Prayer-book for Religious/Book 2
Spiritual Exercises in the Morning
I. Aspirations and Invocations.
II, Mental Prayer.
III. Vocal Prayer.
On Awaking and Arising.
Aspirations.
In the name of the Father ✠, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
THE ANGELIC TRISAGION.
| SANCTUS, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus exercituum: Plena est terra gloria tua: Gloria Patri, gloria Filio, gloria Spiritui Sancto. Ghost. | HOLY, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts: the earth is full of Thy glory. Glory be to the Father, glory be to the Son, glory be to the Holy Ghost. |
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Clement XIV., June 6, 1769.
Omnia ad majorem Dei gloriam!
Prayer while Dressing
CLOTHE me, my Lord, with the robe of innocence; invest me, O most loving Jesus, true Spouse of my soul, with the wedding-garment of charity. Permit not that I appear stripped of good works before Thy face. Let me ever be loyal to Thee, and faithful to my promises.
Or, the following may be said:
CLOTHE me, my Lord, with the robe of innocence, and adorn my heart, O divine Spouse of my soul, with all the virtues that are pleasing to Thee; especially with humility, obedience, purity, charity, and an exact fidelity to my holy rules and vows.
Putting on the Habit.
O GOOD Jesus, divine Spouse of my soul, I thank Thee for this cherished token of my allegiance to Thee; and I beseech Thee, that, with Thy grace, I may preserve unsullied the wedding-garment with which Thou didst invest my soul on the blessed day of my consecration to Thee.
In spirit cast yourself into the Sacred Heart of Jesus and say some ejaculatory prayer.
Prayer to St. Gertrude on Awaking
Our divine Lord said to St. Mechtilde: When you awake in the morning, let your first act be to salute My Heart, and to offer Me your own.
I ADORE, praise, and salute Thee, O most sweet Heart of Jesus Christ, fresh and gladdening as the breath of spring, from which, as from a fountain of graces, sweeter than the honeycomb floweth evermore all good and all delight. I thank Thee with all the powers of my heart for having preserved me throughout this night, and for having rendered to God the Father praises and thanksgivings on my behalf. And now, O my sweet Love, I offer Thee my wretched and worthless heart as a morning sacrifice; I place it in Thy most tender Heart, and entrust it to Thy keeping; beseeching Thee that Thou wouldst deign to pour into it Thy divine inspirations, and to enkindle it with Thy holy love. Amen.
Prayer of Blessed Margaret Mary.
I BELIEVE that my Redeemer liveth, and that I shall rise again on the last day. Grant, O my God, that my resurrection be a glorious one. This hope rests in my heart. Replenish it, O God, so copiously with Thyself, that space be no longer found therein for creatures, for myself, or for earthly things. Permit me not, O Jesus, to fall from bodily into spiritual sleep, but awaken my heart, my spirit, and my will unto Thy love, in which I desire to persevere, like the angels, without interruption. O my divine Spouse, unite me so intimately with Thee that nothing shall be able to sever me from Thee. Thou art my life, my treasure, and my sole consolation. Let external occupations withdraw me not a moment from Thy holy presence, but let them rather be the means of a closer union with Thee.
O SACRED Heart of Jesus! O Heart of love! Wilt Thou have my poor heart? Take it, and plunge it into Thy Heart, that burning furnace of divine love, that it may be inflamed with charity.
O MOST amiable Heart! I love Thee because Thou art goodness itself. I offer Thee my heart and my whole being, in order to honor and glorify Thee now and for ever. Let me never displease Thee; help me ever to do what is most pleasing to Thee.
EJACULATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
MAY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Feb. 29, 1868.
Morning Invocations and Salutations
ORDINARY.
| V. Venite, adoremus Dominum, qui fecit nos. | V. Come, let us adore the Lord, Who made us. |
| R. Venite, adoremus. | R. Come, let us adore Him. |
EXTRAORDINARY.
On Christmas Day.
| V. Christus natus est nobis; venite, adoremus. | V. Christ is born to us; come, let us adore Him. |
| R. Venite, adoremus. | R. Come, let us adore Him. |
On Maundy Thursday.
| Christus factus est pro nobis obediens usque ad mortem. | Christ became obedient for us unto death. |
On Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
| Christus factus nobis obediens usque ad mortem; mortem autem crucis. | Christ became obedient for us unto death; even the death of the cross. |
On Easter Day.
| V. Surrexit Dominus vere,Alleluia. | V. The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia. |
| R. Alleluia, Alleluia. | R. Alleluia, Alleluia. |
On Ascension Day.
| V. Alleluia; Christum Dominum ascendentem in celum; venite, adoremus, Alleluia. | V. Alleluia; come, let us adore Christ, our Lord, ascending into heaven, Alleluia. |
| R. Venite, adoremus, Alleluia. | R. Come, let Him us adore Him, Alleluia. |
On Pentecost.
| V. Alleluia, Spiritus Domini replevit orbem terrarum; venite, adoremus, Alleluia. | V. Alleluia, the Spirit of the Lord hath filled the whole earth; come, let us adore Him, Alleluia. |
| R. Venite, adoremus, Alleluia. | R. Come, let us adore Him, Alleluia. |
Prayers before Meditation.
(For your selection.)
O MY God, I firmly believe that Thou art here present. Thou dost penetrate my heart, and dwell therein as in Thy living temple. I offer Thee my profound adoration and beseech Thee to give me the grace of perfect union with Thee now and for ever. Amen.
My Lord, I can do nothing of myself; I can not even have a good thought; therefore I beseech Thee, in this meditation, to direct all the powers of my soul to Thy service and glory, and to my sanctification. Amen.
ANOTHER PREPARATORY PRAYER.
MY God, I firmly believe Thou art everywhere present, and seest all things. Thou seest me in all my actions; Thou seest me in this, my meditation. I bow down before Thee and worship Thy divine majesty with my whole being. Cleanse my heart from all vain, wicked, and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will, that I may pray with reverence, attention, and devotion.
My Lord and my Creator! look graciously on Thy child, the work of Thy hands, and mercifully grant me the help of Thy grace, that all my intentions and acts during this meditation may be directed purely to the service and praise of Thy divine majesty; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ANOTHER FORM OF PRAYER BEFORE MEDITATION.
Pater and Ave.
O MY God, I believe that Thou art here truly present; that Thy divine eyes penetrate the secrets of my heart. Thou seest all its miseries.
I adore Thee in union with holy Mary, all the angels and saints, and all holy souls upon earth.
I deeply grieve for all my sins, especially for those which wound Thy Sacred Heart, and render my heart most unlike Thine.
I offer Thee, O Lord, all I possess: my soul with all its faculties, my body with all its senses. Miserable as this offering is, my God, it is all I have; and in return I ask the light of the Holy Spirit, that I may know Thy will — and Thy grace, that I may do it.
I beseech Thee, grant that I may draw fruit from this prayer. Holy Mary, blessed Mother of Jesus, refuge of poor sinners, and my dear Mother, pray for me.
St. Joseph, St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
A SHORT PREPARATORY PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART.
O MY Jesus, I desire to enter into Thy Sacred Heart, and to make my prayer there, that I may pray with Thee and through Thee, and adore the Father in spirit and in truth. I desire to unite myself as closely as possible to this source of all graces and blessings, that my heart may be inflamed, my mind enlightened, and all my deficiencies supplied. Amen.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST BEFORE MEDITATION.
COME, O Holy Spirit! fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O GOD, Who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be always truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O ETERNAL Father! shed upon us, we beseech Thee, the plenitude of Thy divine Spirit, and grant us an entire and perfect submission to the inspirations of Thy grace. We renounce every thought and affection which may withdraw us from Thy adorable presence, and we most earnestly implore, through the merits and sufferings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as also through the intercession of His immaculate Mother Mary, of our guardian angels, and of our patron saints, that this meditation may be conducive to Thy greater glory, and to our eternal salvation.
Prayers after Meditation.
(For your selection.)
OFFERING OF THE RESOLUTIONS.
MY God, I offer Thee these resolutions: that I may be faithful to them, I must have Thy blessing. From Thy goodness, then, I hope to obtain this blessing, which I ask of Thee in the name and through the merits of Jesus, my divine Saviour.
Holy Virgin, Mother of my God, who art also my Mother, my guardian angel, and my holy patron saints, obtain for me the grace to keep these resolutions with perfect fidelity.
THANKSGIVING AFTER MEDITATION.
O MY God, I most humbly thank Thee for having permitted me to be so long in Thy holy presence, although so unworthy. I thank Thee for the lights and good affections which I have received from Thy Holy Spirit. I beg Thy pardon for the distractions which I have had during this meditation. I consecrate anew to Thee my whole being, my thoughts, my words, and my actions.
