am firmly convinced of the wisdom and sincerity of thy apostles, by whom thou hast announced these mysteries to the world. By them the world was converted; it submitted, and believed them; which, if done without a miracle, must be in itself the greatest of all miracles. What more then can I desire? What surer grounds can I have? On these principles I rest my belief. Here is the faith which to my last breath I shall profess:—I firmly believe that thou art one God in three distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who of nothing hast created all things. I believe, O heavenly Father, that thy only Son, who is perfectly equal to thee, holy, powerful, and eternal, as thou art, became man for love of us; suffered, died on the cross, rose again, and ascended into heaven; from whence he shall come at the last day to judge the world; and that of his blessed kingdom there shall be no end. I believe in the Holy Ghost, who is also true God as thou art, proceeding from thee and thy Son: I believe that he spoke by the prophets, and that by him we are sanctified, I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of the body, and the life of the world to come, where I firmly hope to possess thee, Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.
At The Offertory.
Consider what an advantage it is to have in this sacrifice, wherewithal to honour God perfectly; to thank him in a manner equal to his gifts; to blot out entirely your past sins; and to obtain, both for yourself and others, all those graces you stand most in need of.
O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, how unworthy soever I may appear in thy presence, yet I presume to offer thee this Host, by the hands of the priest, with the same intention which Christ my Saviour had, when he first instituted this august sacrifice, and which he now has at this very instant that he immolates himself for us. I offer it in acknowledgment of thy supreme dominion over me and all creatures. I offer it in expiation of my crimes; in thanksgiving for all thy benefits. I offer it to obtain from thy infinite goodness, for my parents, benefactors, friends, and enemies, all those precious gifts and graces which only through him can be obtained, who is Just by excellence, and who became a victim for the sins of men. I earnestly entreat thee to bless and protect the holy Catholic Church, our chief pastor the Pope, our Bishops and Clergy, the Queen and Royal Family, and all our fellow-subjects of every denomination. Remember also, O Lord, the souls of the faithful departed, and grant them, through the merits of thy Son, eternal light and peace. Have mercy upon all heretics, infidels and sinners. Bless and preserve all mine enemies; and as I freely forgive them the injuries they have done, or mean to do me, so do thou, in thy mercy, forgive me mine offences. Amen.
At The Preface.
Raise up your thoughts to heaven, even to the very throne of the Divinity, and there with most holy and respectful awe, pay homage to his glorious majesty, mixing your own praises with those sacred hymns with which the heavenly spirits are ever praising him.
Do thou thyself, O Lord, raise up my heart; inflame it with thy love, and free it from all earthly affections; let it rest in heaven, where thou my treasure art, and on this altar also, where thou art going to present thyself to thy eternal Father for our sake. As my life, O Lord, is a continual succession of thy favours, so let my thanksgivings be also uninterupted. And since thou art going to renew the greatest of all sacrifices, should not I also break forth into the most lively acknowledgments? Permit me then, O Lord, to join my feeble voice with the host of heavenly spirits, and to exclaim with them, in transports of joy and admiration: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth: The heavens and the earth are filled with thy glory. Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."
At The Canon.
Represent to yourself the altar as a throne of mercy, upon which Christ is to sit; where you are entitled to present yourself, to expose your wants, to ask for blessings, and obtain them. Can he who giveth us his only Son, refuse us any other favour whatsoever?
O Father of Mercy, graciously receive this most holy Sacrifice, which we offer to thee by the hands of thy priest, in union with that which thy beloved Son offered thee during his whole life, at his last supper, and on the cross. Look down on thy Christ, thy dearest and only begotten Son, "in whom thou art always well pleased;" and by the infinite merits of his incarnation, nativity, tears, labours, sufferings, and death, have mercy upon me, and upon all those for whom I ought to pray [here name the particular persons]; my parents, brethren, friends, benefactors, relations, and those who have injured me, or whom I may have injured. I also beseech thee to guard, prosper, and extend the holy Catholic Church; to pour down thy blessings upon our chief pastor the Pope, upon the Bishops and all the Clergy; enlighten and guide them in the way of salvation. Bless and preserve the Queen, and all the Royal Family. Look down upon us all, I beseech thee, O Lord, with eyes of mercy and compassion. Bring us all to the perfect practice of a holy and virtuous life here, and to the possession of thy eternal glory hereafter. May we all know thee; may we all please thee perfectly; may we fear, love, and glorify thee: through the same Jesus Christ, who, with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen.
