The Raccolta (1857)/Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity
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ACTS OF FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY.
Pope Benedict XIV. (mindful how useful, or rather how indispensably necessary it is for the eternal salvation of Christians that they should make frequent use of the acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity), in order to excite them to a more frequent exercise of the said acts, granted by a decree of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, dated Jan. 28, 1756, confirming the grant of Indulgences already made to this effect by Pope Benedict XIII., Jan. 15, 1728,
i. The Plenary Indulgence once a month to all those who shall daily devoutly recite, and at the same time make with their hearts the said acts. This Indulgence may be gained on any day when, truly penitent for their sins, having Confessed and Communicated, they shall pray for the Church our holy mother, &c.
He granted likewise in articulo mortis—
ii. The Plenary Indulgence and the Indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines every time they shall make these acts devoutly in their hearts, and say them with their lips. A common form of these acts is subjoined. However, Benedict XIV., in the above-named decree, declares that no particular form of words or expressions is necessary for gaining these Indulgences; but that any one may use any form he pleases, provided "that it expresses and explains the particular motives of each one of these three theological virtues."
ACTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES.
Act of Faith.
I most firmly believe, because God, who is the infallible Truth, hath so revealed to the Holy Catholic Church, and through the Church to us, that there is one only God in three divine Persons, equal and distinct, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; that the Son became man by taking to Himself flesh and a human soul through the operation of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the most pure Virgin Mary; that He died for us upon the cross, rose again, ascended into heaven, and from thence shall come again at the end of the world to judge all the living and the dead, to give Paradise for ever to the good and hell to the wicked; moreover, for the same motive I believe all that the same holy Church believes and teaches.
Act of Hope.
My God, because Thou art almighty, infinitely good, and full of pity, I hope that by the merits of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ our Saviour Thou wilt grant me eternal life, which Thou, the faithful God, hast promised to all those who shall do the works of a good Christian, as I purpose to do by Thy holy help.
Act of Charity.
My God, because Thou art the highest and most perfect good, I love Thee with my whole heart, and above all things; and rather than offend Thee I am ready to lose all things else, and for Thy love I love and desire to love my neighbour as myself.