O holy Virgin Mary, my dear Mother and my good Patroness, obtain for me from Jesus, thy Son, the grace to put my good resolutions into practice. O my good angel, my holy patrons, and all ye saints, pray for me, that I may preserve in my heart the truths upon which I have meditated, and that I may regulate my life in accordance with them. Amen.
ANOTHER FORM OF PRAYER AFTER MEDITATION.
O MY God, I give Thee heartfelt thanks for all the graces and for all the light Thou hast conferred on me during this meditation. Pardon me, I beseech Thee, all the negligence and all the distractions of which I have been guilty. Give me strength to carry out the resolutions that I have made. Fortify me, that from henceforth I may diligently practise this virtue . . . avoid this fault . . . perform this action ... to Thy honor. Help me to do this, O sweet Virgin Mary; and do thou, my good angel, recall these good resolutions to my memory, if I should ever forget or neglect them. Omnia ad majorem Dei gloriam!
Anima Christi.
ASPIRATIONS.
SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to Thee,
That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee
For ever and ever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX., Jan. 9, 1854.
Suscipe of Ignatius.
TAKE, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. Thou hast given me all that I am and all that I possess; I surrender it all to Thee, that Thou mayest dispose of it according to Thy will. Give me only Thy love and Thy grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will have no more to desire.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., May 26,
Morning Prayers.
In the name of the Father ✠, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Place Yourself in the Presence of God, and adore His holy Name.
MOST holy and adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I believe that Thou art here present; I adore Thee with the deepest humility, and render to Thee, with my whole heart, the homage which is due to Thy sovereign majesty. Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever. Amen.
AN ACT OF FAITH.
O MY God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I believe that Thy divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these, and all the truths which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.
AN ACT OF HOPE.
O MY God, relying on Thy infinite power, goodness, and promises, I hope to obtain the pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
AN ACT OF LOVE.
O MY God, I love Thee above all things, and with my whole heart, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee.
AN ACT OF CONTRITION.
O MY God, for the love of Thee, I heartily detest my sins. I am truly sorry for having offended Thee, because Thou art infinitely good. I firmly resolve never to offend Thee again, and by the help of Thy grace to amend my life.
Thank God for all Favors and Offer Yourself to Him.
MY God, Thou hast made me out of nothing, Thou hast redeemed me by the death of Thy Son, Thou hast sanctified me by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, Thou hast favored me by a call to the religious life, Thou has sent me so many blessings through the Holy Eucharist, Thou hast preserved me and brought me happily to the beginning of another day: I thank Thee, my Lord, most humbly and earnestly for these benefits and for all the graces which Thou hast bestowed upon me. I offer and consecrate to Thee my whole being, and in particular all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings this day, beseeching Thee that through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, my Saviour, they may all be pleasing and acceptable in Thy sight. May Thy divine love animate them, and may they all tend to Thy greater glory.
Resolve to Avoid Sin and to Practise Virtue.
ADORABLE Jesus, my Saviour and Master, model of all perfection, I resolve and will endeavor this day to imitate Thy example, to be, like Thee, mild, humble, chaste, obedient, charitable, and resigned. I will redouble my efforts that I may not fall this day into any of those sins which I have heretofore committed (here name any besetting sin), and which I sincerely desire to forsake.
Ask God for the Necessary Graces.
O MY God, Thou knowest my poverty and weakness, and that I am unable to do anything good without Thee; deny me not, O God, the help of Thy grace; proportion it to my necessities; give me strength to avoid anything evil which Thou forbiddest, and to practise the good which Thou hast commanded; and enable me to bear patiently all the trials which it may please Thee to send me.
Let us pray for the Holy Church.
O GOD, hear our prayers in behalf of our holy Father, Pope.. .., our bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us. Bless all Religious; bless the whole Catholic Church; convert all heretics and unbelievers; have mercy upon our country. Pour down Thy blessings, O Lord, upon all our friends, relatives, and benefactors. Help the poor and sick, and those who are in their last agony. O God of mercy and goodness, have compassion on the souls of the faithful in purgatory; put an end to their sufferings; and grant to all those for whom we are particularly bound to pray, eternal light, rest, and happiness.
V. Requiem eternam dona eis, Domine;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER.
| PATER noster, qui es in coelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum: adveniat regnum tuum: fiat voluntas tua, sicut in coelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem: sed libera nos a malo. Amen. | Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen. |
THE HAIL MARY.
| AVE, Maria, gratia plena; Dominus tecum; benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostre. Amen. | HAIL, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. |
THE APOSTLES’ CREED.
| CREDO in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem coeli et terre; et in Jesum Christum, Filium ejus unicum, Dominum nostrum: qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus. Descendit ad inferos; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis; ascendit ad coelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis; inde venturus est judicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, Sanctam Ecclesiam Catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam eternam. Amen. | I BELIEVE in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. |
Make the intention to gain all the indulgences you can this day by your prayers and good works.
Ask the Prayers of the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, your Guardian Angel, and your Patron Saint.
HOLY Virgin, Mother of God, my Mother and Patroness, I place myself under thy protection, I throw myself with confidence into the arms of thy compassion. Be to me, O Mother of mercy, my refuge in distress, my consolation under suffering, my advocate with thy adorable Son, now and at the hour of my death.
INVOCATION TO ST. JOSEPH.
HELP us, Joseph, in our earthly strife,
E'er to lead a pure and blameless life.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII., March 18, 1882.
ANGEL of God, my guardian dear,
To whom His love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
O GREAT saint whose name I bear, protect me,
pray for me, that like thee I may serve God
faithfully on earth, and glorify Him eternally with thee
in heaven. Amen.
PRAISES TO THE WILL OF GOD.
MAY the most just, most high, most adorable will of God be in all things done, and praised, and for ever magnified.
INVOCATIONS.
JESUS, have mercy on us.
Jesus, have mercy on us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
All ye holy angels, pray for us.
Holy apostles, pray for us.
Holy martyrs, pray for us.
Holy confessors, pray for us.
Holy virgins, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist, pray for us.
St. Benedict, pray for us.
St. Dominic, pray for us.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
St. Ignatius, pray for us.
St. Vincent of Paul, pray for us.
St. Francis of Sales, pray for us.
St. Augustine, pray for us.
St. Charles, pray for us.
St. Bernard, pray for us.
St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
St. Patrick, pray for us.
St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us.
St. Roch, pray for us.
St. Teresa, pray for us.
St. Gertrude, pray for us.
St. Mechtilde, pray for us.
St. Ursula and all your holy companions, pray for us.
St. Hildegard, pray for us.
St. Catharine, pray for us.
St. Clara, pray for us.
St. Angela Merici, pray for us.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth. St. Rose, Bl. Margaret Mary, pray for us.
All the holy founders and great saints of the Religious Orders, pray for us.
May all the saints in heaven intercede with God for us.[1]
LET US PRAY FOR OUR REVEREND MOTHER.
V. O LORD, save N.N., our reverend Mother;
R. And hear our prayers in her behalf.
Let us pray.
WE beseech Thee, almighty and eternal God, grant to Thy servant, N.N., who, through Thy mercy, hath undertaken the government of this Congregation, the light of Thy Holy Spirit, and an increase of all virtues, that she may perform the works that are pleasing to Thee, and, being rendered acceptable in Thy sight, may come at length to Thee, Who art the way, the truth, and the life. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord. Amen.
Pater, Ave.
Renewal of Vows.
I WISH, dear Jesus, to follow closely in Thy footsteps this day, carrying my cross — the cross of religious life — after Thee. I desire to fasten myself to the cross by renewing my holy vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, so that I may resemble Thee more closely, my crucified Saviour, Who art the sweet Spouse of my soul. May all my actions, performed in union with Thee, be pleasing to the heavenly Father, as springing from the tree of the cross, to which I nailed myself on the happy day on which I made these vows. Sweet cross! Thou art my joy and my salvation.
Short formula of Renovation of Vows
ALMIGHTY and eternal God, I renew and confirm with all my heart the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience which I made at my profession, and I implore Thy grace to accomplish them perfectly. Amen.
MORNING OFFERING OF THE " APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER."
O MY God, I offer Thee my prayers, works, and sufferings this day, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for which He pleads and offers Himself in holy Mass, in thanksgiving for Thy favors, in reparation for our offences, for the petitions of our associates, especially this month for -
(Name the General Intention for this month.)
EJACULATION IN HONOR OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
MAY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., Feb. 29, 1868.
A SHORT ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
MY loving Jesus! I, N.N., give Thee my heart, and I consecrate myself wholly to Thee, out of the grateful love I bear Thee, and as a reparation for all my unfaithfulness; and with Thy aid I purpose never to sin again.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day, if said before a picture of the Sacred Heart. — Pius VII., June 9, 1807.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation!
