Why squander illness? : prayers and thoughts for Catholic and non-Catholic patients






WHY SQUANDER ILLNESS?

Prayers and Thoughts for Catholic and Non-Catholic

Patients

by

REV. LAWRENCE E. SKELLY,
Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital,

WTaterbury, Conn., U. S. A.

and

REV. CHARLES M. CARTY,

Editorial Manager of Radio Replies Press,

St. Paul, 1, Minn., U. S. A.

Stations by

REV. DR. LESLIE RUMBLE, M.S.C.

Radio Station 2SM,

Sydney, Australia

Copyright 1945

by the

RADIO REPLIES PRESS
Printed in U. S. A.



IMPRIMATUR

JOANNES GREGORIUS MURRAY,
Archiepiscopus Sancti Pauli

Die 3a Octobris, 1945

DEDICATED TO
The late Dr. James F. Carty, Memorial
Hospital, New York City, whose years of
illness inspired the compiling of these

thoughts and prayers.

For copies address

FATHERS RUMBLE & CARTY
Radio Replies Press

Saint Paul, 1, Minn., U. S. A.

Paper cover edition, 15c De luxe edition, $1.50

16th Printing

Circulation 350,000



Dear Patient:
This is a personal note to you! Through no

choice of your own, you have been inducted for a
time into the Army of the Sick and Suffering. Your
Leader is none other than Christ, the Man of Sor-
rows. In His sufferings, in His innocence, in His

plight you will find the courage and strength to bear
your cross as He bore His and to make that cross a
sincere act of love.

You do not go your way—the way of the cross

—

alone. As a patient in this hospital, you are favored
by a special remembrance in the prayers offered
daily to God in the hospital chapel. The Chaplain,
the Sisters and the Nurses are fully aware of the
part God has in bringing you through your sickness
and each day at morning prayer and at the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass they petition the Divine Physi-
cian in your behalf. They constitute the shock troops
of Christ, endeavoring to help you in whatever way
possible. They strive to follow a heaven-lit star

—

in the SERVICE OF CHRIST —in and through the
patient. Was it not He who said—"Whatsoever you
do unto these the least of all brethren, you do unto
Me"?

In order to make your stay here replete with
happy and fruitful memories and productive of last-
ing good, this little book has been dedicated espe-
cially to you. In it you will find many prayers and
thoughts that will echo and re-echo in the heart of
God. Your entire time here can be one grand act
of love. May it echo and re-echo among all through-
out the hospital!

If you are not very ill, if you have been spared
pain, if you have entered only for a check-up, or if,
as a mother, you have been blessed with a child, all
the more reason then to thank God and send shafts
of ardent love heavenwards.

The first section of this booklet contains prayers
that may be used by Catholics and non-Catholics

3



alike. We draw special attention to "MY DAILY
PRAYER" because it is so inclusive and strikes a re-
sponsive chord in the heart of everyone. Say "My
Daily Prayer" every day, won't you? Let it be your
evening as well as your morning prayer! The sec-
ond section is intended especially for Catholics, al-
though many others will derive much in the way of
consolation, inspiration and stimulation from its
use. Remember, as the poet, Tennyson, said: "More
things are wrought by prayer than this world
dreams of."

* * *

Catholics may go to confession at any time. In
humble faith and trust they will thus place them-
selves, first and above all, under the care of the
Divine Physician. And every morning, before the
physicians of the body make their rounds, Christ in
the Eucharist, the Heavenly Healer, travels the cor-
ridors of His hospital, visiting and blessing His be-
loved sick. You have the opportunity to welcome
Him, even daily, in Holy Communion. Just ask
for it!

Every time you receive, you grow in the love and
friendship of God and, consequently^ merit more
grace from your illness. You call upon the Man of
Sorrows in your suffering. You obtain the virtues
of patience and fortitude to enable you to imitate
Our Lord when He suffered on Calvary. And Cal-
vary is repeated every morning in the hospital
chapel. It would be very pleasing to Him, when
possible, if you would say the Mass prayers at that
time and unite your intentions with those of the
priest.

If you are seriously ill, you should desire to re-
ceive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. There is
no reason to be afraid. It is Christ, your Change-
less Friend, coming to your aid. He, the Divine
Physician, gives wonderful help to the soul and

4



sometimes even to the body through this sacrament.
* # *

No matter who you are or what your faith is, God
loves you and, because God loves you, the staff of
His hospital—Chaplain, Sisters, Doctors and Nurses
—are interested in you. Whatever can be done to
help you, spiritually as well as physically, will be
done in a true family spirit, motivated by their belief
in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of
Man and animated by the charge of the Divine Mas-
ter: "Whatsoever you do unto these, the least of all
my brethren, you do unto Me/'

May God Be With You!

WHY SQUANDER ILLNESS?
Three and thirty years Christ dwelt on earth

—

years of poverty, pain, toil, hardship, humiliation,
disappointment, crowned with a death of agony on
the Cross. Yet ever and always, from the cradle to
the Cross, from the depths of His anguished heart
came the prayer: "Father, not My will, but Thine be
done". To prove that to share His sufferings is a
privilege of those who are dear to Him, He allowed
His own Blessed Mother to stand beneath His Cross
on the first Good Friday, her soul pierced with the
sword of sorrow. And from that same Cross He
speaks lovingly to the sick and suffering today: "If
anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself,
take up his cross and follow Me." Matt. 16:24.

Why, then, cannot pain be made redemption?
Why under the alchemy of Divine Love cannot our
crosses become crucifixes? Why cannot sufferings
be regarded as penance for the offences we have
committed against God and our neighbor? Why
cannot we use a cross to become God-like? We
cannot become like Him in power. We cannot be-
come like Him in knowledge. There is only one way
we can become like Him and that is in the way He

5



bore His sorrows and His Cross. "Father, not My
will, but Thine be done/'

Here in this hospital, away from the toil and the
turmoil of life, this blessed opportunity is yours to
come closer to God with whom you wish to spend
your eternal life. In the stress and strain of daily
living, amid the excitement and exhilaration of other
moments, all too often we forget the DIVINE DESIGN
OF LIVING. God knows where our happiness lies.
DO WE KNOW?

Your sickness, unwelcome as it may be, affords
you the time to reflect and the chance to check on
yourself. Through serious thought and prayerful
meditation the real purpose of your life

—

LOVE AND
SERVICE OF GOD—will come crystal clear. You
will hearken to whatever inspirations He may bring
to you. You will see the folly and the foolishness of
so many (often sinful) things in life that once seemed
so necessary or desirable. In the sick-room you are
alone with your thoughts much of the time. The
noise of the work-a-day world dwindles to a faint
hum. Seeing the world and worldly things from a
distance, you realize how small and insignificant it
all is. Trials, sickness, sufferings compel you to ac-
knowledge your helplessness and to admit your de-
pendence upon God. Illness, then, is often a bless-
ing in disguise. Perhaps it will be for you. Think
it over!

It is an old experience that, whenever God takes
away something. He makes room for His grace.
Without God sickness is a heavy yoke; with God it
is beautiful worship, a continuous oblation. Your
bed or your wheel-chair is your altar on which you
sacrifice yourself with your Saviour. God alone
knows the good you can do for yourself, for your
relatives and friends, for the missionaries, for the
souls in Purgatory by your patient, sacrificial suffer-
ing. You will be living the Mass, another Calvary,
day by day.

6



There is nothing more tragic in all the world to-
day than wasted pain. Think how much suffering
there is in hospitals and among the poor and the
casualties of war. Think of how much of that suffer-
ing goes to waste. The Little Flower, St. Therese of
the Child Jesus, sanctified every pain of her youth-
ful life. In so doing she was a missionary by prayer
as she wished to be an apostle of pain and suffering
in spreading the Kingdom of Christ; and so success-
ful was she that today she is the heavenly patroness
of our missionaries. You, too, can be a missionary
by consecrating every pain, by drinking a few drops
of the bitterness that overflowed the Chalice of
Gethsemani.

Open your heart, then, to the whisperings of the
Divine Lover; lay your heart upon His altar and your
reward will be as generous as your love. Father
O'Donnell, President of Notre Dame University, knew
Christ and Christians. That is why he wrote:

"He talked with SINNERS, ate with them and died
With>two for company on a sorry hill.
And when grey dawns have brought US to His side,
We know, heart-brokenly, that He LOVES US STILL ”

May you, my dear patient, return to Him love for
love! May His love make melody in your heart now
and forever more! And may this booklet help you
in some small way to be one with Him in sickness
and in health, in life and in death! This is our hope
and prayer as we dedicate this book to you. May it
serve as a memento of your stay in the hospital and
as a reminder of Our Lord's words: "What doth it
profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer
the loss of his own soul?"

"The Lord bless thee and keep thee.
The Lord show His face to thee and

have mercy on thee.
The Lord turn His countenance to thee

and give thee peace” Num. 6, 24.

7



ALONE WITH THEE
Alone with Thee, a little while apart
From all the world I love to be away

And in the twilight calm, O Sacred Heart,
I love to be alone with Thee and pray.

Before Thy altar, silent and alone,
What human tongue can tell the joy I feel

To know I am, dear Lord, Thy very own,
And Thou art near me when at eve I kneel.

