paradise, my love, my all! O that I could receive thee with that same love wherewith all the holiest and most ardent souls have received thee until now, and with which the most holy Virgin Mary received thee. I unite this communion of mine with theirs.
O most holy Virgin Mary, my mother, see! I am now going to receive thy divine Son. I wish I might have thy heart in this moment, and that love with which thou didst receive him. Give thy Jesus this morning to me, as thou didst give him to the shepherds and the three holy kings. I desire to receive him from thy pure hands. Tell him that I am thy devoted servant; then he will love me more, and unite me more closely in this happy moment to himself.
When the Priest elevates the most Sacred Host, repeat with him three times the following words:
O LORD, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof, but say only the word, and my soul shall be healed.
Then, with your eyes modestly cast down, but your head erect, open your mouth, and advance your tongue a little and thus receive the Holy Sacrament. Be sure not to make any hasty movement with your mouth, but let the Priest himself lay it upon your tongue. Endeavour to swallow the holy Host by means of the moisture on your tongue without touching it with your teeth, and least of all with your finger. If other communicants-are still coming, and need to occupy your place, then, shortly after receiving, but not immediately, retire and make room for them; otherwise, especially when the Communion is given out of Mass, you may remum until the Priest gives his benediction.
Other Prayers before Communion.
PRAYER OF ST. AMBROSE.
O COMPASSIONATE Lord Jesus Christ, I, a sinner, nothing presuming on my own merits, but. trusting in thy mercy and goodness, draw near with