Instead of the preceding Invocations may be recited the
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
LORD, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Jesus, Son of the living God,
Jesus, splendor of the Father,
Jesus, brightness of eternal light,
Jesus, king of glory,
Jesus, sun of justice,
Jesus, son of the Virgin Mary,
Jesus, most amiable,
Jesus, most admirable,
Jesus, mighty God,
Jesus, father of the world to come, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, angel of the great council,
Jesus, most powerful,
Jesus, most patient,
Jesus, most obedient,
Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Jesus, lover of chastity,
Jesus, lover of us,
Jesus, God of peace,
Jesus, author of life,
Jesus, model of virtues,
Jesus, zealous for souls,
Jesus, our God,
Jesus, our refuge,
Jesus, father of the poor,
Jesus, treasure of the faithful, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, good shepherd,
Jesus, true light,
Jesus, eternal wisdom,
Jesus, infinite goodness,
Jesus, our way and our life,
Jesus, joy of angels,
Jesus, king of patriarchs,
Jesus, master of apostles,
Jesus, teacher of evangelists,
Jesus, strength of martyrs,
Jesus, light of confessors,
Jesus, purity of virgins,
Jesus, crown of all saints,
Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus.
Be merciful, graciously hear
us, O Jesus.
From all evil,
From all sin,
From Thy wrath,
From the snares of the devil, Jesus, deliver us.
From the spirit of fornication,
From everlasting death,
From the neglect of Thy inspirations,
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation,
Through Thy nativity,
Through Thine infancy,
Through Thy most divine life,
Through Thy labors,
Through Thine agony and Passion,
Through Thy cross and dereliction,
Through Thy faintness and weariness, Jesus,deliver us.
Through Thy death and burial,
Through Thy Resurrection,
Through Thine Ascension.
Through Thy joys,
Through Thy glory,
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us, O Jesus.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Who hast said: Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; grant, we beseech Thee, unto us who ask, the gift of Thy most divine love, that we may ever love Thee with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease showing forth Thy praise.
Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy name; for Thou never failest to govern those whom Thou dost solidly establish in Thy love. Who livest and reignest, etc. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day.—Leo XIII., Jan. 16, 1886.
THE ANGELUS DOMINI.
THE angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary, etc.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, etc.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc.
Let us pray.
POUR forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord! Thy grace into our hearts, that we, unto whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may, by His Passion and cross, be brought to the glory of the Resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
INSTEAD OF THE Angelus SAY THE Regina Cæli.
From Easter until Trinity.
Queen of heaven, rejoice,
Alleluia.
For He Whom thou didst deserve to bear,
Alleluia.
Is risen again as He said,
Alleluia.
Pray for us to God,
Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary!
Alleluia.
R. Because Our Lord is truly risen,
Alleluia.
Let us pray.
O God, Who, by the Resurrection of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, hath been pleased to fill the world with joy, grant, we beseech Thee, that by the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may receive the joys of eternal life: through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
HYMN AT PRIME ON SUNDAYS AND WEEK-DAYS THROUGH OUT THE YEAR.
Jam lucis orto sidere.
NOW doth the sun ascend the sky, loges
And wake creation with its ray;
Keep us from sin, O Lord most high!
Through all the actions of the day.
Curb Thou for us th' unruly tongue;
Teach us the way of peace to prize;
And close our eyes against the throng
Of earth's absorbing vanities.
Oh, may our hearts be pure within!
No cherish' d madness vex the soul!
May abstinence the flesh restrain,
And its rebellious pride control.
So when the evening stars appear,
And in their train the darkness bring;
May we, O Lord, with conscience clear,
Our praise to Thy pure glory sing.
To God the Father, glory be,
And to His sole-begotten Son,
Glory, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
While everlasting ages run.
A Short Form of Morning Prayers for Religious.
(All the essential points of the preceding Morning Prayers will be found condensed in this Short Form.)
IN the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Most holy and adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I adore Thee, as Thou art truly present here, with the deepest humility, and render to Thee, with my whole heart, the worship that is due to Thy sovereign majesty.
O my good God, I thank Thee for having preserved me during the past night, for all the favors Thou hast hitherto granted me, and especially for the grace of my vocation to the religious life.
I believe in Thee, because Thou art truth itself;
I hope in Thee, because Thou art all good, all-powerful, and faithful to Thy promises;
I love Thee above all things, and with my whole heart, because Thou art infinitely perfect and worthy of all love. I am truly sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinitely good, and I heartily detest my sins because by them I have displeased Thee. I am firmly resolved, with the help of Thy grace, to amend my life, and to strive more earnestly than ever after perfection in the following of Christ and in the imitation of the saints. Accept, O Lord, my good will; grant me Thy blessing, that I may do Thy holy will and please Thee this day in all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings, which I offer and consecrate to Thee, for Thy greater glory, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the immaculate Heart of Mary.
I intend to gain all the indulgences that I can this day, and to be present in spirit at all the Masses which will be celebrated to-day in the whole world.
I beseech Thee, O Lord, to accept the dedication of my whole being, and of all my good works and prayers to Thy divine honor, in union with the offerings of all just souls on earth, and of all Religious Congregations.
I implore Thy grace to enable me to perform all my duties in the spirit of our Holy Rule, and to observe faithfully my vows, which I now renew. Bless our dear Reverend Mother in the government of our holy Institute, and direct her in the way of salvation. Teach us all to do Thy will, O God, and strengthen us to fulfill it perfectly.
O Jesus, ever-present in the adorable Sacrament of the Altar, may every creature praise and bless Thee.
O Sacrament most holy; O Sacrament divine;
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
Lord Jesus, keep me in Thy love; let me dwell in Thy Sacred Heart, let me live in close union with Thee all through the day.
Mary, my dear Mother, I love thee; bless me and protect me.
St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for me. My good angel, enlighten and guard me, rule and guide me. My holy patron saints, I salute you, and beseech you, together with all the angels and saints, to pray for me.
Unto the King of ages, the immortal, invisible, only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever!
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us unto life everlasting.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Morning Offering to the Blessed Sacrament.
O SWEETEST Jesus, divine Friend, Thou hast been watching and waiting patiently and lovingly in Thy lonely tabernacle all through the dark night for this moment, which finds me once more at Thy blessed feet, that I may be consoled and strengthened by Thy presence. And now, my dearest Lord, I have come in humble adoration before Thee, with a heart full of thanks for abiding with us "all days," for having protected and preserved me during the past night, and for having given me another day to labor for Thy greater honor and glory, and for the salvation of my soul. In reparation for all the sufferings that Thy Sacred Heart endures in the Blessed Sacrament, I offer Thee the adoration and praise of all the just on earth, of all the angels and saints in heaven, and especially of Thy blessed Mother. I offer Thee my heart, my soul., my body, and all that I have. My whole being shall be consecrated to Thy service. Deign to make me obedient, modest, humble, patient, kind, and simple as a little child; draw me to Thee in ever closer union with Thy loving Sacred Heart; make me resigned to Thy holy will, and grant that I may be found worthy one day of that reward which Thou hast promised to those who love and serve Thee faithfully on earth. Give me Thy grace, that I may become a saint. Oh, stay with us, dear Jesus, till the evening of life. Pardon me all my past transgressions; for I love Thee truly with my whole heart; and when death comes, say to me: " Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Amen.
Evening Prayers.
IN the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Place Yourself in the Presence of God and Humbly Adore Him.
GREAT God! the Lord of heaven and earth! I prostrate myself before Thee. With the adorable Heart of Jesus, the immaculate heart of Mary, and with all Thy angels and saints, I adore Thee, and render to Thee the homage of my being and life. I acknowledge Thee to be my Creator and sovereign Lord. I devote myself to Thy divine service now and for ever. Amen.
AN ACT OF FAITH.
O MY God! I firmly believe all the sacred truths which Thy Holy Catholic Church believes and teaches; because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.
AN ACT OF HOPE.
O MY God! relying on Thy infinite power, goodness, and promises, I hope to obtain the pardon of my sins, the assistance of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
AN ACT OF LOVE.
O MY God! I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art infinitely amiable, and deserving of all love. I love, also, my neighbor as myself, for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and Credo.
Return Thanks to God for all His Mercies.
I THANK Thee, O my God, for all Thy benefits. How can I thank Thee worthily for Thy inestimable graces? Thou hast thought of me and loved me from all eternity; Thou hast formed me out of nothing; Thou hast delivered up Thy beloved Son to the ignominious death of the cross for my redemption; Thou hast made me a member of Thy holy Church; Thou hast even called me to the religious life; Thou hast preserved me from falling into the abyss of eternal misery, when my sins had provoked Thee to punish me; Thou hast graciously continued to spare me, even though I have not ceased to offend Thee. What return, O my God, can I make for Thy innumerable blessings and particularly for the favors of this day? O all ye saints and angels, unite with me in praising the God of mercies, Who is so bountiful to so unworthy a creature.