Alone with Thee, peace in my rapt soul
swelling!

In pain and sorrow Thou my comfort be.
Fill all my thoughts that they may still

be dwelling
In life, in death, dear Lord, alone with Thee.

LEAD KINDLY LIGHT
Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on!

The night is dark, and I am far from home

—

Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet ; I do not ask to see
The distant scene—one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that Thou
Shouldst lead me on

;

I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on!

I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still

Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;

And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost

awhile.
John Henry Newman.

8



SECTION ONE

MY DAILY PRAYER

Q MY GOD, I place my trust and confidence
in Thee, Who will reward the good and

punish the wicked. I believe in Thee and ac-
cept everything Thou hast taught and revealed.

J
BELIEVE that in one God there are three
Divine Persons—God the Father, God the

Son and God the Holy Ghost.

J
BELIEVE that God the Son became Man
without ceasing to be God. He is Jesus

Christ, my Lord and my Saviour, the Redeem-
er of the human race. He died on the Cross
for my salvation and eternal happiness.

Q MY GOD, give me strong faith. Help me
to believe with lively faith.

Q MY GOD, Who art all-good and all-merci-
ful, I sincerely hope to be saved. Help me

to do all that is necessary to gain eternal life.

J
HAVE committed many sins in my life, but
now I turn away from them. I am sorry,

truly sorry for all of them, because I have of-
fended Thee, my God, Who art all-good, all-
perfect, all-holy and all-merciful.

J
LOVE Thee, O my God, with all my heart.
Please forgive me for having offended Thee.

J
PROMISE that, with Thy help, I will never
offend Thee again.

MY GOD, HAVE MERCY ON ME.

9



IN TIME OF SICKNESS
O Divine Physician, Thou Who hast always loved

to console and heal the sick of body and mind, give
me patience to bear this suffering in reparation for
the sufferings which I and others have inflicted on
Thy Crucified Body. By Thy Power, relieve the
sharpness of my pain and exhaustion but above all,
kind Jesus, heal the wounds of my soul. Even
though I find it hard to pray, yet shall I ever say,
"Thy Will be done." Amen.

PRAYER FOR COURAGE
(Of the Soldier, St. Ignatius

)

Dear Lord, teach me to be generous; teach me to
serve You as You deserve, to give and not count the
cost, to fight and not heed the wound, to toil and
not seek for rest, to labor and not seek reward, save
that of feeling that I do Your will.

MY LIFE
My life is but a weaving

Between God and me.
I may but draw the colors,
He worketh skillfully.

Full oft He chooses sorrow
And I, in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper
And I, the under side.

Father Tabb.

FOR A HAPPY DEATH
*

This is the Greatest Grace we can ask of God.
A Happy Death means a Heaven of Happiness for
all eternity. A Bad Death means a HELL of eternal
misery.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my
soul. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist me in my last
agony. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, may I breathe forth
my SOul in peace With yOU. Amen. Indulgence: 7 years

10



LEARNING CHRIST
Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gentle in

all the events of life; in disappointments, in the

thoughtlessness of others, in the insincerity of those

I trusted, in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I
relied.

Let me put myself aside, to think of the happiness
of others, to hide my little pains and heartaches, so
that I may be the only one to suffer from them.

Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes
across my path.

Let me so use it that it may mellow me, not hard-
en nor embitter me; that it may make me patient,
not irritable; that it may make me broad in my for-
giveness, not narrow, haughty and over-bearing.

May no one be less good for having come within
my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind,
less noble for having been a fellow-traveler in our
journey toward Eternal Life.

As I go my rounds from one task to another, let
me whisper, from time to time, a word of love to
Thee.

May my life be lived in the super-natural, full of
power for good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity.

* * *

THE DAILY PLEA OF THE SUFFERING
"O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much

seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood,
as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is by
giving that we receive; by pardoning that we are
pardoned, and by dying that we are born to eternal
life in Thee/'

* * *

There is one argument that may be opposed to
all of the sophistries of unbelievers; no man ever
repented of being a Christian on his deathbed.

Saint Thomas More.

11



SECTION TWO

DAILY PRAYERS
Not in quantity, but in quality, does the benefit of pray-

er consist. Turn your heart toward the hospital chapel
where Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament holds court and place
yourself in the presence of God.

IN THE MORNING:
Thank your Heavenly Father for preserving you

during the night; implore His assistance, spiritual
and temporal, for the day; and promise Him that,
with His grace, you will avoid the slightest sin dur-
ing the day. Use your own words and they will
come from the heart. Get your heart into your
prayer. Ask Him to help you to bear all and suffer
all patiently during the day for His sake.

THE OUR FATHER
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
Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with thee;

blessed art thou amongst 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.

12



ACT OF CONTRITION
O my God; I am heartily sorry for having offend-

ed Thee, because Thou art all good and I firmly pur-
pose by the help of Thy grace not to offend Thee
again.

(S. Penitentiary 300 days, Jan. 13, 1921)

ANGEL GUARDIAN PRAYER
Angel of God, my Guardian dear.
To whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side.
To light and guard.
To rule and guide. Amen.

PRAYER TO YOUR PATRON SAINT
O great saint, whose name I bear, protect me,

pray for me, that like thee I may serve God faith-
fully on earth, and glorify Him eternally with thee in
heaven. Amen.

MORNING OFFERING:
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer Thee my prayers, works and sufferings this
day for all the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart, in
union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout
the world, in reparation for my sins, for the inten-
tions of all our associates and in particular for the
intention of this month.

MY SICK-BED!
When from the sick-bed where I lie.
Lord, on Thy Cross I see Thee die,
My pains have no more pain for me;
Thy sufferings. Lord, are all I see.
This altar where I Thee adore
Consoles me, and I weep no more:
Or if my heart still sigh and moan,
Tis for Thy sorrows, Lord, alone.

13



IN THE EVENING
Again place yourself in the presence of God and

make a momentary examination of conscience, fol-
lowed by a good, heartfelt act of contrition. Then,
the Our Father, Hail Mary.

A NIGHT PRAYER
By St. Alphonsus Ltgouri

Jesus Christ, my God, I adore Thee and I thank
Thee for all the favors Thou hast bestowed upon me
this day. I offer Thee my sleep and every moment
of this night, and I beseech Thee to keep me free
from sin. Therefore I place myself in Thy most sacred
side and under the protecting mantle of our Lady
and my Mother. May Thy holy angels help me and
keep me in peace and may Thy blessing be upon
me. Amen.

* * *

SOME ASPIRATIONS WHEN YOU ARE
TOO SICK FOR EXTENDED PRAYER:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and
soul.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul

in peace with you. Amen.
Indulgence: 7 years for each

Jesus!

Mary! Indulgence: 300 days

Jesus! Mary! Joseph!
My God and my all!
Jesus, my God, I love Thee above

all things! * * *

MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that

never was it known that any one who fled to thy
protection, implored thy help or sought thy inter-
cession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confi-
dence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Moth-

300 days

7 years

300 days
300 days

14



er; 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.

CLOSING PRAYER:
Indulgence: 3 years

Bless, O Lord, the repose I am going to take in
order to renew my strength that I may be better able
to serve Thee. O all ye Saints and Angels, but
chiefly thou, O mother of God, intercede for me this
night and during the rest of my life, but particularly
at the hour of death.

May the divine assistance always remain with
us. Amen. And may the souls of the faithful de-
parted, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

A MOMENT'S THOUGHT!
Guard against a danger in your sickness! Too

easily it can lead into self-centeredness so that you
forget others and become a little world in yourself,
if it is not offset by charity, patience and understand-
ing. Sickness is your cross for a time, but remem-
ber: there is nothing so bad that couldn't be worse.

Ask God constantly for charity, patience and
understanding. Be at peace with God so that you
may be at peace with yourself and others. Your
efforts will be rewarded here and hereafter.

Perhaps your sickness has been brought on or
made worse by your own imprudence or by some
excess, and Our Lord is anxious to give you a
chance to rest, reflect and atone. At any rate. He
holds out to you the opportunity, the best oppor-
tunity to gain merit for heaven. How happy you
will be for all eternity and how grateful to God for
having sent you to the hospital, if you make use of
this God-given opportunity.

There are two types of men, those who are afraid
to lose God and those who are afraid that they may
find Him.—Pascal.

15



CONFESSION
The priest is ready at all times to hear your con-

fession. "The night is day for us when God is in our
heart and the day is night for us when He is not
there/' (St. Francis De Sales.) Be sure you are at
peace with God. Why not go when you enter, and
thus place yourself, first and above all, under the
care of the Divine Physician? If you have been to
confession recently, you still should seek this sacra-
ment, for God wishes to give you more grace and
strength to continue growing in His friendship.

BEFORE CONFESSION:
Come, Holy Ghost, enlighten my mind that I may

clearly know my sins. Move my heart that I may be
sincerely sorry for them, honestly confess them and
firmly resolve to amend my life.

Mary, my Mother, help me to make a good con-
fession.

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
1st Com.: Failure to pray? Ridiculing religion?