Why have not I, O God, at this moment, the ardent sighs with which the holy patriarchs wished for the Messiah? Why have not I their lively faith and their ardent love? Come, Lord Jesus! come, sweet Redeemer of the world! come quickly to accomplish a mystery, which is an abridgment of all thy other miracles.
Thou art, O Lord Jesus! the true pastor of souls, who didst lay down thy life for thy flock! Thou art the Lamb of God, that died upon the cross to save us! Prostrate in spirit before thee, I desire to praise and bless thee, both now and for ever. Amen.
At The Elevation Of The Host.
Behold your God, your Saviour, and your Judge! Contemplate in silent astonishment what passes before you. Excite every fervent sentiment in your soul, which fear, respect, and confidence can inspire.
Hail, O Victim of Salvation! eternal King! incarnate Word! sacrificed for me and all mankind! Hail, precious Body of the Son of God! sacred Flesh, torn with nails, pierced with a lance, and bleeding on a cross for us poor sinners! O amazing goodness! O infinite love! O let that tender love plead now in my behalf: let all my iniquities be here effaced, and my name be written in the book of life. I believe in thee; I hope in thee; I love thee. To thee be honour, praise, and glory, from all creatures, for ever and ever. Amen.
At The Elevation Of The Chalice.
Hail, sacred Blood, flowing from the wounds of Jesus Christ, and washing away the sins of the world! O cleanse, sanctify, and preserve my soul, that nothing in future may ever separate me from thee. Behold, O eternal Father, thy holy Jesus, and look upon the face of thy Christ, in whom thou art well pleased. Hear the voice of his blood crying out to thee, not for vengeance, but for mercy and pardon. Accept this divine oblation; and through the infinite merits of all the sufferings that Jesus endured on the cross for our salvation, be pleased to look upon us, and upon all thy people, with an eye of mercy.
During the remainder of the Canon contemplate in the most affectionate manner, your Saviour here present. Reflect on the mysteries he renews. Unite the sacrifice of your heart to that of his body. Offer him up to God his Father, with the several intentions of the four kinds of sacrifice offered in the Old Law, beseeching him to accept the prayers which his dear Son addresses to him in our behalf.
It is now, O eternal Father, that we truly and really offer to thy Divine Majesty, that pure, holy, and immaculate victim which thou thyself hast been pleased to grant us, and of which all other offerings were only the types and figures. The sacrifices of Abel, of Abraham, and of Melchisedech, were of no value, when compared to ours. This glorious victim, thy dear Son himself, the perfect object of thy eternal love, and alone worthy of thy altar, is an offering by so much the more precious than theirs, as God is greater than all creatures.
As A Holocaust, Or Whole-burnt Offering.
O sovereign Creator and Lord of all things! graciously vouchsafe to accept my humble homage, in union with that which thou here receivest from Jesus Christ, the only worthy adorer of thy infinite Majesty. Whilst, therefore, he immolates himself upon this altar, I unite my intentions with those views and purposes himself has, in offering to thee this his holy sacrifice. It is he alone can form a just conception of the boundless excellence and unspeakable majesty of The Great Creator of Heaven and earth; he alone fully comprehends the entire extent of thy dominion. He beholds (what we blind mortals cannot) how far all creatures, visible and invisible, depend on thee. He plainly conceives that thy dominion is absolute over all we are, all we possess or can hope for in time or eternity. It is in acknowledgment of this thy sovereign authority, and to make, in his name, a public profession of our total dependence on thee, that I unite with him in his daily renewal of this most holy sacrifice.
As A Sacrifice Of Thanksgiving.