Ask of God Light to Discover the Sins Committed this Day.
O MY God, sovereign Judge of men, Who desirest not the death of a sinner, but that he should be converted and saved, enlighten my mind, that I may know the sins which I have this day committed in thought, word, and deed, and give me the grace of true contrition.
Here Examine your Conscience; then Say:
O MY God, I heartily repent, and am grieved that I have offended Thee, because Thou art infinitely good and sin is infinitely displeasing to Thee. I humbly ask of Thee mercy and pardon, through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ. I resolve by the assistance of Thy grace, to do penance for my sins, and I will endeavor never more to offend Thee.
THE CONFITEOR.
I CONFESS to Almighty God, to blessed Mary, ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, all the saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
May almighty God have mercy upon us, and forgive us our sins, and bring us unto life everlasting. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, ✠ absolution, and remission of our sins. Amen.
Pray for the Church of Christ.
O GOD, hear my prayers in behalf of our holy Father Pope N., our bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us. Bless, I beseech Thee, the whole Catholic Church, and convert all heretics and unbelievers.
Let us pray for our Reverend Mother. (See Morning Prayers, page 132), or say the Memorare for her.
Pray for the Living and for the Faithful Departed.
POUR down Thy blessings, O Lord, upon all our friends, relations and benefactors. Bless our Institute. Help the poor and sick, and those who are in their last agony. O God of mercy and goodness, have compassion on the souls of the faithful in purgatory; put an end to their sufferings, and grant to them eternal light, rest, and happiness. Have pity especially upon the souls of our Superiors, and of the Sisters who once dwelt in this house, and who have gone before us, through the portals of death, into the house of eternity.
V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Amen.
Commend Yourself to God, to the Blessed Virgin, and the Saints.
BLESS, O Lord, the repose I am about to take, that, my bodily strength being renewed, I may be the better enabled to serve Thee.
O BLESSED Virgin Mary, Mother of mercy, pray for me that I may be preserved this night from all evil, whether of body or soul. Dear St. Joseph, all ye saints and angels, and especially you, my guardian angel and my chosen patron, watch over me. I commend myself to your protection now and always. Amen.
MEMORARE TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful, O Mother of the Word Incarnate! despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Mary, my dearest Mother, pray to Jesus for me; pray for our Reverend Mother.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin.
LORD, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
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,
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure, Pray for us.
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Saviour,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical Rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,Pray for us.
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of angels,
Queen of patriarchs,
Queen of prophets,
Queen of apostles,
Queen of martyrs,
Queen of confessors,
Queen of virgins,
Queen of all saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest
away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Indulgence of 300 days every time; plenary indulgence under usual conditions.-Pius VII., Sept. 30, 1817.
SUB TUUM PRÆSIDIUM.
WE fly to thy patronage! O holy Mother of God, despise not our petitions in our necessities, and deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin!
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
POUR forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may, by His Passion and cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
DEFEND, O Lord, we beseech Thee, by the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, this Thy family from all adversity; and mercifully protect us, who prostrate ourselves before Thee with all our hearts, from the snares of the enemy.
O God, Who by Thy unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most holy Mother; grant that, while we venerate him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to be aided by his intercession in heaven. Who livest and reignest, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this night to keep us without sin.
R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
Let us pray.
VISIT, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive from it all the snares of the enemy. Let Thy holy angels dwell herein, to preserve us in peace; and may Thy blessing be upon us forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give my heart and my soul to you;
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony;
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.
Consecration of Religious Communities.
O SACRED Heart of Jesus, whence came those words of truly ineffable love: "Come to Me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you." Relying upon this promise of Thine infinite tenderness and charity, in the trials and hardships of our times, when the universal Church is attacked in her chief Pastor and in her religious children, we betake ourselves to Thee. We have determined to consecrate to Thee for ever, solemnly and anew, this our house, ourselves, and all that belongs to us. Do Thou graciously look down upon us and accept our vows, that, sealed by Thy grace, they may ever remain firm and unchangeable.
Wherefore, dearest Jesus, our sovereign Lord and Leader, we, although most unworthy members of this (College, Convent, Academy, House, etc., N.N.), yet trusting in Thy help and grace, offer, and consecrate ourselves and our household entirely to Thy most Sacred Heart, and we submit ourselves and all that we have to Thy most holy will.
We call upon our blessed Lady, Thy Virgin Mother, our Founder N., and the whole court of heaven to witness that this is our intention, our desire, and our firm determination to imitate as closely as possible Thy most Sacred Heart in practising the virtues belonging to our state of life, in order that we may promote Thy glory in ourselves, and make some reparation for all the grievous insults offered to Thee.
We, therefore, implore Thee, dearest Jesus, to protect our house, to guard us Thy servants for ever in Thy most Sacred Heart, and to sanctify our labors, our studies, and trials. May we, by Thy grace, advance Thy greater glory, the salvation of souls, and devotion to Thy most Sacred Heart. Amen.
Act of Consecration for Religious.
Ven. de la Colombiere.
O MY amiable Redeemer. I give and consecrate myself to Thy Sacred Heart without reserve.
I have in a manner nailed myself to Thy cross by the vows of my profession; I renew them in this divine Heart in presence of heaven and earth; and I return Thee thanks for having inspired me to make them.
I own that the yoke of Thy holy service is neither hard nor heavy; I do not find myself embarrassed with my chains; on the contrary, I would wish to multiply them, or rivet them yet closer upon me.
I embrace, then, the dear cross of my vocation, even to my death; it shall be all my pleasure, all my glory, and all my delight.
God forbid that I should glory, that I should ever rejoice, save in the cross of Jesus Christ.
God forbid that I should ever have any other treasure than His poverty, any other delight than His sufferings, any other love than Himself.
No, no, my amiable Lord, never will I separate myself from Thee; and I will attach myself to none but Thee; the narrowest paths of the life of perfection to which I am called give me no alarm, because Thou art my light and my strength.
I hope, then, O Lord, that Thou wilt render me steadfast under all temptations, victorious against the efforts of my enemies, and that Thou wilt stretch out over me that beneficent hand, which has bestowed upon me so many favors, and make me ever more and more liberal toward Thee.
I entreat this of Thee, O my adorable Jesus, by Thy blood, by all Thy wounds, and by Thy Sacred Heart.
Grant that by the consecration which I make to Thee of all that I am, I may become this day entirely renewed in Thy love. Amen.
A Short Form of Evening Prayers
IN the name of thee Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Pater Noster, Ave Maria, Credo.
I ADORE Thee, O my God, and return Thee thanks for all the benefits which I have ever received from Thee, and particularly this day. Give me light to see what sins I have committed during the past day, and grant me grace to be truly sorry for them.
(Here examine your conscience.)
Offences against God ; against your neighbor; against yourself; Where have you been? With whom have you been?
Commandments of God; poverty, chastity, obedience; the Holy Rule; the predominant passion; resolutions; prayers, works, and sufferings. Does your conscience reproach you with regard to any of these points?
O MY God, forgive me my offences; I am truly sorry for having sinned, because Thou art infinitely good, and sin displeases Thee. I purpose, with the help of Thy grace, never to sin again. I love Thee above all things, and with my whole heart, because Thou art infinitely amiable and worthy of all love.
I beseech Thee, Lord, to preserve me this night, and to keep me from all sin. I take this sleep to please Thee, and I have the intention to love Thee, praise Thee, and thank Thee with every breath I draw, in union with the angels and saints in heaven.
O MOST amiable Heart of Jesus! let me, my relatives, and friends, and all that have commended themselves to my prayer, and for whom I am bound to pray, especially our reverend Mother, experience Thy most powerful aid. Assist them individually in their necessities. O Heart full of mercies! convert all hardened hearts, console the souls in purgatory, be the refuge of the dying, the consolation of all distressed and suffering. Above all, be the refuge of my soul at the hour of death, and receive it into the bosom of Thy mercy.
In it I sleep securely and rest in peace.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
MAY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Mary, my dear Mother, bless me, and keep me under thy protecting mantle. St. Joseph, my good angel, and my dear patron saints, pray for me.
MAY Our Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and bring us to life everlasting. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
A PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH.
In Connection with the Seven Last Words of Our Lord on the Cross.
DIVINE Jesus! Incarnate Word of God! Who, having taken flesh for my salvation, didst vouchsafe to be born in a stable, to lead a life of poverty, toil, and love, and finally to expire in agony on the cross: Say, I beseech Thee, to Thy eternal Father at the moment of my death: "Father, forgive her; " say to Thy blessed Mother: " Behold thy child; " say to my soul: "To-day shalt thou be with Me in paradise."
