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Prayer before Mass.
O MERCIFUL Father, who didst so love the world as to give up for our redemption thy beloved Son; who, in obedience to thee, and for us sinners, humbled himself even unto the death of the cross, and continues to offer himself daily, by the ministry of his priests, for the living and the dead; we humbly beseech thee, that, penetrated with a lively faith, we may always assist with the utmost devotion and reverence at the oblation of his most precious body and blood, which is made at Mass, and thereby be made partakers of the sacrifice which he consummated on Calvary.
In union with thy Holy Church and its minister, and invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and all the angels and saints, we now offer the adorable Sacrifice of the Mass to thy honor and glory, to acknowledge thy infinite perfections, thy supreme dominion over all thy creatures, our entire subjection to thee, and total dependence on thy gracious providence, and in thanksgiving for all thy benefits, and for the remission of our sins.
We offer it for the propagation of the Catholic Faith, for our most Holy Father the Pope, for our archbishop (or bishop), 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 that are in high station, that we may lead quiet and holy lives; for peace and good-will among all states and people; for the necessities of mankind; and particularly for the congregation here present; to obtain all blessings we stand in need of