Vouchsafe, O most bountiful Lord God, to receive this precious victim in thanksgiving for all thy benefits. Thou hast created me to thine own image and likeness, and if thy all-powerful hand had not continued to preserve the slender thread of my life, I must ere now have fallen back into my original nothing. For my sake thou didst abandon thy beloved Son to the cruelty of the Jews, and to an ignominious death; nor doth a single moment of my existence pass away without fresh proofs of thy bounty. O that I could, in some degree, acknowledge those thy innumerable favours, even at the price of my blood; but the offering I here make thee is infinitely more acceptable; it is nothing less than thy beloved Son, equal to thee in all things, the very figure of thy substance, and splendour of thy glory.
As A Sacrifice Of Expiation.
Remember, O Lord, that the sacrifice we now offer to thee, is essentially the same, and equally propitiatory with that which our Saviour offered thee on Mount Calvary, though different as to the manner of offering. However base, therefore, our ingratitude may be, or however manifold our transgressions, we cannot but hope for pardon, since it is the blood of a God we offer in atonement.
As A Sacrifice Of Impetration.
O God of infinite bounty, be pleased now to crown all the favours thou hast hitherto conferred on me, by the gifts of a lively faith, a firm hope, and an ardent charity. Bless all my labours and undertakings. Give me an intuitive knowledge of thy holy will, and an unshaken resolution to put it into execution. Grant me perseverance in thy grace to the end of my life. Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed, particularly on those for whom I am in a more especial manner bound to pray. [Name them.] Deliver them, O Lord, from all their sufferings, and admit them into the mansions of everlasting bliss: through the infinite merits of Christ Jesus, thy only Son, who liveth, &c. Amen.
At The Pater Noster.
Let us imagine ourselves present with Jesus on a new Calvary. Let us remain at the foot of his cross, with the tender compassion of Magdalen, with the ardent love of St. John; or, standing afar off with St. Peter, let us weep bitterly over our manifold sins and offences.
What a happiness, O my God, to have thee for my Father! How joyful to think, that heaven, where thou art, is also to be my eternal dwelling-place! May thy name be glorified throughout the whole world. Reign, O Lord, over all hearts, affections, and desires. Refuse us not our spiritual and corporal food. We freely forgive others; do thou also forgive us. Support us in the trials and temptations of this life, and preserve us from sin, the greatest of all evils. Amen.
At The Agnus Dei.
God, so glorious in heaven! so powerful on earth! so dreadful in hell! is here only a lamb, full of sweetness and bounty! Behold! he comes here to take away the sins of the world, and thine in particular. O what a motive of confidence! O what a subject of consolation!
O Lamb of God, sacrificed for my sake, have mercy on me! O adorable Victim of my salvation, look down on me and save me! Divine Mediator! obtain pardon of thy eternal Father for me a sinner, and mercifully grant me the sweets of thy peace. Amen.
At The Communion.
To communicate spiritually, renew, by an act of faith, your firm belief of Christ's real presence. Make an act of contrition. Desire most earnestly to receive him with the priest; beg of him to accept these desires, and to unite himself to you in the effusion of his graces.
O that I were among the number of those whose sanctity allows them to communicate daily! What a happiness, O my God! could I at this moment erect a throne for thee in my heart, pay thee my homage, lay open to thee my wants, and participate in the favours thou grantest to those who really and worthily receive thee. But since I am unworthy, do thou, O Lord, supply my want of the proper dispositions. Grant the pardon of my manifold sins, which I detest from the bottom of my heart, because they displease thee. Cast thy compassionate eye upon me, and purify my soul, that the ardent wish I now conceive to be united to thee by a worthy communion, may be speedily accomplished. But until the arrival of so happy a moment, I earnestly entreat thee, O dearest Lord, that thou wouldst make me partaker of all those advantages which the communion of the priest may produce in those thy people. By the efficacy of this enlivening sacrament, increase my faith, strengthen my hope, revive in my soul the rays of divine charity, inflame my heart with thy love, that it may pant only for thee, and live for thee alone. Amen.
At The Last Prayers.
Strive earnestly to offer your Lord sacrifice for sacrifice, by becoming the victim of his love. Immolate freely to him all your sinful inclinations, and whatever is contrary to his holy will.