2nd Com.: Cursing? Swearing? 3rd Com.: Missing
Mass through your own fault on Sundays and holy
days? Irreverence in Church? 4th Com.: Disobe-
dience or disrespect to parents and superiors? Ne-
glect of parent's duties to children? 5th Com.:
Anger? Hatred? Quarreling? Drunkenness? 6th
and 9th Com.: Thoughts, words or actions against
purity? Alone or with others? Bad pictures, books
or magazines? Limitation or prevention of children?
7th and 10th Com.: Theft? Dishonesty? Envy? Dis-
content? 8th Com.: Lies? Uncharitable conversa-
tion? Injuring another's character?

Com. of Church: Neglecting confession for a
year? Omitting fast, abstinence on days specified?
Easter duty? Support of Church? Married by a
priest?

16



ACT OF CONTRITION
O my God! I am heartily sorry
For having offended Thee, #

Because Thou art all good
And I firmly purpose
By the help of Thy grace
Not to offend Thee again.
(S. Penitentiary 300 days, Jan. 13, 1921)

AFTER CONFESSION
Do not talk to others in the room immediately

after the priest leaves. You have just received a
wonderful sacrament. Make the most of these mo-
ments with your God and preserve or increase the
respect of non-Catholics for this sacrament. It is
well to repeat the Act of Contrition before saying
your penance. Strive to put your whole heart and
soul into it. Then:

1%THANK YOU"
O merciful God, again You have shown mercy

to me. I thank You for Your infinite goodness and
this wonderful blessing. Strengthen and support
me, dear Jesus, in my good resolutions. You are my
Best Friend, my Changeless Friend—may I be loyal
and true to You. Help me by Thy grace.

"Sweet Heart of Jesus, I implore.
That I may love Thee more and more."

Indulgence: 300 days

MY OFFERING
Dear Lord, I pray Thy
Hand to take
My body, broken now
For Thee!
Accept the sacrifice
I make.
Oh, Body, broken once
For me.

17



HOLY COMMUNION
Every Catholic patient should receive Holy Com-

munion at least once during his illness. Why not
receive as often as possible? You cannot realize
how much frequent communion will add to your
patience in suffering and to your glory in heaven.
"He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood
hath everlasting life; and I will raise him up on the
last day/

#

says Our Lord. (John, VI-55).

PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION
The prayers for Holy Communion should be said slow-

ly, a few words at a time. It is well to stop after every few
words, that they may sink into the heart.

Jesus, my God, I believe all that You said about
the Holy Eucharist. You said that You are present
in the Consecrated Host and that we must receive
You in Holy Communion, else we "shall not have
life" in us.

You are, my God, so holy and so pure, and I am
a miserable sinner. I am so unworthy to receive
You. I am sorry for my sins and I beg You to create
a clean heart in me, so that I may worthily receive
You, my Food, my Friend, my pledge of everlasting
life, my God and my All. Make me realize what it
means to receive my God in Holy Communion.

O most sweet Virgin Mary, Mother of God and
my Mother, lend me, I beseech thee, thy Immaculate
Heart to receive my Jesus: that so I may receive Him
by thee, by whom the world received Him.

O Jesus, I offer Thee Thy sinless Mother's Heart,
with its perfect disposition at the moment of Thy In-
carnation and all her communions. Come to me
now by her as I came to Thee by her.

"O Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst
come to me, say but the word and my soul
shall be healed."

"O sweetest heart of Jesus, I implore

18



That I may love Thee more and more/'*

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.*
My Jesus, I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee,

I love Thee with all my heart.
*300 days' indulgence each time.

PRAYER FOR FIDELITY
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who

according to the will of Thy Father and the co-op-
eration of the Holy Ghost hast by Thy death given
life to the world, deliver me by this Thy most sacred
Body and Blood from all my iniquities and from all
evils, and make me always cling to Thy command-
ments and never suffer me to be separated from
Thee, who with the same God the Father and the
Holy Ghost livest and reignest God, world without
end. Amen.

Jesus, Thou art coming,
Holy as Thou art,
Thou the God Who made me,
To my little heart.
Jesus, I believe it
On Thy only word,
Humbly, I adore Thee,
As my King and Lord.
Take my body, Jesus,
Eyes and ears and tongue,
Never let them, Jesus,
Help to do Thee wrong.
Take my heart and fill it,
Full of love for Thee

;

All I have I give Thee,
Give Thyself to me.

People are often the carpenters of their own
crosses.—St. Philip Neri. •

19



PRAYERS AFTER HOLY COMMUNION
May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve

my soul to live everlasting. I thank You, my Jesus,
for coming to me. Your mercy is infinite in humbling
Yourself like this to be the Food of my soul and to
console me in this valley of tears. How can I thank
You enough, my good God?

I adore You, I praise You, I thank You with all
my heart. I offer You all my actions and sufferings
of this day as a love-token. Help me so that I may
not sin today. Make me pure and pleasing to You.
O Jesus, receive my poor offering. You have given

Yourself to me. Let me give myself to You. I give
You MY BODY that it may be chaste and pure; I
give You MY SOUL that it may be free from Sin; I
give You MY HEART that it may always love You; I
give You my EVERY BREATH that I shall breathe
and, especially, my last; I give You myself in life
and in death that I may be Yours forever and ever.

PRAYER OF ST. IGNATIUS
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.
Never permit me to be separated from Thee.
From the wicked enemy defend me.
At the hour of death call me, and bid me come

to Thee,

That with Thy saints I may praise Thee for all
eternity. Amen.

Indulgence: 300 days

20



PRAYER AFTER HOLY COMMUNION
BEFORE A CRUCIFIX

A Plenary Indulgence is attached when you pray for
the Pope's intentions.

Behold, O good and sweetest Jesus, I cast myself
upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fer-
vent desire of my soul, I pray and beseech Thee,
that Thou wouldst deeply impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faiih, hope and charity, true
contrition for my sins, and a most firm purpose of
amendment; whilst with great affection and grief of
soul, I ponder within myself and mentally contem-
plate Thy five Wounds, having before my eyes the
words which long ago David the prophet spoke in
Thine own Person concerning Thee, O good Jesus:
"They have pierced My hands and My feet; they
have numbered all My bones/'

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Ask Jesus to come into your soul with an increase of

His own Divine Life, since you cannot now receive Him
sacramentally. Yes, He comes! Thank Him for coming.
Talk to Him.

"Lord Jesus, come to me!"
"O Jesus, I look to the hospital chapel, to Thy

holy tabernacle in adoration, where Thou art really
present for love of me. I love Thee above all things,
O My God. I cannot at this moment receive Thee
in Holy Communion. But come, Jesus, come spir-
itually into my heart; come to cleanse it and make it
like to Thine. I embrace and unite myself entirely
to Thee. O never suffer me to be separated from
Thee. Amen.

Humor is not an obstacle to sanctity. If you can
find nothing else to smile at, there is always your-
self.—Bishop Kelley.

21



YOUR HOSPITAL STAFF

THE SISTER’S PRAYER
Mary, help me live from day to day,

In such a self forgetful way,
That even when I kneel to pray,
My prayer shall be for Others.

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true,

And know that all I do for you
Must needs be done for Others.

Let self be crucified and slain
And buried deep; and all in vain

My efforts be to rise again
Unless to five for Others.

And when my work on earth is done,
And my new work in Heaven’s begun,

May I forget the crown I’ve won
Whilst thinking still of Others.

Others, Mary, yes Others,
Let this my motto be,

Help me live for Others
That I may live with thee.

* * *

THE PHYSICIAN’S PRAYER
Lord, Who on earth didst minister
To those who helpless lay

In pain and weakness, hear me now,
As unto Thee I pray.

Give to mine eyes the power to see
The hidden source of ill,

Give to my hand the healing touch
The throb of pain to still.

22



Grant that mine ears be swift to hear
The cry of those in pain;

Give to my tongue the words that bring
Comfort and strength again.

Fill Thou my heart with tenderness,
My brain with wisdom true,

And when in weariness I sink,
Strengthen Thou me anew.

So in Thy footsteps may I tread.
Strong in Thy strength alway,

So may I do Thy blessed work
And praise Thee day by day.

# # *

THE HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN
To live in the midst of the world, without wishing

its pleasures;

To be a member of each family, yet belonging to
none;

To share all sufferings, to penetrate all secrets;

To heal all wounds; to go from men to God and
offer Him their prayers;

To return from God to men, to bring pardon and
hope!

To have a heart of fire for charity, and a heart of
bronze for chastity;

To teach and to pardon, to console and to bless
always.

My God! what a life! And it is yours, O Priest of
Jesus Christ!

Lacordaire.

23



A NURSE'S CONSECRATION TO MARY
O ever glorious and Immaculate Mother of God,

I choose thee as my Mother, my Patroness and my
Ideal in the sacred profession of a nurse. Realizing
that you, dear Mother Mary, ever acted as an As-
sistant to the Divine Physician, I beg of you to guide
and direct me in every moment of my nursing
career. Let all my thoughts, words and actions,
every step I take, every breath I draw be directed
to the greater honor and gloi'y of God. Walking in
your glorious footsteps and imitating your angelic
purity, your deep humility, your unquestioning obe-
dience, and your boundless charity, may I, after a
life of unflinching service and Christlike sympathy,
merit the favor of being close to you and your
Divine Son for all eternity. Amen.

