St. Aligns., Serm. de Sanct.), draw me, I pray thee’ out of the deep pit wherein my sins have cast me, enabling me to save my soul. Ave Maria.
7. Though my tongue is unhallowed, yet, purest Virgin, I am bold to hail thee each hour of the day: “ Hail, hail, Mary, full of grace ” (Ave, ave, gratia plena.) From my heart I pray thee, replenish my soul with some little of that mighty grace wherewith the Holy Spirit overshadowed thee, and filled thee to overflowing. Ave Maria .
8. I believe, holiest Mary, that that mighty God, who was ever with thee, from thy conception (Dominus tecum), is, by his Incarnation in thy purest womb, made still more closely one with thee; make it thy care, I pray thee, that I may be with that same dear Lord Jesus, ever one heart and soul by means of sanctifying grace. Ave Maria.
9. O holiest Mary, shed over my heart and soul all heavenly benedictions, as thou thyself wast ever blest of God among all women (benedicta tu in mulieribus ); for I have this sure hope, that if, dear Mother, thou shalt bless me while I live, then when I die I shall be blessed of God in the everlasting glory of heaven. Ave Maria.
Then the Litanies, &c.
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
LET US PRAY.
O GOD who, by the message of an angel, didst will that thy Divine Word shouldst take flesh of the Blessed Virgin Mary; grant unto us thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be verily the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with thee. Through, &c.