Since thou, O Lord, hast sacrificed thyself for my salvation, shall not I desire to be sacrificed for thy glory? Yes, I am thy victim: do with me as thou willest. I consecrate my whole being to thee. I willingly accept whatever crosses thou art pleased to send me. Receiving them from thy fatherly hand, I embrace them, and unite them with those thou hast endured for my sake. Before I quit thy temple, strengthen the resolution I have made to serve thee with more fidelity, and to struggle, not only against my ordinary failings, but chiefly against that to which I am most inclined. Thy law shall henceforth be my rule of conduct during the remainder of my life; and I will forfeit every worldly consideration, and suffer every calamity, sooner than transgress it. Amen.
At The Benediction.
Receive the blessing from the priest, as given in the name of the Lord. Thank him sincerely for the favours here granted you. Lay up with care the fruits of this sacrifice; and let your conduct be such, as that all who see you, may clearly perceive how much you have profited by so holy an action.
Most holy and adorable Trinity! as it is by thee we began this sacrifice, so it is by thee we desire to conclude it. Suffer us not therefore, O Lord, to depart hence without thy blessing. Give it us by the ministry of this priest. May it ever remain with us; may its influence always direct our actions; and may it be a sure pledge of that final benediction which thine elect shall receive, when called by thee to thy kingdom of eternal glory. Amen.
At The Last Gospel.
Divine Word! only Son of the Father! Light of the World! who camest from heaven to show us the way thither; I adore thy Majesty with most profound respect; I place my whole confidence in thee; I most firmly hope, that as thou art my God, a God made man to save mankind, thou wilt grant me those graces which my sanctification may require, and also the enjoyment of thee in glory. Amen.
A Prayer After Mass.
I return thee infinite thanks, O my God, for permitting me to assist at this holy sacrifice, in preference to so many others more worthy of so great a favour; and I hope, that through thy great mercy, thou wilt pardon me the faults which I may have here committed, either by my tepidity or inattention. Though I now return hence to my worldly employments, yet I will remember, through the course of the day, what thou hast here done for me; and shall endeavour that no thought, word, or action of mine, deprive me of the advantages of which I have now been a partaker. Amen.
A Preparation For Confession.
There is scarcely any duty of greater importance in religion, than to receive the Sacrament of Penance with the necessary dispositions. Penance is as indispensably requisite for those who have fallen into sin after baptism, as baptism itself is for such as have never been baptized. It is a second plank after the shipwreck of sin, without which the sinner must inevitably perish. But then it is to be observed, that this sacrament must be received with the necessary dispositions. The cleansing of the baptismal robe, and restoring it to its original purity, is not to be effected without much labour and application. It would be absurd to imagine, that the unchangeable justice of God, which could not be satisfied but by the sufferings of Jesus Christ, and which, notwithstanding these sufferings, doth still condemn to eternal torments the unrepenting sinner; it would be absurd, I say, to imagine that his justice should now be appeased by a superficial or outward compliance with this duty, accompanied perhaps with insincerity, gross negligence, or a fixed adherence to mortal sin, and therefore destitute of real sorrow, change of heart, and a firm purpose of amendment. The enormity of sin is the same at this day as it ever was; it is as unchangeable as God himself; because it is essentially a rebellion against him; a breach of his law, an insult offered to his eternal Majesty, and consequently not more remissable at present in the sacrament of penance, than at the earliest period of Christianity, when the severest discipline prevailed, and when the fervour of primitive penitents was so ardent.—Hence, that this merciful institution may never be frustrated of its end, and in order that the sinner may always receive the pardon of his offences, we must strictly fulfil these five following conditions: I. An examination of conscience, that we may know all our sins. II. A heart-felt sorrow for having committed them. III. A firm resolution never to commit them again. IV. A candid and humble confession of them to a priest empowered to absolve us. V. A desire or intention of satisfying God, and our neighbour also, if injured.
A Protestation
Before The Examination Of Conscience.
O God, the searcher of all hearts, behold, I here protest, in thy presence, that what I now design is sincerely for the honour of thy name, and because I heartily desire to be delivered from the guilt of my sins: therefore I come to thy sacrament of penance, that, complying with thy holy institution, I may obtain thy blessing and pardon, as thou has promised. May thy holy grace assist me in performing this great duty well, as it is thy mercy which has called me to it.