# * *

IN PAIN, VIRGIN MARY!
Yes, ’tis in thee my hopes repose,
And I will hope in thee always;
0 Virgin, help me in the days

That lie before me till life’s close.
If sometimes, while with pain I smart,

1 feel my courage fail me quite.
Let but thy image greet my sight

And heaven descend into my heart.

* *

ANOTHER WAY!
A patient who was very weak had his own way

of using his beads. "Father," he said to the Chap-
lain, "it is too hard for me to say the Rosary. I
simply say: 'Jesus, Mary and Joseph' at each bead
and I trust that the good Lord will be satisfied with
it."

24



ON THE GOOD PATIENT
Persons who have a great deal to do with the

sick soon come to classity shut-ins under two heads,
simply enough characterized as good patients or
bad patients. There are four marks of the good
patient, and if any one is missing, a sick person is
usually listed as a bad patient. The necessary marks
of the good patient are these:

1. A good patient is obedient. No one in the
world, not even a child, has quite the same reasons
for obedience as the shut-in. His illness or incapac-
ity renders him dependent on others: doctors, nurses,
attendants, family and friends. Everybody, when
not ill, recognizes in the dependence caused by ill-
ness the reasons for obedience; yet, not everybody
practices obedience when actually ill.

2. A good patient is cheerful. Of course, there
is no question of cheerfulness when a patient is run-
ning a high fever, consuming large quantities of
medicine, and wandering in and out of delirium.
But apart from these extreme conditions, cheerful-
ness can be practiced even in the midst of racking
pain, and it is always a marvelous inspiration to
others. Its basis is a deeply rooted trust in the
Providence of God. Those lacking a happy frame
of mind usually show it by dour and melancholy
moods.

3. A good patient is uncomplaining. We doubt
whether anybody has ever been or ever will be sick
without having justifiable cause for complaint at
times. The food is cold, or not the right kind, or
brought too early or too late. The nurse is absent
just when needed most. Friends don't call often
enough, etc. There is always something. The bad
patient vociferates over every seeming neglect; but
the good patient knows that there is nothing perfect
in this world, and suppresses every tendency to
grumble.

25



4. A good patient is grateful, showing his ap-
preciation for every small kindness by word or smile.
The beautiful words, "Thank you/' never light up
the face of the bad patient, but they invariably re-
flect the nobility and unselfishness of the one who is
good.

* * *

ST. TERESA’S BOOK MARK
(A Volume of Wisdom in itself)
Let nothing disturb thee,

Let nothing affright thee,

All things are passing,

God alone is changeless.
Patience gains all things,

Who hath God wanteth nothing,
Alone God sulficeth.

* * *

SMILE—EVEN IN SICKNESS!
A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It en-

riches those who receive it without making poorer
those who give. It takes but a moment, but the
memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so
rich or mighty that he can get along without it and
none is so poor that he can't be made rich by it. A
smile creates happiness in the home and in the hos-
pital, fosters goodwill in business and is the counter-
sign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary,
strength to the sick, cheer to the discouraged, sun-
shine to the sad; and is nature's best antidote for
trouble. Some people are too tired to give you a
smile. Give them one of yours, as no one needs a
smile so much as he who has no more to give.

26



ON THE BAD PATIENT
Well and sick people alike should have a definite

picture in their minds of what constitutes a bad pa-
tient. The well person will inevitably have to avoid
being a bad patient some day, because almost cer-
tainly, some day, he will be sick. The one who is
sick now needs the picture now, in order to know
what to avoid. The marks of the bad patient are
these, and it should be remembered that any one of
them is enough to dub a patient "bad."

1. A bad patient is insufferably proud. He thinks
he knows more than the doctor who is taking care
of him, or, if not that, he thinks that the doctor
knows nothing about his case at all. He is constant-
ly making derogatory remarks about doctors in gen-
eral, and about his own doctor in particular. If the
prescribed medicine doesn't relieve his condition
immediately, he blames it on the doctor. If the doc-
tor advises surgery, he bemoans the recommenda-
tion to his friends, claiming that all any doctor ever
wants to do is to get at you with a knife. Pride is
always detestable; it is especially so in one whose
very life may depend on the knowledge and skill he
refuses to concede to another.

2. A bad patient is constantly disobedient. If
the doctor says he must stay under the bed-clothes,
he is sure to leave the bed as soon as he gets the
opportunity. If he is told to drink lots of water, he
brags to his friends that he doesn't drink a glassful
a day. His disobedience makes him the despair of
a conscientious physician, the cross of nurses, and a
constant worry to his family and friends.

3. A bad patient is petulant and cantankerous
His favorite melody is the groan. He wants to know
why this had to happen to him, what he has done to
deserve it, why others are spared and he is striqjcen.
Hardly anything pleases him. When good food is
brought to him, he doesn't feel like eating, and thinks

27



everybody ought to know this without being told.
When no food is brought he complains bitterly that
he is starving to death and nobody cares. If he is
in a hospital, he takes his grievances out on the
nurses; they are never around when he needs them;
they are thoughtless and inefficient. 4* Usually these
accusations are balanced by the fact that he is
labeled as one of the worst patients in the hospital.

4. A bad patient is selfishly ungrateful. He has
very narrow vision; he can see only himself. What
others do for him makes no impression on him; al-
most literally, he does not see it—self is in the way.
The spoiled child that remains in so many grown-up
men and women becomes evident in illness; and
spoiled children want everything, but want to give
nothing.

Blessings in Illness by Rev. D. F. Miller, C. Ss. R

PATIENCE
I waited for the Lord a little space,
So little! in whose sight as yesterday

Passes a thousand years: I cried for grace.
Impatient of delay.

He waited for me—ah so long! For He
Sees in one single day a loss or gain

That bears a fruit through all eternity:
My soul, did He complain?

Robert Hugh Benson.

PRAYER FOR THE DYING
O most merciful Jesus, Lover of souls! I pray

Thee, by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart, and
by the sorrows of Thy Immaculate Mother, cleanse
in Thine own blood the sinners of the whole world
whq^ are now in their agony and about to die this
day. Amen.

Heart of Jesus, once in agony, pity the dying!

28



SOMEBODY ELSE
Somebody Else had a heavier cross
Than the one I bear today,

And the path were far too steep for me
Had not Somebody led the way.

Somebody Else had a sadder heart
Than the weary one in my breast

And Somebody’s aching, thorn-crowned head
Had nowhere to he in rest.

Somebody Else’s tired hands
And Somebody’s wounded feet

Were never too weary to minister
And Somebody’s smile was sweet.

Somebody Else’s head was bent.
Not with the weight of years,

And the light in Somebody’s beautiful eyes
Was dimmed with many tears.

Somebody Else’s love was spent
And tears were wept in vain.

Shall I then count my weepings cost
Or grudge a little pain?

Somebody Else was left alone
Beneath an olive tree

And nobody cared for Somebody Else
More than they do for me.

But away past life’s dull gloaming,
Across the crystal sea

Somebody Else and I shall love
For all Eternity.

29



LIVE EACH DAY—NO MORE
It is a blessed secret—living by the day- Any-

one can carry his burden, however heavy, until
nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard,
for one day. Anyone can live sweetly, patiently,
lovingly and purely, until the sun goes down. Any-
one can suffer with Christ on the Cross for the space
of twenty-four hours. The bed of pain is not worse
than the Cross.

Do not weaken yourself by looking forward to
the things you cannot see and could not understand
if you saw them.

We cannot see beyond. Short horizons make
life easier. They give us one of the blessed secrets
of a brave, true, holy living.

* * *

A WORD AND A SMILE
Don’t hurry through life with a frown on your

your face.
And never a moment to spare

For the word and the smile are always worth
while

In a world full of trouble and care.

There are others with burdens as heavy as
yours,

Hearts weary with aching and pain,
That are longing to hear just a word of good

cheer,

Will you let them be pleading in vain?

Don’t feel that misfortune has singled you out
And made you her own special prey,

For you may be sure there’s no home so secure
But that trouble will enter some way.

30



GRACE AT MEALS
We like to hear "Thank you" for even the small-

est favors. How about the good God Who nour-
ishes us daily and sustains our lives?

PRAYER BEFORE MEALS
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we

are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through
Christ Our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER MEALS
We give Thee thanks, O Almighty God, for all

Thy mercies. Who livest and reignest for ever and
ever. Amen.

Indulgence: 300 days

May the souls of the faithful departed, through
the mercy of God, rest in peace!

* * 45-

PRAYER TO ST. CAMILLUS
Patron of the Sick

Glorious St. Camillus, special protector of poor
sick people, who for forty years, with a charity truly
heroic, didst devote thyself to lightening their spir-
itual and corporal miseries; be pleased to help them
still more generously, now that thou art happy in
Heaven and that they have been confided by the
Church to thy powerful protection. Obtain for them
from God either that they may be healed of the
evils from which they are suffering, or that by
patience and Christian resignation they may be
sanctified and strengthened in the hour of their
death; and obtain also for us the grace to live and
die, after thy example, in the practice of divine love.
Amen.

