Seraphim, even to the throne of God, environed with celestial choirs of Angels and Saints; but above all, when the most adorable Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, placed thee on a seat of glory, prepared for thee from all eternity. I rejoice in thy happiness, O blessed Mother! Look thou on me in this moment, and obtain for me, of thy divine Son, through thy merits and thy exaltation to this sublime dignity, a meek and pure heart, and a happy departure from this life, under thy maternal care and powerful protection. Amen. Hail Mary.
THE SEVEN JOYS OF OUR BLESSED LADY IN HEAVEN.
THIS devotion, no less than the former, is pleasing and agreeable to the ever-glorious Mother of God. She herself teaches us this truth; she suggested and recommended the practice of it to her servant, St. Thomas, archbishop of Canterbury, as is related by Pelbartus in his Stellarium, and in his sermon on St. Thomas; and also by Ballingham, in his Calendar of the Blessed Virgin.
St. Thomas, whilst reciting the Hail Mary seven times, which he daily did in memory of the principal joys his blessed Patroness, the ever-glorious Virgin, received whilst upon earth, was favored with an apparition of the Queen of Heaven. She exhorted him to add seven Aves more each day in honor of the seven signal joys she possesses in heaven, and to instil the same devotion into the minds of others; assuring him that this instance of their respect and affection should not pass without her peculiar regard and recompense; that in their afflictions she would assist them, and that she would comfort and support them, especially at the hour of their death.
I.
SHE IS EXALTED ABOVE ALL THE CHOIRS OF HEAVEN.
REJOICE, O most glorious Virgin! thy profound humility and purity without example have raised