Think seriously, and with the most lively gratitude, on all the benefits God hath so liberally bestowed on you, and particularly for his goodness in preparing this sacrament as a remedy for your sins.
How great are my obligations to thee, O my God, in thus providing for me, after my disgrace, the means of a perfect reconciliation. To have purified me in the waters of baptism, was not enough; thou hast also left me the waters of penance, to wash me still more from my iniquities, and cleanse me from my sins. For this end thou hast left to the church, in the persons of the apostles, the power of remitting our offences: "Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whose sins ye shall forgive, shall be forgiven." O what Excessive goodness! What an advantage to poor sinners, to have a tribunal established for them, always open, where they may be received into favour! Can I ever be insensible to so striking an instance of thy bounty? I have withdrawn myself from thee by a formal contempt of thy law, and thou art pleased to make the first advances to meet me: O Father of mercies, and God of goodness, be thou for ever blessed! Permit me to fly to this powerful refuge; and suffer not that, by a new ingratitude, I should for the future ever abuse so excellent a resource of salvation. No: it is not human respect, nor custom, nor the fear of being thought careless of my soul, that brings me at present to this sacrament of reconciliation; no, it is a sincere regret for having incurred thy displeasure; for who can be at rest, O my God, when he knows that he is thy enemy, and that he has offended the very best of fathers?
Prayers
Before The Examination Of Conscience.
Beg of God to make your sins known to you, and to give you a true sense of their malice. Prostrate yourself in spirit at the feet of your Redeemer, as Magdalen did when she washed them with her tears; or imagine yourself on Mount Calvary, and there, beneath his cross, pour forth your prayers to him, resolving to acquit yourself of this confession, as if it were to be your last.
O holy Spirit, eternal Source of Light, mercifully vouchsafe to enlighten the darkness of my understanding, that I may clearly perceive the true state of my conscience. Thou who hast created me, and art to be my judge, dost fully behold the most secret recesses of my heart; show me now, therefore, my sins, in as conspicuous a manner as I shall behold them when on the point of appearing at thy tremendous tribunal. My object at present is, to prevent the rigorous account I must there give of all my thoughts, words, and actions; for were I now deficient in that sincere exactness which is necessary in the examination and confession of my sins, thou wouldst infallibly correct, at thy unerring tribunal, the injustice and iniquity of such a proceeding. Discover, then, to me, O my God, all these secret thoughts, irregular desires, criminal words, and actions, or omissions of my duty, by which I may have violated thy sacred laws, or scandalized my neighbour. O do not permit self-love to seduce and blind me, but rather remove the veil it places before my eyes, that beholding the true state of my interior, I may make an humble and sincere confession of my sins to thy minister.
I desire, like the prodigal child, to enter seriously into myself, and without delay to forsake my evil ways, in which I have been wearied out in the pursuit of empty toys and mere shadows, seeking in vain to satisfy my thirst with muddy waters, and my hunger with the husks of swine. I ardently desire to return to thee, O Fountain of Life! but, O my God, though I can go astray from thee fast enough, when left to myself, yet I cannot make one step towards returning to thee, unless thy divine grace stir me up and assist me. This grace, then, I most humbly implore, prostrate in spirit before the throne of thy mercy. I beg it for the sake of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, who died upon the cross for me and for all sinners. Thou hast said, "There is joy in heaven for one sinner that doeth penance." Give me now the grace of true repentance, and let heaven rejoice at my conversion. Assist me in this great work by thy heavenly light, in order that I may discover all my imperfections, see all my sins in their true colours, and sincerely detest and confess them. I know thou desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be converted and live. I know that 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 that thou hast begun, by assisting me in every part of my preparation for it, and bringing me to a perfect reconciliation with thee.
Examine yourself attentively, not only on the sins you have committed since your last confession, but also on the faults you may have committed in making it; but beware of scrupulosity or anxiety; for in this examination it is only necessary that you should use such a moral diligence as any temporal concern might require, where it is neither your intention nor your interest to be deceived. For this purpose, calmly recollect on the different occasions of sin which have since fallen in your way, or to which your state and condition of life exposes you; the places you have frequented, the persons you nave conversed with; &c. &c.; in the doing of which the following table of sins will greatly assist you.