Add an Our Father and a Hail Mary.
Indulgence: 30U days

31



PRAYER IN AFFLICTION
Keep me from bitterness. It is so easy to nurse

sharp, bitter thoughts each dull, dark hour! Against
self-pity. Man of Sorrows, defend me with Thy deep
sweetness and Thy gentle power! And out of all
this hurt and heartbreak, help me to harvest a new
sympathy for suffering humankind; a wiser pity for
those who lift a heavier cross with Thee.

* * *

IN LIFE AND DEATH
• O my God, sovereign Master of life and death,

by Whose unchangeable decree it is determined
that all men must die in punishment for sin, behold
me humbly prostrate before Thy dread Majesty re-
signed and submissive to this law of Thy justice.
I detest with all my heart the sins of my past life,
for which I have merited death a thousand times.
I accept my death in expiation of them and out of
obedience to Thy will. Yes, great God, send me
death in the time, the place, the manner that
pleases Thee. Meanwhile I will profit by the days
and years which Thou art pleased to grant me, that
I may detach myself from this world and sunder all
the ties that hold me bound to this land of exile, and
may prepare my soul to appear with confidence be-
fore Thy judgment-seat. I commit myself without
reserve into the hands of Thy fatherly providence.
May Thy divine will be done now and always.
Amen.

* * *

O Blessed Jesus, into Thy hands I commend my
soul and body, to live or to die as seemeth good to
Thee, and to Thy infinite mercy; for Thou hast re-
deemed me, O Lord, Thou God of truth.

32



THE FOUR LAST THINGS
Life is short and death is sure.
The hour of death remains obscure.

A soul you have, an only one,
If that be lost all hope is gone.

Waste not time, while time shall last

;

For after death ’tis ever past.

All-seeing God, your Judge will be.
And heaven or hell your destiny.

All earthly things will speed away.
Eternity, alone, will stay.

* * *

PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH
"Oh, my Lord and my Saviour, support me in

that hour in the strong arms of Thy Sacraments and
by the fresh fragrance of Thy consolations. Let the
absolving words be said over me, and the holy oil
sign and seal me, and Thine own Body be my food,
and Thy Blood my sprinkling; and let my sweet
Mother, Mary, breathe on me, and my Angel whis-
per peace to me, and my glorious Saints—smile
on me, that in them all and through them all, I
may receive the gift of perseverance, and die, as I
desire to live, in Thy faith, in Thy Church, in Thy
service and in Thy love. Amen."—Cardinal New-
man.

* # *

Good Jesus, lead me that I may follow Theer
hold me that I may cling fast to Thee; teach me that
I may choose Thee alone; keep me that I may be
Thine forever.

33



EXTREME UNCTION
If you are seriously ill, you should desire to re-

ceive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. There is
no reason to be afraid. It is Christ, your Changeless
Friend, coming to your aid. When there is danger,
we need Him. For the day comes in every Cath-
olic's life, when he is to be prepared for death or to
be given help to grow better; whichever be God's
holy will. Our whole life is but a preparation for
death. You know that this sacrament has been in-
stituted by Christ solely for the sick, according to St.
James: "Is any man sick among you? Let him bring
in the priests of the Church, and let them pray over
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man; and
the Lord shall raise him up; and if he be in sins, they
shall be forgiven him." (V. 14-15). This sacrament
will give peace, patience, and resignation, and will
restore you to health, if it be the will of God.

* * *-

HOLY VIATICUM
Our Lord, Who Himself went through the worst

agony of death, comes to your help even in a more
personal way. He becomes One with you. You do
not travel alone. When hot or cold applications do
not work, when the best medicine has no effect,
when the nurse can only try to make you more com-
fortable, when the doctor shakes his head and your
relatives helplessly stand around your bed, then
Jesus comes to you in Holy Communion (Viaticum)
to help you in that final struggle. He Himself con-
ducts you across that narrow bridge that leads into
eternity. He Himself brings you before the throne
of God. He acts as your Redeemer. What consola-
tion! What glorious grace to die in and with Christ!

"Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick."
(lohn 11, 3.)



PRAYER AFTER EXTREME UNCTION

O my dearest Jesus, now my body is anointed
with holy oil, and my soul is strengthened against
all temptations of the wicked enemy, and consoled
in my sufferings. I thank Thee from the bottom of
my heart for Thy great goodness and mercy. I will
now dismiss all worldly cares and resign myself en-
tirely to Thy mercy. If it be for my salvation, I hope
soon to recover; and if ndt, my sweetest Jesus, to
attain eternal rest with Thee, for one day with Thee
in heaven is better than a thousand here on earth.
Grant that I may never lose the grace of this holy
Sacrament. Amen.

THE APOSTOLIC BLESSING

This blessing may be given but once in the same
illness, and only to those persons who seem to be in
certain danger of death. Upon those who are rightly
disposed, it confers the favor of a plenary indulg-
ence at the moment of death. To obtain this in-
dulgence, the departing soul must be in the state of
grace and must devoutly call upon the holy Name
of Jesus.

*

ACT OF RESIGNATION
By a special act of Pius X, on the 9th March 1904, a

plenary indulgence was attached "in articulo mortis” to the

following prayer, even when recited in full health long be-
fore death, after confession and communion.

O Lord, my God, from this moment do I accept
from Thy hands, with burning love and sincere Con-
trition, with a calm and willing disposition, whatso-
ever death Thou shalt choose to send me, with its
pains and griefs.

35



THE LAST BAGGAGE
What may we take in our cold dead hands
To the Great White Throne away?

What may we take to plead for us
In the light of Judgment Day?

The crumb of bread to a hungry waif,
The word of cheer to the poor;

The heart of hope that we left behind
When we entered that troubled door;

The little song we blithely sang
When the words were needed so;

The cheerful look and the kindly hand
We may take when we’re called to go.

But never a cent to the Throne of God,
Though millions we may claim;

Never a cent to plead for us,
Save the pennies in His Name!

The little words in kindness said
To a heart that was burdened so;

The flower we left in the withered hand.
Before we turned to go.

For we never know in the offing, friend,
Just how will fall the spray.

We are only sure that the things we give
Are the things we may take away.

H. J. Bernard.

* * *

Jesus loves you, and will not permit you to perish
whilst you have confidence in Him. O Jesus, form
my heart according to Thy Heart, and then my life,
whole and entire, will flow on according to Thy
good pleasure.

36



UNSPOKEN WORDS
The kindly words that rise within the heart,
And thrill it with their sympathetic tone,
But die ere spoken, fail to play their part,
And claim a merit that is not their own.
The kindly word unspoken is a sin

—

A sin that wraps itself in purest guise,
And tells the heart that, doubting, looks within,
That not in speech, but thought, the virtue lies.

Unspoken words, like treasures in a mine,
Are valueless until we give them birth;
Like unfound gold their hidden beauties shine,
Which God has made to bless and gild the earth.
How sad ’twould be to see a master’s hand
Strike glorious notes upon a voiceless lute

!

But oh! what pain when, at God’s own com-
mand,

A heart-string thrills with kindness, but is
mute.

Then hide it not, the music of the soul,
Dear sympathy expressed with kindly voice,
But let it like a shining river roll
To deserts dry—to hearts that would rejoice.
Oh let the symphony of kindly words
Sound for the poor, the friendless and the
weak;

And He will bless you—He who struck these
chords

Will strike another when in turn you seek.

* * *

There is nothing that will make your heart more
conformable to the Heart of Jesus than sincerity, sim-
plicity and humility. The Heart of Jesus wills that
the hearts which are His should be detached from
everything and from themselves.

37



FOR MOTHERS
THOUGHTS FOR AN EXPECTANT MOTHER
What was your joy, Mary, when the angel an-

nounced that you were to become a mother—the
true Mother of God's own Son! You were as happy
. - - yes, far happier even than I am; and your pure
heart burst forth in the song of praise: "My soul doth
magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God
my Savior!"

Did you sometimes think of the wonderful Son
Whom you would bear? O Mary, think now of my
darling and watch over it always. During those
months before the first Christmas morn how rev-
erently you guarded that Precious Treasure within
your holy body. Now I, too, carry within me a pre-
cious treasure, the body and soul of my child. Your
Son was the Son of God; and my child will soon be-
come an adopted child of God when the waters of
Baptism make its soul sinless and beautiful.

Mary, thank God for me; thank Him for all His
goodness to me. Teach me how to care for the child
that He has given me. Make me a good mother as
you were. And, Mary, let me ask for one thing
more. Since your Boy was the best and the most
lovable of children, take care of my child so that it
may grow to be as much as possible like Jesus, and
like yourself. His own dear Mother. This is the grace
that I desire most of all. Amen.

* * *

THANKSGIVING AFTER DELIVERY

O Mary, I am so happy! I, too, am a mother.
Thank you, O Mother of Happy Delivery. You were
with me in my Bethlehem. Thank you. You are
with me now in my Nazareth. Thank you, thank
you!

38



O thou, who very God hast pressed
And nourished at thy sacred breast.
Virgin Mother glorified.
Teach me thy sweet mother's way.
In my labors day by day
Be thou ever at my side!

* * *

LOVELY LADY
Lovely Lady, dressed in blue.
Teach me how to pray.

God was just your little Boy

—

Tell me what to say!