My God, my God, forsake me not in that hour! "I thirst!" Yea, my soul thirsts, O my God, after Thee; Thou art the Fountain of living waters.
My life is passing away as a tale that is told; yet a little while, and all will be " consummated; " therefore my adorable Saviour, even from this moment, for all eternity: "Into Thy hands I commend my spirit." My Jesus, mercy!
Night Offering to the Blessed Sacrament.
O DIVINE Jesus! lonely to-night in so many tabernacles, without visitor or worshipper, I offer Thee my poor, but loving heart. May every pulsation be a prayer of love to Thee. Thou art ever watching under the sacramental veils; in Thy love Thou never sleepest, and Thou art never weary of Thy vigil for sinners. O good Jesus, I love Thee. Thou art infinitely good, and I have displeased Thee by many sins. Forgive me — I am truly sorry for having offended Thee. O sweet Jesus! O lonely Jesus! may my heart be a lamp, the light of which shall burn henceforth for Thee alone. Bless me, Jesus. Come, and refresh me spiritually by Thy presence, before I take my repose. Let me nevermore be separated from Thee by sin. Adorable Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of divine love! within Thy sacred wound take Thou my soul, in order that my heart may be inflamed with the love of Thee.
O Prisoner of love! divine Jesus! chain my poor heart to the foot of Thy altar. Dearest Jesus, Thou hast made my heart for Thyself alone, and it will not find rest, except in Thee; hide it within Thy divine Heart in the tabernacle. When shall I see Thee face to face, and rest for ever in Thy bosom? Good Lord, my heart is weary; suffer me to enter and repose in Thy Sacred Heart. O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
MAKE me, Jesus, wholly Thine;
Take this wayward heart of mine;
Guide me through this world so drear —
Heart of Jesus, hear!
When I draw my parting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
Then, sweet Jesus, be Thou near —
Heart of Jesus, hear!
Vespert-Song of Our Lady
(Luke I.)
THE MAGNIFICAT.
My soul doth magnify the Lord.
And my spirit hath rejoiced: in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded: the humility of His handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
Because He that is mighty hath done great things unto me: and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is from generation to generation: unto them that fear Him.
He hath showed might with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath helped His servant Israel: being mindful of His mercy.
As He Spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory, etc.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we, Thy servants, amy enjoy perpetual health, both of mind and body: and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and attain unto eternal joy. Through Our Lord, etc.
R. Amen,
Or the following:
Let us pray.
O GOD, Who wast pleased that Thy Word, at the message of an angel, should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary; grant to Thy humble servants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be assisted by her intercessions with Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
DE PROFUNDIS.
For the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
OUT of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord! Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark our iniquities: O Lord, who shall stand it?
For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even unto night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with Him plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Or Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and
V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Indulgence of 100 days to all the faithful who, at the sound of the bell, at the first hour after nightfall, shall say devoutly on their knees the psalm De profundis, or the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Requiem aeternam.
Plenary indulgence, once a year, on usual conditions. — Clement XII., Aug. 11, 1736. Pius VI., March 18, 1781, granted these indulgences to all the faithful who may happen to dwell in a place where no bell for the dead is sounded, provided they shall say the De profundis, or the Our Father, and the Hail Mary, etc., about nightfall. Pius IX., July 18, 1877, declared that these indulgences can be gained on the recital as above of the De profundis, or the Our Father, etc., before or after nightfall, provided that the bell is sounded at such hour, according to the custom of the church or place. Leo XIII., Feb. 3, 1888, granted indulgence of 50 days three times a day.
Compline.[2]
The Reader begins.
V. Pray, give the blessing,
The Blessing (by the Superior.)
May the Lord almighty grant us a quiet night, and a perfect end.
R. Amen.
Short Lesson. (i Pet. V. 8.)
BRETHREN, be sober, and watch, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour; whom resist ye, strong in faith. But do Thou, O Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
Our Father, etc. (All in secret.)
The Priest then says the Confiteor.
The Choir answers:
MAY almighty God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee thy sins, and bring thee to life everlasting.
R. Amen.
Then the Choir repeats the Confession:
I CONFESS to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to you, Father: that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed: through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, all the saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
The Priest says:
May almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to life everlasting.
R. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins.
R. Amen.
Then is said:
V. Convert us, O God our Saviour.
R. And turn away Thy anger from us.
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia, or, Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of everlasting glory.
Ant. Have mercy.
Ant. Alleluia.
Psalm IV. Cum Invocarem.
WHEN I called upon Him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, Thou hast enlarged me.
Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.
O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart: why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?
Know ye also that the Lord hath made His holy One wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto Him.
Be ye angry and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.
Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: many say, Who showeth us good things?
The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: Thou hast given gladness in my heart.
By the fruit of their corn, their wine and oil: they are multiplied.
In peace in the self same: I will sleep and I will rest.
For Thou, O Lord, singularly: hast settled me in hope.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Psalm XXX. In Te, Domine, Speravi.
IN Thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded: deliver me in Thy justice.
Bow down Thy ear to me: make haste to deliver me.
Be Thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of refuge: to save me.
For Thou art my strength and my refuge: and for Thy name's sake, Thou wilt lead me and nourish me.
Thou wilt bring me out of this snare, which they have hidden for me: for Thou art my protector.
Into Thy hands I commend my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Psalm XC. Qui Habitat.
HE that dwelleth in the aid of the Most High: shall abide under the protection of the God of heaven.
He shall say to the Lord, Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in Him will I trust.
For He hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word.
He will overshadow thee with His shoulders: and under His wings thou shalt trust.
His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.
Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee.
But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked.
Because Thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the Most High thy refuge.
There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.
For He hath given His angels charge over thee: to keep thee in all thy ways.
In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.
Because he hath hoped in Me, I will deliver him: I will protect him, because he hath known My name.
He shall cry to Me, and I will hear him: I am with him in his trouble: I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.
I will fill him with length of days: and I will show him My salvation.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Psalm CXXXIII. Ecce Nunc.
BEHOLD now, bless ye the Lord: all ye servants of the Lord.
Who stand in the house of the Lord in the courts of the house of Our God.
In the nights lift up your hands to the holy places: and bless ye the Lord.
May the Lord out of Sion bless thee: He that made heaven and earth.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Ant. Have mercy on me,
O Lord, and hear my prayer.
Hymn.
NOW with the fast-departing light,
Maker of all! we ask of Thee,
Of Thy great mercy, through the night
Our guardian and defence to be.
Far off let idle visions fly;
No phantom of the night molest;
Curb Thou our raging enemy,
That we in chaste repose may rest.
Father of mercies, hear our cry;
Hear us, O sole-begotten Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost most high,
Reignest while endless ages run.
Little Chapter. (Jer. XIV.)
THOU, O Lord, art among us, and Thy holy name is invoked upon us; forsake us not, O Lord our God.
R. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Choir. Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
V. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, the God of truth.
Choir. I commend my spirit.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Choir. Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
V. Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of Thy eye.
R. Protect us under the shadow of Thy wings.
In Paschal time, the above is said thus:
In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum. Alleluia, alleluia.
Chor. In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum. Alleluia, alleluia.
V. Redemisti nos, Domine, Deus veritatis.
Chor. Alleluia, alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Chor. In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum. Alleluia, alleluia.
V. Custodi nos, Domine, ut pupillam oculi. Alleluia.
R. Sub umbra alarum tuarum protege nos. Alleluia.
The Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon.
Ant.
SAVE us. Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord: according to Thy word, in peace.
Because my eyes have seen: Thy salvation.
Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples.
A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, etc. Ant. Save us, O Lord, when we are awake, and keep us while we sleep; that we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace. (In Paschal time, Alleluia.)
The following Prayers are omitted on Doubles, and within Octaves:
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father. (In secret.)
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
I believe in God. (In secret.)
V. The resurrection of the body.
R. And life everlasting. Amen.
V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
R. And worthy to be praised and glorious for ever.
V. Let us bless the Father and the Son with the Holy Ghost.
R. Let us praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
R. And worthy to be praised, and glorious, and exalted above all for ever.
V. May the almighty and merciful Lord bless and preserve us.
R. Amen.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this night.
R. To keep us without sin.
V. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
R. Have mercy on us.
V. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
R. As we have hoped in Thee.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
VISIT, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let Thy holy angels dwell herein, to preserve us in peace; and may Thy blessing be always upon us. Through Our Lord.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
The Blessing.
May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless and preserve us.
R. Amen.
Then is said one of the Antiphons of the Blessed Virgin, according to the season. The Antiphon is to be said kneeling, except in Paschal time, when it is to be said standing.
I.
