Page:Manualofprayersf00cath.djvu/235

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Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
221

kneels again, and a veil is placed around his shoulders, after which he ascends again to the Altar, and, making a genuflection, takes the Monstrance, and, turning to the people, gives the Benediction in silence, making the sign of the Cross over the kneeling congregation.

Replacing the Host in the Tabernacle, he descends, and, preceded by his assistants, retires, while the choir chants the 116th Psalm, Laudate Dominum omnes gentes, or some other Psalm or Canticle permitted by the usage of the place.

During this holy Rite the devout worshipper may either join in the chant of the choir, or pour out his soul in aspirations of love, adoration, gratitude, petition, or contrition to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, thus humbled for our love.

When the Priest has exposed the Blessed Sacrament, the choir sings:

O SALUTARIS Hostia,
Qui cœli pandis ostium:
Bella premunt hostilia:
Da robur, fer, auxilium.

Uni trinoque Domino
Sit sempiterna gloria,
Qui vitam sine termino
Nobis donet in patria.

O SAVING Victim! opening wide
 The gate of Heaven to man below!
Our foes press on from every side;
 Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

To Thy great Name be endless praise,
 Immortal Godhead! One in Three!
O grant us endless length of days
 In our true native land with Thee!

Here is frequently snug the Litany of Loreto (p. 65), or some hymn in honor of the Blessed Sacrament (p. 658).