Did you lift Him up sometimes
Gently on your knee?

Did you sing to Him the way
Mother did to me?

Did you hold His hand at night?
Did you ever try

Telling stories of the world?
Oh! And did He cry?

Do you think He really cares
If I tell Him things

—

Little things that happen? And
Do the angels’ wings

Make a noise? And can He hear
Me if I speak low?

Does He understand me now?
Tell me, for you know!

Lovely Lady, dressed in blue.
Teach me how to pray

—

He was just your little Boy,
And you know the way!

—Mary Dixon Thayer.
39



THE BLESSING OR CHURCHING
CEREMONY OF WOMEN AFTER

CHILDBIRTH

According to a very laudable custom, you have
come to request the blessing of the Church upon
yourself and the child that has been committed to
your care. While you return thanks to God for the
many favors which He has betsowed upon you, at
the same time fervently consecrate yourself and
your offspring to His holy service.

This blessing is not, as is sometimes thought, the
cleansing from a stain. Motherhood is a glory to a
woman and not a blemish. On the occasion of this
blessing the mother comes to offer thanks for the
favor granted her in her maternity and to ask pro-
tection and grace in her office of motherhood.

Motherhood is a sacred thing. When a mother
has borne a child, she has done a sublime and holy
act. The little soul of her child is very precious in
the eyes of God. Rightly, then, the Church has or-
dained that the mother and child should receive its
special blessing.

Your pastor can give this special blessing to you.
Catholic mothers in their solicitude for the welfare
of their children, and in their desire to fulfill properly
their holy office of directing them through life should
anxiously seek the benefits that such a blessing can
bring.

The mother may come alone, or (a more laud-
able thing) she may bring her child when the bless-
ing is received.

The ceremony begins at the door of the Church
or in the Sacristy. Commonly a brief exhortation is
there delivered to the mother, who holds a lighted
candle. After a few short prayers have here been
said, the priest places the end of his stole in the

40



mother's hand and conducts her into, the Church as
he recites the following prayer:

Enter thou into the temple of God, adore the Son
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who hath given thee
fruitfulness of offspring.

Then as the mother kneels before the altar, giv-
ing thanks to God for His benefits bestowed, the
priest prays aloud:

Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord
have mercy.

Our Father . . . ( silently).
V. And lead us not into temptation,
R. But deliver us from evil.

V. Save Thine handmaid, O Lord.
R. Who hopeth in Thee, O my God.
V. Send her help, O Lord, from the sanctuary,
R. And defend her out of Sion;
V. Let not the enemy prevail against her,
R. Nor the son of iniquity approach to hurt her.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with thee.
R. And with thy spirit.

LET US PRAY
Almighty, everlasting God, Who through the de-

livery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hast turned the
pains of the faithful at childbirth into joy: look favor-
ably upon this Thy handmaid, who joyfully ap-
proacheth Thy holy temple to offer thanks: and grant
that after this life, through the merits and interces-
sion of the same Blessed Mary, she and her child
may deserve to attain eternal joy. Through Christ
our Lord. Amen.

The priest then sprinkles the mother with holy
water in the form of a cross, and says:

The peace and blessing of God Almighty the
Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, descend
upon thee, and remain forever. Amen.

41



BLESSING OF AN INFANT
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be-

gotten before all ages. Who didst wish, however, in
time to become an Infant; Who lovest the innocence
of childhood and didst take the little ones offered to
Thee and tenderly embrace them and bless them,
protect this infant with the blessings of Thy sweet-
ness and grant that the forces of evil may not harm
its soul. And grant that advancing in age and wis-
dom and grace, it may ever be pleasing to Thee:
Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, God world without end.
Amen.

CONSECRATION OF A CHILD TO MARY
O Holy Mary, Mother of God, and Mother of all

the faithful, I place my little child under your moth-
ering protection. To you I completely consecrate
it—body and soul. Take it under your care and
keep it always. Protect it in its infancy and keep it
sound in body and mind. Guard over its youth and
keep its heart pure, its thoughts ever holy and di-
rected to God and spiritual things. Protect it always
throughout life—in its joys and sorrows, in its suc-
cesses and failures, in its dealings with others. Al-
ways and in all things, be a true Mother to it, Mary,
and preserve it. I commend it entirely to you. Re-
member, O mother, that through this act of conse-
cration it is by a special claim your child as well as
mine; guard it and keep it as your property and
possession. Amen.

The angels of the little ones ever behold the face
of the Father in heaven: May the spirits of evil never
have dominion over them!

42



THE ROSARY
Prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary

O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy
Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst of my
manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a
tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment and en-
couragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty.
Grant, above all. Virgin Mary, that the study of thy
fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little,
a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening and
fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding,
my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my
whole being. So shall I acquire the habit of, pray-
ing while I work, without the aid of formal prayers,

by interior acts of adoration and supplication, or
by aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen
of the Holy Rosary, through St. Dominic, thy son of
predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries
and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.

THE FIFTEEN MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY
The Five Joyful Mysteries

1. THE ANNUNCIATION—The Angel Gabriel announces
to the Virgin Mary that God wishes her to become the Moth-
er of His Son. Mary obeys with humility.

2. THE VISITATION—Mary visits St. Elizabeth, who is to
be the mother of St. John the Baptist. She assists Elizabeth
for three months.

3. THE BIRTH OF CHRIST—Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
is born in a stable. His Mother places Him in a manger.
Shepherds and Wise Men visit Him.

4. THE PRESENTATION—Mary and Joseph take the Child
Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to present Him to His
Heavenly Father.

5. THE FINDING OF THE CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE—
Having lost Jesus, Mary and Joseph seek Him. After three
days they find Him in the Temple.

43



The Five Sorrowful Mysteries

1. THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN—Jesus prays in the Gar-
den of Olives. The thought of His coming sufferings and of
our sins causes Him to sweat blood.

2. THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR—Jesus is stripped,
bound to a pillar, and scourged until His body is covered
with wounds and blood.

3. THE CROWNING WITH THORNS—A crown of thorns is
pressed into the head of Jesus. His eyes fill with tears and
blood. He is mocked and spat upon.

4. THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS—Jesus carries His
heavy cross to Calvary. Mary makes the stations of the cross
with her suffering Son.

5. THE CRUCIFIXION—Nailed to the cross, Jesus, after
three hours of agony, dies in the presence of His Mother.

The Five Glorious Mysteries

1. THE RESURRECTION—Victorious over death, Jesus rises
from the grave glorious and immortal, on Easter Sunday. He
reopens the gates of heaven.

2. THE ASCENSION—Forty days after His Resurrection,
Jesus ascends, in the presence of His Mother and His dis-
ciples, into heaven.

3. THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST—Ten days after
the Ascension, the Holy Ghost descends in tongues of fire
upon Mary, the apostles and disciples.

4. THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY INTO HEAVEN—The
Apostles go to the tomb of Mary but find that the angels had
borne their Queen to heaven.

5. THE CROWNING OF MARY AS QUEEN OF HEAVEN—
The Mother of God, to the joy of all the angels and saints,
is crowned Queen of Heaven by her Son.

DAYS ON WHICH THE MYSTERIES ARE RECITED
Monday..: The Joyful Mysteries
Tuesday The Sorrowful Mysteries
Wednesday The Glorious Mysteries
Thursday The Joyful Mysteries
Friday The Sorrowful Mysteries
Saturday The Glorious Mysteries
Sunday.... The Glorious Mysteries

(Sundays in Advent, the Joyful Mysteries;
in Lent, the Sorrowful Mysteries)

44



MEDITATION ON THE MYSTERIES
Meditation on the mysteries is the most important part oi

the Rosary. Put yourself in the place of lesus or Mary and
live the mysteries with them.

GOD’S KIND CARE
God hath not promised

Skies always blue.
Flower-strewn pathways,

All our lives thro’;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow.
Peace without pain.

God hath not promised
We shall not know

Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;

He hath not told us
We shall not bear

Many a burden
Many a care.

God hath not promised
Smooth roads and wide.

Swift, easy travel,
Needing no guide;

Never a mountain.
Rocky and steep,

Never a river
Turbid and deep

:

But God hath promised
Strength for the day,

Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,

Grace for the trials,
Help from above,

Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.

—Annie Johnson Flint.
45



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Even while ill, you can make the Stations of the

Cross and gain the plenary indulgence attached to
that pious exercise, by saying at least the Our
Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father twenty
times before a crucifix blessed for that purpose. It
will be more profitable if you can make the follow-
ing meditations:

L JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
The very first thought is that the condemnation

which fell upon Him should have fallen upon myself.
We are children of a guilty race. Not one of us
was born in a state of grace. And even after our
baptism, there are our own actual sins. God is truth,
and the spiritual life begins with the acknowledg-
ment of this truth. I must "condemn self." Pride
and self-esteem must be sentenced to death. The
Mass itself begins with an act of self-condemnation,
mea culpa . . . mea maxima culpa ... no one else's
fault—my own. God resists the proud and gives His
grace to the humble. The spiritual life is the life of
grace. It begins with humility.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

2. JESUS BEARS HIS CROSS
Jesus not only allows the condemnation to fall

upon Himself. He reaches out for the Cross. Not
mere words, but deeds also are required. The spir-
itual life is not a matter of high ideals, nor of merely
lofty sentiments. It is a question of deliberate will,
of steeling oneself to pay the price. Will-training
is the most necessary of all. To build up a steady,
constant devotedness to duty and the WILL of God is
basic. The test of love for our Lord is—how much
can I bear for the love of Him? Uncomfortable
things are unavoidable in the spiritual life. Daily
fidelity in itself will be uncomfortable. But I must

46



definitely take up the Cross, and put into practice
my dedication to a life of virtue. If I condemn self-
love to death, let self-love die, however painful the
process. Unless I have this will, a spiritual life is
not possible. I must ask our Lord for courage and
strength.