From Vespers of Saturday before First Sunday in Advent to the Purification, inclusive.
ALMA REDEMPTORIS.
MOTHER of Christ! hear thou thy people's cry,
Star of the deep, and portal of the sky!
Mother of Him Who thee from nothing made,
Sinking we strive, and call to thee for aid;
Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee,
Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see.
In Advent.
V. The angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray.
POUR forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may, by His Passion and cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
From Christmas-day to the Purification.
V. After child-birth thou didst remain a pure virgin.
R. Intercede for us, O Mother of God.
Let us pray.
O GOD, Who, by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession for us, through whom we have deserved to receive the Author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
Our Father. (In secret.)
II.
From Compline on the Feast of the Purification to Maundy Thursday exclusively.
AVE REGINA.
HAIL, O Queen of heaven enthroned!
Hail, by angels mistress owned!
Root of Jesse, Gate of morn,
Whence the world's true light was born.
Glorious Virgin, joy to thee, Loveliest whom in heaven they see.
Fairest thou where all are fair!
Plead with Christ our sins to spare.
V. Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, O sacred Virgin.
R. Give me strength against thine enemies.
Let us pray.
GRANT, O merciful God, support to our frailty; that we who commemorate the holy Mother of God, may, by the help of her intercession, arise from our iniquities. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
III.
From Compline on Holy Saturday till Trinity Eve.
REGINA COELI.
QUEEN of heaven rejoice; Alleluia.
Because He Whom thou hast deserved to bear, Alleluia.
Has risen as He said; Alleluia.
Pray God for us; Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary: Alleluia.
R. Because the Lord hath truly risen: Alleluia.
Let us pray.
O GOD, Who, through the Resurrection of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, hast deigned to make the world rejoice, grant, we beseech Thee, that through His Virgin Mother Mary, we may receive the joys of perpetual life. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
IV.
From First Vespers of Trinity Sunday to Advent.
SALVE REGINA.
HAIL, holy Queen, Mothrer of mercy;
Our life, our sweetness, and our hope,
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us.
And after this our exile show unto us
The blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY, everlasting God, Who, by the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare the body and soul of Mary, glorious Virgin and Mother, to become the worthy habitation of Thy Son; grant that we may be delivered from present evils and from everlasting death by her gracious intercession, in whose commemoration we rejoice. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen.
With regard to the hymn at Compline, "Te Lucis" it is to be noted that the last verse is sometimes said thus, altered in honor of the Incarnation, on feasts of Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin.
Jesu, the Virgin-born, to Thee Eternal praise be given,
With Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Here, as it is in heaven.
Amen.
In Paschal time, in honor of the Resurrection.
To God the Father, with the Son
Who from the grave immortal rose,
And Thee, O Paraclete, be praise,
While age on endless ages flows.
Amen.
On feasts of Our Lady, the two following verses are sung in its place by some Religions:
O Mary, Mother of all grace,
And mercy to our sinful race,
Protect us from the demon's power,
And take us at life's closing hour.
All glory be to Thee, O Lord,
A Virgin's Son, o'er all adored,
And equal praise for ever greet,
The Father and the Paraclete. Amen.
A Formula of the Vows.
ALMIGHTY and eternal God! I, N.N., in profound adoration before the Holy Trinity, and in presence of the blessed Virgin Mary, and of all the angels and saints, vow and promise to Thy supreme Majesty, and, subject to the good pleasure of His Lordship, the Bishop, to you, reverend Mother, as first holding the place of God to me, poverty, chastity, and obedience[3] (for a year in the Company or Congregation N.N.); and I hope to obtain, through the merits of Jesus Christ, Who inspires me to make these vows, and through the intercession of the saints, the grace to accomplish them. Amen.
Renewal of the Vows.
ALMIGHTY and eternal God! I, Sister N.N., now renew and confirm with my whole heart the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which I made at my profession. I implore Thee, O God of infinite goodness and mercy, by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and through the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary, to grant me the grace to fulfil these vows perfectly. Amen.
Grace Before and After Meals.
BEFORE DINNER.
SUPERIOR- Let us
praise the Lord.
The rest answer — Let us praise the Lord.
V. The eyes of all hope in Thee, O Lord, and Thou givest them food in a favorable time.
R. Thou openest Thy hand, and fillest every living creature with Thy blessing.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on 174 Grace Before and After Meals.
fiat voluntas tua sicut in coelo et in terra; panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie; et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittibus debi- toribus nostris; {loud) Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. R. Sed libera nos a malo.
Or emus.
BENEDIC, Domine, nos, et haec tua dona, quae de tua largitate sumus sump- turi. Per Christum Domi- num nostrum.
R. Amen. Jube, Domine, earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
Let us pray.
BLESS us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which of Thy bounty we are going to receive. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen. Lord, grant me Thy blessing.
V. May the King of glory make us partakers of the heavenly table.
R. Amen.
AFTER DINNER.[4]
LET all Thy works praise Thee, O Lord.
R. And all Thy saints bless Thee.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
V. We give Thee thanks, almighty God, for all Thy benefits, Who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever, etc.
R. Amen.
Psalm CXVI. Laudate Dominum.
V. PRAISE the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye people.
R. Because His mercy is confirmed upon us, and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.
V. Glory, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. He distributed and gave to the poor.
R. His justice remaineth for ever.
V. I will bless the Lord at all times.
R. His praise shall be ever on my lips.
V. In the Lord shall my soul be praised.
R. Let the meek hear and rejoice.
V. O magnify the Lord with me.
R. And let us extol His name together.
V. Let the name of the Lord be blessed.
R. From henceforth now, and for ever.
Let us pray.
V. VOUCHSAFE, O Lord, to reward with eternal life all those who have done us good, for Thy name's sake.
R. Amen.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Our Father. (In secret.)
V. May God grant us His peace.
R. And life everlasting. Amen.
BEFORE SUPPER.
SUPERIOR. — Let us
praise the Lord.
The rest answer — Let us praise the Lord.
V. The poor shall eat and be filled, and they shall praise the Lord who seek Him.
R Their hearts shall live for ever and ever.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
Let us pray.
BLESS us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which of Thy bounty we are going to receive. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen. Lord, grant me Thy blessing.
V. May the King of glory make us partakers of the heavenly table.
R. Amen.
AFTER SUPPER.
THE merciful and compassionate Lord hath, made a memorial of His wonderful works; He hath given food to them that fear Him. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
V. Blessed be God in all His gifts, and holy in all His works, Who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Psalm CXVI.
| V. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes; laudate eum omnes populi. | V. Praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye people. |
| R. Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: et Veritas Domini manet aeternum. | R. Because His mercy is confirmed upon us, and the in truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. |
| V. Gloria Patri, etc. | V. Glory be to the Father, etc. |
| R. Sicut erat, etc. | R. As it was, etc. |
(The rest is the same as the grace after dinner.)
The preceding form of Grace before and after meals is continued throughout the year, except on the festivals hereafter marked.
On fast days no other Grace is said before and after dinner than that appointed for supper on ordinary days.
From Christmas-day, inclusively, till supper on the Eve of the Epiphany, exclusively.
The Word was made flesh, Alleluia.
R. And dwelt amongst us, Alleluia.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
AFTER MEALS.
THE Lord hath made known, Alleluia.
R. His salvation, Alleluia.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
From supper on the Eve of the Epiphany, inclusively, till supper on the Octave day, exclusively.
THE kings of Tharsis and the Islands shall offer presents, Alleluia.
R. The kings of the Arabians and Saba shall bring gifts, Alleluia.
| V. Gloria Patri, etc. | V. Glory be to the Father, etc. |
| R. Sicut erat, etc. | R. As it was, etc. |
(The rest as before )
AFTER MEALS.
All shall come from Saba, Alleluia.
R. Bringing gold and frankincense, Alleluia.
V. Gloria Patri, etc. / V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. / R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
On Holy Thursday " Benedicite" is omitted, and the Grace is said in a low tone of voice as follows:
CHRIST became for us obedient unto death.
Pater noster, etc. / Our Father, etc.
(Said entirely in silence.)
AFTER DINNER.
CHRIST became for us obedient unto death,
Pater noster, etc. / Our Father, etc.
(In silence; then follows:)
Psalm L. Miserere Met Deus.
V. HAVE mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy.
R. And according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my iniquity.
V. Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
R. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.
V. To Thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before Thee; that Thou mayest be justified in Thy words, and mayest overcome when Thou art judged.
R. For behold I was conceived in iniquity: and in sins did my mother conceive me.
V. For behold Thou hast loved truth: the uncertain and hidden things of Thy wisdom Thou hast made manifest to me.
R. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
V. To my hearing Thou shalt give joy and gladness; and the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice.
R. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
V. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within my bowels.
