God, who hast created me, thy unworthy servant, to thy own image, and hast deputed thy holy angel to be my guardian, grant me, by his guidance and protection, successfully to pass through all dangers both of soul and body, and, this life ended, to attain to the enjoyment with him of eternal happiness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CHAPTER III.
OF PATRONS TO BE CHOSEN OUT OF THE NUMBER OF THE SAINTS, AND HONOURED DAY BY DAY WITH A PARTICULAR DEVOTION.
Out of the number of the saints select for thy love and imitation one or more patrons, and by them offer up all thy works daily to God. Recommend thyself to their patronage every morning and evening, and many times during the day, especially in difficult and adverse circumstances, and in times of danger and temptation. Let them be, as it were, judges and witnesses, but especially directors of your actions. For the philosophers’ counsel already cited in reference to angels, holds good also with regard to the saints.
And when the Church celebrates their festivals, then do not forget to honour devoutly thy patrons as their client, by a particular exercise of piety, as fasting the day before, alms corporal or spiritual, greater diligence in prayer, chastisement of the flesh, &c. The holy patrons who are thus honoured and propitiated will not fail their clients in their difficulties and necessities.
A DAILY EXERCISE.
Or recommendation of one’s self to God and one’s holy Patrons.
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 Michael, the Archangel, Pray for us.
My holy Angel Guardian, Pray for me and protect me.