Our Father
,
Hail Mary, Glory be, etc,

3. JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME
It is a guarantee, a prediction, and a promise:

A guarantee. Perhaps the thought will come, "He
is God, but I am not God. He has the immense re-
sources of His omnipotence to draw upon, but I am
only a poor, weak, frail little creature." But Jesus
refused to draw upon His Divine resources. He suf-
fered His human nature to exhaust its strength, and
break under the strain. It was a true Cross for Him.
But besides this guarantee, this first fall is a predic-
tion—at times the burden may become too much for
me also. I may fail under it, and fall from time to
time from my resolutions. I must not be surprised.
But neither must I be disheartened. As our Lord
continued His journey so after every disloyalty, I
can rise, repent, and continue to the end. As often
as I need and desire the grace to do so, it is prom-
ised me in advance.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

4. JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
Devotion to Our Lady is essential in the spiritual

life. It is not a "pious extra." We must give her
that place in our lives that God gave her in His plan
of redemption—a principal place. But if we wish
really to experience her help, we must show that we
are in earnest. To wear the Scapular, to say
Rosaries, to be enrolled in Confraternities, is not
enough. Let us begin the spiritual life seriously if
we would deserve her interest. She will come when

47



needed, and meet us on our way once she sees that
we are bent on serving our Lord. The surest way
to deserve Our Lady's help is to show beforehand
that we really are determined to benefit by it. Then
she will come to inspire, console, and strengthen us.

Our Father, Hail Mary
,
Glory be, etc

.

5. THE CYRENEAN HELPS JESUS
When Mary met Jesus, a prayer from her heart

went up to our heavenly Father, and the answer to
her prayer comforts us in the Fifth Station. God in-
spired our Lord's very persecutors to constrain
Simon of Cyrene to assist in the carrying of the
Cross. So help will come to us, from God, from
others, from our own interior renewal. And if only
we persevere, the touch of our own cross will change
us, as the touch of the Cross of Jesus changed Simon
from reluctance to joy.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

6. VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF
JESUS

God sees intentions and rewards them mag-
nificently. Veronica presses through the hostile
throng, heedless of all human respect, intent only on
our Lord. Seeing His distress she offers Him a hand-
kerchief. One asks, "Is that all she could do for
Him? Of what help could it be to Him?" But our
Lord rewarded the love and sympathy with His
image and likeness stamped upon that cloth, to be
a memento of Him till Veronica's dying day. We
cannot offer our Lord more than trifles. But He
makes much more of little things than we do. In
fact, there is not little or great before Him. There is
only love. Growth in purity of motives is growth in
holiness; and the reward is the likeness of Christ
stamped upon our souls and winning for us also the

48



words of our Eternal Father
—

"This is my beloved
child in whom I am well pleased."

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

7. JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME
He falls, despite the help poor Veronica tried to

give Him. For whatever we do, it is He who must
redeem the world. No saint could redeem the
world, or even himself. If our work contributes at
all to the salvation of souls, it is only insofar as the
merits of our Lord's passion enter into our own ef-
forts. If, as we go on in our service of God, any
temptation to self-complacency should present it-
self, we should remember at once that Jesus alone
is the Savior of humanity, and that no work of ours
was able or could relieve Him of the necessity of
His passion and death. So He tells us, "When you
shall have done all these things that are command-
ed you, say: We are unprofitable servants." (Luke
XVII, 10.) It is not that our Lord has no need of us.
It is not that we can neglect our duties without harm
to souls. But any real value in what we do accom-
plish is from Him, and without Him we could do
nothing. We must work on, but realize that it is His
work through us rather than our own.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

8. JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF
JERUSALEM

Natural views give way to supernatural views.
The women of Jerusalem saw our Lord, bruised and
broken, covered with dust and blood, a pitiable
spectacle. And in their health and strength they
wept at the sight of a human being reduced to such
a state. But Jesus said, "Weep not for Me. Weep
for yourselves and your children." It is the great
reversal of values. He practically said, "You pity
Me—but I pity you far more." They were of the

49



Jews who were rejecting God. He was doing His
Father's Will. The world may pity us. But ever we
say, "Weep not over us—but for yourselves and for
your children." Natural views, measuring things by
standards of earthly well-being and comfort, or ap-
parent success, do not count with those who live by
faith. Supernatural faith is ready at any time to
say, with immense confidence in God, "Things are
going most right just when they seem to be going
most wrong." Our faith will be tried and tested in
many ways that it may be purified. The just man
lives by faith, but it must be sheer faith, a deep
confidence in God, and in God alone.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

9. JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME
It is the Station of reparation. If I am a Christian,

if I am trying to avoid sin and live a life of true vir-
tue, it is for Him. So here I must see His needs
rather than my own. Loved by Veronica, He falls to
teach us that He must redeem the world. Unloved
by the Jews, even though pitied by their womenfolk.
He falls for the last time. But if others do not love,
we can love twice over. And every Christian should
be the living consolation of Christ in this world. A
spiritual life which is not drawn more and more to
the element of reparation has something wrong
with it. All the saints thought far more of our Lord
than of themselves. Whatever wounded Him
wounded them; and they offered themselves to Him
the more as they saw souls abandoning Him.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

10. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF fflS
GARMENTS

If we offer ourselves completely to our Lord, He
will take us at our word—and the price is perfect
detachment from things, persons, and self. Jesus is

50



stripped of all that He possesses in this world, even
the clothing His sense of modesty alone esteemed.
All attachments to anything less than God, will be
broken; and love of self will be crushed—by both
exterior and interior crosses. Self-love will protest.
But our Lord must break us to make us. There is not
a favored soul whom He has led to the heights who
has not had to pay the price.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

11. JESUS IS NAILED TO HIS CROSS
If the nails did not turn to dust rather than pierce

His holy hands, it was because He, their Creator,
forbade them to do so. We could never have been
redeemed otherwise. And unless we go on endur-
ing whatever God chooses to permit, the work of our
sanctification will also fail. Fearful of self, we can
but ask our Lord to nail us to our own cross, if there
be any danger of our leaving Him. If it be neces-
sary we must ask to be so attached to our cross that
we cannot escape it. "Don't let me go from You,
O Jesus, even should I seem to want to," should be
our prayer. "Keep me, in spite of myself." Volun-
tarily we ask Him to compel us to be His—until the
work is accomplished.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

12. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
Coming to the scene which sets the seal upon the

whole of our Lord's work, we should pray for its
success in ourselves, and in others. Zeal for souls
cannot but result from a contemplation of the death
of Jesus on the Cross. He must have that for which
He died. We pray for the prevention of those last
mortal sins which take souls to hell. And for our-
selves we pray, "O Jesus, You die for the love of
me. Grant that I may die to my self-love for the
love of Thee."

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, etc.

51



13. JESUS IS PLACED IN THE ARMS OF
HIS MOTHER

Seeing her sorrows and thinking of her, I realize
the reparation due her. And I ask at least the re-
lease of a soul from Purgatory in honor of her tears,
that she may have the joy of one more child of God
in Heaven itself. But for myself I ask that, at every
stage of my spiritual life, that after my death-blow
aimed at self-love, I may be confided to our Lady's
care and protection, that she may take that true
Mother's interest in me which I need so badly, and
without which there is no ascending to the heights
at all.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he, etc.

14. JESUS IS PLACED IN THE TOMB
Jesus is placed in the tomb until His glorious

resurrection. It is the Station of final perseverance.
And I ask simply that, given completely to our Lord,
I may be buried in the grace of God which takes me
out of this world even though I still be in it; I ask
that our Lady would roll the stone of her protection
over the entrance to that burial with Christ in bap-
tismal grace, so that I may remain there till the veils
are tom away, till earth gives place to heaven, and
my soul finds itself sharing in that glory of Christ
which He alone can give and no one can take away.
In, with, and through Christ I wish to live, and die,
and live again forever. Henceforth the one moment
that will count for me will be that moment in which
He takes me to Himself.

Our Father, Hail Alary, Glory be. etc.

Conclude the Stations with the Our Father, Hail Mary,

and Glory be to the Father five times in honor of the five

wounds of Our Lord and once for the intentions of the

Sovereign Pontiff. If unable to say those prayers kiss a

crucifix indulgenced for the Stations and say the ejaculation,

"My Jesus crucified I love Thee,” to gain the plenary in-
dulgence.