R. Cast me not away from Thy face, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
V. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.
R. I will teach the unjust Thy ways; and the wicked shall be converted to Thee.
V. Deliver me from blood, O God, Thou God of my salvation, and my tongue shall extol Thy justice.
R. O Lord, Thou wilt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.
V. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: with burnt offerings Thou wilt not be delighted.
R. A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
V. Deal favorably, O Lord, in Thy good-will with Sion, that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.
R. Then Thou shalt accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations, and whole burnt offerings: then they shall lay calves upon Thy altar.
V. Look down, we beseech Thee, O Lord, on this Thy family, for which Our Lord Jesus Christ was pleased to be delivered into the hands of the wicked, and suffer the torments of the cross (in silence), Who liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.
On Good Friday the preceding Grace is said, with this difference only:
CHRIST became for us obedient unto death.
R. Even to the death of the cross.
On Holy Saturday "Benedicite” is said as usual:
And in the end of the Sabbath,
R. When it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the sepulcher, Alleluia.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
AFTER DINNER.
V. And in the end, etc.
R. When it began to dawn, etc.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
From Easter Sunday, inclusively, till the Supper of the following Saturday, exclusively.
This is the day which the Lord hath made, Alleluia.
R. Let us exult and rejoice thereon, Alleluia.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
(The rest as before.)
AFTER MEALS.
V. This is the day, etc. R. Let us exult, etc.
(The rest as before.)
Daily Intentions.
SUNDAY. — Mass, Communion, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, for the Pope, prelates, and clergy, the propagation of the faith, in thanksgiving for my creation, redemption, and vocation, and to beg grace to unite my heart perfectly to God by dying to myself and to the world, so that I may use my talents and my whole being in the service of my heavenly Spouse.
Monday. — Mass, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of St. N., for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, particularly N.N., and the Sisters of the Institute; and for myself, the grace of final perseverance and a happy death.
Tuesday. — Mass, Communion, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of the angels, for the conversion of negligent Catholics, especially N.N.; for myself, a right knowledge, and the perfect spirit of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Wednesday. — Mass, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of St. Joseph, for parents, friends, benefactors, for those for whom I have promised to pray, for the temporal wants of the Institute, for the Superiors of the several houses; and for myself, modesty, meekness, and humility, and the graces to subdue my senses and imagination.
Thursday. — Mass, Communion, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, in reparation for all sacrilegious communions, and all indignities offered to this Sacrament of love, for all Religious, N. . . . for priests, N. . . . my duties, the relief of the poor; and for myself, the virtues of charity, patience, and confidence in God.
Friday. — Mass, Communion, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of the sacred Passion and death of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, that union and charity may reign in the Community, that its members may increase, and that all may be filled with zeal for the conversion of sinners; for myself, a simple and pure intention in all my actions. For the same intentions, in honor of the Sacred Heart.
Saturday. — Mass, Office, Rosary, etc., in honor of our blessed Lady, to beg grace to confess my sins, briefly, distinctly, and contritely, and to draw fruit from my confessions and communions.
Daily Prayer for the Associates in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
MY loving Jesus, I, N.N., give Thee my heart, and I consecrate myself wholly to Thee out of the grateful love I bear Thee, and as a reparation for all my unfaithfulness to grace, and with Thine aid I purpose never to sin again.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for Thee. Grant that we may, in conversation, manners, and conduct, avoid whatever may in the least disturb our union, or lessen in the smallest degree our mutual charity and love, that we may repair the smallest offence by quickly asking pardon, and if asked pardon of by others, oh! enable us to grant it without contention or reserve.
Daily Prayer for the Associates in the Sacred Heart of Mary.
REMEMBER, O most blessed Virgin! that it has never been heard of in any age, that those who implored thy powerful protection were abandoned by thee. I, therefore, O sacred Virgin, animated with the most lively confidence, cast myself at thy sacred feet, most earnestly beseeching thee to adopt me as thy child, to take care of my eternal salvation, and to watch over me at the hour of death. Oh, do not, Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise my prayer, but graciously hear and obtain the grant of my petitions. Amen.
O dearest Mother, obtain for us, thy children, the grace ever to bear in mind that by the vow of obedience we have for ever renounced our own will, and resigned it to the direction of our Superiors: that we may be able to comply with all their directions, whether in matters of great or little moment, agreeable or disagreeable: that we may never murmur, but with humility and spiritual joy carry the sweet yoke of thy divine Son, Jesus.
Prayer before Examen.
O MOST loving Father! I thank Thee with my whole heart and soul for all Thy mercies to me, a most miserable sinner. Thou hast created me for Thine own glory, redeemed me with Thy most precious blood, called me to Thy holy faith, and, with most unspeakable goodness, hast chosen me for Thy spouse, permitting me to live under the same roof with Thyself and Thy chosen servants. O my soul, bless the Lord! let all that is within thee praise His holy name! He has done all things for me: I will bless and glorify Him for ever and ever.
O divine Spirit of light and truth, enlighten me, that I may know myself. Amen.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.
Daily Examen.
RISING. — Promptitude in rising and dressing, thoughts on God or the subject of meditation.
Morning Offering. — With fervor.
Meditation. — Respectful posture; presence of God; attention; fervor in affections and resolutions; choice of ejaculations for the day.
Office. — Recollection; attention to ceremonies and pronunciation of words.
Mass. — Formal intention; the prayers with devotion or meditation on the Passion; spiritual communion and offering of one's self to God.
Communion. — Preparation by offering of duties from evening meditation; faith, humility, gratitude, love, the fruit drawn from it.
Visits to the Blessed Sacrament. — Fidelity in making those prescribed, viz.: after breakfast to review meditation, after spiritual reading, before and after meals, before and after an appointed duty in the schools, house of mercy, etc.: besides those, one or two of special devotion for a few minutes.
Spiritual Reading. — Attention, fruit drawn from it.
Domestic Duties. — Union with Jesus in Nazareth, or in the spirit of penance, care, neatness.
Time-employments. — With regularity, exactness, fervor, cheerfulness under labor or fatigue; avoiding indulgence in idleness or slothful neglect, yielding to impatience, irritability, pride, or vanity.
Silence. — Time, places, and manner prescribed; avoiding idle thoughts.
Night Prayers. — Punctuality; diligent examen; devotion at Litany; preparation of meditation.
Retiring to rest. — Silence; thoughts of God; in bed at the appointed time.
Another Short Method of Daily Examen.
(Recall Presence of God.)
FIRST POINT — ACT OF THANKSGIVING.
O MY Lord and my God! I most humbly thank Thee for the great benefits of creation, redemption, etc., and for Thy mercy and patience in bearing with me in spite of my many faults and sins. I offer Thee, my dear Lord and Master, the gratitude of my poor heart for all Thy favors, general and particular: above all, for having called me to this Congiegation in order to save me in it.
SECOND POINT — PETITION FOR LIGHT.
O MY God, give me light to know my sins and see their real deformity, and to realize what a bad and bitter thing it is to stray from Thee. Grant me grace to see clearly my miseries, and to detest them with all my heart.
THIRD POINT — EXAMINATION.
O MY dear Lord, how far have I gone astray from the path of perfection, although my Saviour Jesus hath marked it out for me by footprints stained with blood!
General Examen.
FIRST POINT — SPIRITUAL DUTIES.
OFFERING of first thoughts and in union with the Apostleship of Prayer? Morning and night prayers? Meditation and reflection? Mass? Holy communion? Spiritual reading? Daily examen? Beads? Vocal prayers? Visits to the Blessed Sacrament? Particular examen?
SECOND POINT — VOWS.
1. POVERTY. — In giving? lending? borrowing? accepting? retaining? without leave? Waste in charges? Spirit of poverty cultivated?
2. Chastity. — Custody of eyes, ears, tongue? Dangerous reading? Avoidance of dangerous occasions?
3. Obedience. — In execution? In will? In judgment? Obeyed unreservedly? promptly? courageously? humbly? in spirit of faith?
4. Service of the Poor. — Appointed work neglected or badly done? Spirit of faith, serving Christ's poor with devotedness? "Unceasing labor"?
5. Instruction of Children. — Devotedness? Thoroughness? Kindness? Patience? Impartiality? In the spirit of faith?
THIRD POINT — PRACTICE OF PRINCIPAL VIRTUES.
What faults against charity? Humility? Industry? Patience? Punctuality? Silence? etc.
FOURTH POINT — ACT OF SORROW.
O MY dear Lord, through Thy infinite mercy pardon me my many sins and faults. I am heartily sorry for them, because by them I have grieved and wounded Thy Sacred Heart and rendered myself so unworthy of Thy love. I am sorry from my heart for the ungrateful return I have made Thee for all Thy goodness to me. Forgive me, dear Lord, pierce my heart with true sorrow. I love Thee above all things.
FIFTH POINT — PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT.
MY Lord and my God, I now firmly resolve with Thy help to correct my faults — to overcome specially that one, N.N., which I am determined not to commit again. Confirm this my resolution by the merits of Thy bitter Passion and death, which I now offer in satisfaction for my sins. My dear Jesus! I unite my poor heart with Thine all wounded and torn. May Thy Heart be a hiding-place in which I may dwell securely. My heart is ready, O my God! my heart is ready to make atonement for my sins, to adopt the means of correcting my faults, and of acquiring the perfection of my holy state.
N.B. — Conclude with Pater and Ave. If time permit, recite Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, also "Suscipe" and a few indulgenced aspirations.
An Offering of Communion.
I OFFER Thee, O my God! the Mass and communion of to-morrow, to the honor and glory of Thy most holy name, in commemoration of Thy sacred Passion, in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits, in satisfaction for all my sins, and as a means of obtaining all the graces I stand in need of, in order to serve Thy divine Majesty in the most perfect manner possible to me. I offer this holy communion to Thee, O eternal Father, in union with the offering my dear Redeemer made of Himself upon the cross, in thanksgiving for my creation, redemption, and preservation, in union with all the intentions my divine Saviour had in the institution of this Most Holy Sacrament, that I may become more meek, humble, particularly charitable, obedient, patient, and mortified; that I may always do Thy will with exactness, fervor, and perseverance; and that in all my actions I may aim at perfection. I offer it as an atonement to the adorable Heart of my most loving Jesus, for all the outrages it has received, from myself and all mankind. I also offer it for N.N., for the conversion of sinners, the perseverance of the just, and for the relief of the souls in purgatory.
Intentions for Holy Communion.
INTENTIONS for holy communion regarding the Church Triumphant, the Church Militant, and the Church Suffering.
1. In thanksgiving for benefits; to obtain an increase of graces and blessings for the whole Order; particularly to supplicate the divine assistance in the spiritual and temporal necessities pf your own Community; in praise of God for the glory of the saints, and especially of the founders of Religious Orders.
2. For the Catholic Church in general; for its special wants in this country; for the propagation of the faith; for the intentions of the Holy Father; for the hierarchy; for zealous priests and evangelical laborers; for the League of the Sacred Heart, and the intentions of the Apostleship of Prayer; for your own sanctification, fidelity to your vows, and final perseverance.
3. For the holy, suffering souls in purgatory — in particular for the deceased members and benefactors of your Order, and for those souls that were most devoted to the Holy Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.[5]
The Visitation Manual gives the following list of intentions for holy communions:
THE first communion in each month, for the renovation of .your vows, or good purposes.
The second, for the exaltation of the holy Church, for the Pope, and the whole ecclesiastical order.
The third, for the preservation, union, and perfection of your Order.
The fourth, for the conversion of infidels and sinners.
The fifth, for concord among Christian rulers; chiefly for the welfare of the country in which you reside, or for other public necessities.
Sixth. A holy communion and Mass, once a month, for all the souls in purgatory.
Seventh. A holy communion and Mass. for the deceased members of your holy Order; and one upon the decease of relations and Sisters.
In the monasteries of the Visitation, a Mass and general communion are offered for all benefactors, at their decease.
On the first Friday, or first Sunday of each month, offer your holy communion in union with the League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the intentions of the Apostleship of Prayer.
The intentions for the daily communion are:
1 st. For the special wants of the Church, particularly in this country, and for the propagation of the faith.
2d. To obtain evangelical laborers.
3d. For the whole Order and particularly for the spiritual and temporal necessities of your own Community.
4th. For those devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to our holy founder.
Prayer of the Associates for the Communion of Reparation.
ANIMATED by an earnest desire to console Thy Adorable Heart, O beloved Jesus, and feeling our inability to do so worthily, it is by the immaculate heart of Thy holy Mother that we dare to offer Thee the homage of our humble reparation. With her, and in memory of Thy precious blood, we beseech Thee to stretch forth Thy powerful arm over Thy Church, to defend her, to give her the victory over all her enemies, and to put an end to the long trials of her venerable and august Head. Vouchsafe also to bless and protect this, our country, cast upon it Thine eyes of mercy, and render it fruitful in saints and valiant defenders of the faith. Finally, O blessed Lord, bring back to Thyself all sinners, crown with Thy graces and with Thy most abundant blessings each member of our Association, and kindle in the hearts of all the fire of Thy love, and those burning flames of zeal which Thou Thyself didst come to enkindle upon the earth. Amen.
PRAYER TO BE SAID BEFORE MASS.
LORD, God almighty, behold me prostrate before Thee, in order to appease and honor Thy divine Majesty, in the name of all creatures. But how can I do it — I, a wretched sinner? Yes, I can, and I will do it; because I know that Thou dost glory in being called the Father of mercy, and that, for love of us. Thou hast given even Thy only-begotten Son, Who offered Himself for us on the cross, and Who continually renews for us the same sacrifice on our altars. And therefore, though a sinner, yet truly penitent; wretched, and yet rich in Jesus Christ, I present myself before Thee, and with the fervor of all the saints and angels, and with the ardent love of the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer Thee, in the name of all creatures, the Masses which are now being said, with all those which have been said, and which will be said to the end of the world. I also desire to renew this offering, at every instant of this day, and of my whole life, in order to give Thy infinite majesty honor and glory worthy of Thee; to appease Thy wrath, and to satisfy Thy justice for our many sins; to render Thee thanks in keeping with Thy benefits, and to implore Thy mercy for myself and for all sinners, for all the faithful, living and dead, for the whole Church, and chiefly for its visible head, the Roman Pontiff; and lastly, for all poor schismatics, heretics, and infidels, that they may also be converted and saved.
AN OFFERING TO BE MADE DURING THE TIME OF MASS.
ETERNAL Father, I offer Thee the sacrifice which Thy beloved Son, Jesus, made of Himself on the cross, and now renews on this altar. I offer it in the name of all creatures, together with the Masses which have been said and which will be said throughout the whole world, to adore Thee and to give Thee honor which Thou deservest; to render to Thee the thanks which are due Thee for Thy numberless benefits, to appease Thy anger, and to satisfy for our many sins; to supplicate Thee for myself, for the Church, for the whole world, and for the blessed souls in purgatory.
Indulgence of 3 years, once a day, for each prayer; plenary indulgence, once a month, on usual conditions. — Pius IX., April 11, i860. The S. Congr. of Indulgences, May 5, 1890, declared that priests can gain the indulgence granted for the above offering by saying it before celebrating Mass.
AN OFFERING.
ETERNAL Father, we offer Thee the blood, the Passion, and the death of Jesus Christ, the sorrows of Mary most holy, and of St. Joseph, in satisfaction for our sins, in aid of the holy souls in purgatory, for the needs of holy Mother Church, and for the conversion of sinners.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX., April 30, 1860.
Methods of Hearing Mass.[6]
Offering of Mass and Communion on Sundays - Holy Trinity
PROSTRATE before the throne of Thy divine Majesty, O my God, I humbly implore Thy pardon for my offences, and Thy grace that I may be entirely employed in praising and adoring Thee. O adorable Trinity! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless me. O Holy Trinity, Whose throne is surrounded by adoring angels, and Whose awful presence is felt by all creatures, the work of Thy omnipotent hands, disdain not the homage of my heart, which I desire to consecrate entirely to Thy service. Thou art my hope and my life; what can I desire in heaven, or what can I seek on earth, but Thee? and where shall I so surely find Thee as on this altar? I offer this Mass and holy comPage:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/204 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/205 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/206 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/207 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/208 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/209 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/210 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/211 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/212 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/213 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/214 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/215 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/216 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/217 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/218 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/219 Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/220
- ↑ These Invocations may be either extended or curtailed at pleasure.
- ↑ Compline is the last office of the Church, and is proper to the end of the evening before going to bed, reckoned to be about 9 p.m. But it may be said any time before midnight.
- ↑ Some Religious Orders mention obedience first in the formula; then poverty and chastity.
- ↑ The Reader says: V. Do Thou, O Lord, have mercy on us. R. Thanks be to God. (The same after supper, when there has been reading at table.)
- ↑ Special intentions are mentioned in the following chapters, i.e., in the opening prayer, under the caption: Offering of Mass and Communion, for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and so on, for each day in the week.
- ↑ Sunday, in honor of the Holy Trinity. Monday, for the holy souls in purgatory. Tuesday, in honor of the holy angels, and especially the Guardian Angel. Wednesday, in honor of St. Joseph. Thursday, in honor of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacred Heart. Friday, in honor of the Sacred Passion and the suffering Heart of Jesus. Saturday, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.