52



DEVOTIONS TO THE SACRED HEART
OF JESUS

LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Ghost in the

womb of the Virgin Mary.
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word

of God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty.
Heart of Jesus, Holy Temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, House of God, and Gate of

Heaven,
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity.
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love.
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise.
Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts.
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of

wisdom and knowledge.
Heart of Jesus, in whom abides all the fulness of

the Godhead,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well

pleased.

Heart of Jesus, of whose fulness we have all re-
received.

53

Have

mercy

on

us.



Heart of Jesus, desire of the eternal hills.
Heart of Jesus, patient and abounding in mercy/
Heart of Jesus, rich unto all that call upon Thee,
Heart of Jesus, source of life and holiness.
Heart of Jesus, atonement for our iniquities.
Heart of Jesus, loaded with insults.
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our sins.
Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation.
Heart of Jesus, victim for sin.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in

Thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints.

Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world.

Spare us,
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.
Versicle. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
Response. Make our hearts like unto Thine.

LET US PRAY
O, almighty and eternal God, look upon the

Heart of Thy dearly beloved Son, and upon the
praise and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name
of sinners; and being appeased, grant pardon to
those who seek Thy mercy in the name of the same
Jesus Christ, Thy Son who liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without
end. Amen.

54



ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE
SACRED HEART

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine
Altar (outside a church or oratory say: in Thy pres-
ence). We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but
to be more surely united to Thee, behold, each one
of us this day freely dedicates himself to Thy Most
Sacred Heart. Many, indeed, have never known
Thee; many, too, despising Thy precepts have re-
jected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful
Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou
King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never
forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal sons who
have abondoned Thee; grant that they may quickly
return to their Father's house, lest they perish of

wretchedness and hunger. Be Thou King of those
whom heresy holds in error or discord keeps aloof;
call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity
of faith, so that soon there may be but one fold and
one Shepherd. Be Thou King of all those who even
now sit in the shadow of idolatry or Islam, and re-
fuse not Thou to bring them into the light of Thy
kingdom. Look, finally with eyes of pity upon the
children of that race, which was for so long a time
Thy chosen people; and let Thy Blood, which was
once invoked upon them in vengeance, now descend
upon them also in a cleansing flood of redemption
and eternal life. Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church as-
surance of freedom and immunity from harm; unto
all nations give an ordered tranquillity; bring it to
pass that from pole to pole the earth may resound
with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought
our salvation; to It be honor and glory for ever and
ever. Amen.

An indulgence of 5 years.

55



MINUTE MEDITATIONS OF
ST. MARGARET MARY
If you wish to be loved by Jesus, be humble,

gentle and simple. Judge and accuse yourself
alone; excuse all others.

* * *

It seems to me that there is no shorter road to
perfection, no surer means of salvation, than to be
consecrated to the Heart of Jesus, to render to It all
the homage of love and praise of which we are
capable.

.

* * *

If you are faithful in doing the will of God in this
life, your own will shall be accomplished through-
out eternity.

The Heart of Jesus is at least worth yours.
Leave all, and you will find all in the Sacred

Heart.

How sweet it will be to die after having had a
constant devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—of
Him Who will be our Judge.

* * *

Take care that your tongue, over which He so
often passes into your heart, may not be sullied by
any raillery, complaint or finding fault, so as to
wound charity.

Assist at Holy Mass with the dispositions of the
Blessed Virgin Mary when she stood in the shadow
of the cross on Calvary, offering His passion and
death to the eternal Father for the conversion of all
hardened and unfaithful hearts.

* * *

Our hearts are made for Jesus alone, and so can
find no repose, no joy, no consolation but in His
Heart. As the appetite is a mark of the health of the
body, so an eagerness to approach Jesus in Holy
Communion is a mark of the fervor of the heart.

56



LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
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.
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 wisdom.
Seat of wisdom.
Cause of our joy.
Spiritual vessel.

Vessel of honor.
Singular vessel of devotion.
Mystical rose.

57



Tower of David,
Tower of ivory.
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, -2,
Queen of Patriarchs, 5^
Queen of Prophets, c£
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,
Queen of Peace,

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.
Versicle. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
Response. That we may be made worthy of the

promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, 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.

58



NOVENA PRAYERS
EFFICACIOUS PRAYER TO THE
HOLY CHILD JESUS

(A revelation said to have been made by the Blessed
Mother to the Ven. Servant of God, Father Cyril a Matre

Dei.)

O Child Jesus, I have recourse to Thee by Thy
Holy Mother; I implore Thee to assist me in this
necessity, for I firmly believe that Thy Divinity can
assist me. I confidently hope to obtain Thy holy
grace. I love Thee with my whole heart and my
whole soul. I am heartily sorry for my sins, and
entreat Thee, O good Jesus, to give me strength to
overcome them. I am firmly resolved never to offend
Thee again and to suffer everything rather than dis-
please Thee. Henceforth, I wish to serve Thee faith-
fully. For Love of Thee, O divine Child, I will love
my neighbor as myself. O Jesus, omnipotent Child,
I entreat Thee again to come to my assistance in this
necessity

(Mention it)

Grant me the grace of possessing Thee eternally
with Mary and Joseph, and of adoring Thee with
Thy Holy Angels and Saints. Amen.

PRAYER TO THE INFANT OF PRAGUE
O Divine Child of Prague, and still the great

omnipotent God, I implore through Thy Most Holy
Mother's most powerful intercession and through the
boundless mercy of Thy omnipotence as God, for a
favorable answer to the intention I so earnestly ask
for in this Novena. O Divine Child of Prague, hear
my prayer and grant my petition.

(Say Three Times)

(Our Father and Hail Mary—Once)
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MIRACULOUS MEDAL
O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord

Jesus and our Mother, penetrated with the most
lively confidence, in thy all-powerful and never fail-
ing intercession, manifested so often through the
Miraculous Medal, we, thy loving and trustful chil-
dren, implore thee to obtain for us the graces and
favors we ask during this Novena, if they be bene-
ficial to our immortal souls, and the souls for whom
we pray: (Here mention your petitions). Thou know-
est, O Mary, how often our souls have been the
sanctuaries of thy Son Who hates iniquity. Obtain
for us then a deep hatred of sin and that purity of
heart which will attach us to God alone, so that our
every thought, word and deed, may tend to His
greater glory. Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer
and self-denial that we may recover by penance
what we have lost by sin, and at length attain to
that blessed abode wherein thou art the Queen of
angels and of men. Amen.

TO ST. JOSEPH
O glorious St. Joseph—faithful follower of Jesus

Christ, to thee do we raise our hearts and hands, to
implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining from

the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces
necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a happy death, and the
favor we now implore ....

Say the following seven times: — O Glorious St.
Joseph! through the love thou bearest to Jesus Christ
and for the glory of His Name. Hear our prayers
and obtain our petitions.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
7 years indulgence.

60



ONLY A LITTLE WHILE
Only a little while, He saith,

Only a little while;
A few more days, or a few more years,
A few more cares and smiles and tears;
At the longest ’twill seem but a fleeting breath,

Only a little while.

Only a little while, He saith,
Only a little while;

Dark clouds may enshroud us; rugged and steep
Be the path we tread; we may wearily weep;
But courage, my soul, for the Leader saith,

Only a little while.
Only a little while. He saith,

Only a little while.

A little while here with the pain and the cross,
A little while here to be purged from our dross;
And then, oh! the glory beyond that, He saith.

Beyond this little while.
Oh! the crowns and the palms and the victori-

ous song,

Oh! the joys, the glad raptures of glorified
throngs,

The unknown, the unspeakable glories that
await

After this little while.

Rev. H. M. Calmer, S.J.

61



CONTENTS
Page

Why Squander Illness? : 5

My Daily Prayer... 9

In Time of Sickness

—

Prayer for Courage and Happy Death 10

Learning Christ—Daily Plea of the Suffering 1

1

Daily Prayers—In the Morning 12
Act of Contrition—Morning Offering—

My Sick-Bed 13

Night Prayer—Aspirations—Memorare 14
Closing Prayer—A Moment's Thought 15
Confession—Examination of Conscience 16
After Confession—My Offering 17
Holy Communion—Prayers Before

Holy Communion 18

Prayer for Fidelity 19

Prayers After Communion—Prayer of
St. Ignatius 20

Prayer After Communion—Spiritual Communion 21
Your Hospital Staff 22

Nurse's Consecration to Mary 24

On the Good Patient. 25

St. Teresa's Book Mark

—

Smile, In Sickness 26

62



On the Bad Patient 27

Patience—Prayer for the Dying 28
Somebody Else 29

Live Each Day—A Word and a Smile 30
Grace Before and After Meals—Prayer to

St. Camillus 31

Prayer in Affliction—In Life and Death 32
Four Last Things... .. .. 33

Extreme Unction 34

Prayer After Extreme Unction

—

Blessing and Resignation 35

The Last Baggage... 36

Unspoken Words 37

For Mothers 38-42

The Rosary . 43-45

Stations of the Cross 46-52

Litany of Sacred Heart and Litany of
Blessed Virgin 53-58

Novena Prayers 59

63



MY MEMENTO

Your Hospital.

Date: In

Out

Room No

Name

Case

Doctor(s)

Sister(s)

Nurses.

Memories.

Chaplain

64