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ALPHONSUS LIGUORI MEW AKD niPBOVKD EDITIOW QUEBEC PRINTED BY AUGUSTIN^ Place d'Armes 1870 •l".. ■:Jt^-it..*i-*t.. '•■' -- ■■^■i^ -*mm^.'!if\il>ynt ^K^- ■)); The . Mission Book . has received the commenda- tion of many distinguished Prelates in Europe, as a work ernmently Ottcd for the instruction of the faithful and the promotion of solid piety. We cbft^rfully permit its publication. t JOHN, , > Archbishop of New York New York, September 8, 1858. i'«if). ...•J ■'" *.■ •i*Hn ( 'iw^'' '.T^tm^^ wv 'V »^V^*w'I^V 'WW* PREFACE. Tms little volrnne, called the « Mission^Book, » is in- tended us a companioju to the Sermons and Instrnctions of ' the Mission. Its object is to aid those who attend the Mission to make it well, and to help them, after the Mission is over, to rrmomber the sacred truths they hare heard, to practice the good /-solutions they have made and to preserve the gifts of grace they have received. The want of such a Uttle Manual for the Mission was long ago- felt, by missionaries laboring in Europe, and they accor- dingly proi^ared one, which has been, from time to time published In different languages, and with such variations ai? were thought suitable and proper. It has had a wide circulation, and has carried with it a great blessing in se- veral different countrirs, and particularly in Austria Bohemia, Belgium, Holland, and France. The English Mi.sion-Book was j repared some years ago, on the basis of ttic^Gcrman edition, but it was entirely remodelled and enriched T.ith mucli additional matter, In order to make it more useful to Catholics in the United States. Since that time i.^. has been ocea-ionally revised and corrected anew. f.nd It has now once more been subjected to a careful re- vis on, and improved by the addition of much Interesting and useful matter. * In this little book you will And, dear Christian Reader, a pia.:andKimplo compendium of the instructions of the Mission, in the form of instruction on the Sacraments, and Christian Duties, i id Meditation, and Spiritual Reading on the great truths of religion. You will find also, the forms of private and public Devotion, which are commonly con- tained in a Prayer-Book. Thousands of Catholics in thl& country, have, witt-in a few years past, found this little- 8 4 1 1 1 PREFACK. ^cok next to the Mission itself, a most precious and a mos* efficacious means of grace, for themselves and for their famlhes Use it then, diligently, for the sake ofy6ur eter! nal salvation Use It also for the salvation of your children 4indtho«o intrusted to your care, and fcr the salvation of ^ISf Jf?v!^"^ ^u ^^""'^ '^^'^ ^"^ unJnstruoted, who are ^areless of their religion, and who are living si^^i UveB In this way you may save your own soul, and rescue the souls of many others from eternal perdition. EXPLANATION OF THE MISSIOK : THE WAY TO MAKE IT V7ELL ' AKD HOW TO PRESERVE ITS FRUITS. * A Mission is a series of Spiritual Exercises giv-en publicly m a Church for several days or for one or more weeks in succession. These oxercises include daily Mass and Benediction, with other public prayers, Sermons, and Ins' tructions, and the admini.strationofthe sacra- ments of Penance, and the Holy Eucharist, its end IS to enlighten and instruct the mind to excite the conscience, to inflame the will' and to renew the whole inward ard outward i lie by the solemn truths, and wholesome^ tioctrinos of religion. The Papal Benediction IS U8ual]y given at the close of the Mission, by .special authority of the Holy See, and those who receive this Benediction can gain a Plew' nary Tndulgciice, if they have attended the ' exereiscP, and have made a good confession and Communion. There is a partial Indul- gence ot two hundred days attached to each one of the exercises of the Mission. If the 31i:,siou XJontiiiues ibr ten days, another Pie- nary indulgence granted to all those who per- . PREFACE. c S'gain^ ■'^'"*""' Exercise., for ten di^^my- In oif'er that a Mission should succeed well t'/il^7 neecBsary that it should be annonn! ced to the ];eople t« o weeks fcefoio the oren- .ng.mxlthat .hey .hould be urged and ex- horted to attend the l:.^■crc■ites. It is a mo^t salmary practice to oficr np public prayers wmvthen> dur ngthe interval }br its s^ucC and to request them to siiy certain spccia prayers for the tame intention, every day fn IJriv.ite. 'J ""J' in When the Mission is opened in aParish all should ha.lrt as a singu/ar and special bl'es ing irom lleaTcn. a he Mission is usually opciicd on a Sunday and the first Sermon k pi-caehcd at High Mass. otrmon is In this Sermon yon will hear the nature and «dvnntage,s of the Mission, and the way to make the Mi^l^ion well, A.lly explained Vet every one, therefore, make it a point to attend < .e introductory Sermon. After this yon should attend all the £xerci.es-the EvonC ■Wens «ud Morning Instn.c( ion.-diligent^ loo . n i ^'."''0"* 'hi« constant attend-i •• ■luce t' will he impossible for you really to .f:ain the Ihiits of the Mi«ion. Kven IfVu tl 6 .acntico and attend the Exercises. It is in\ ted to do It, and Iho great good which von will gain IS worth any sacrifice and any la C How many who come in from the remote parts « PREFACE. of thQ parieb just as the Mission is closing, ar& sentawav unheard, or if they arc permitted tO' DPfioeive the Sacraments, arcdeprivedof all the Specitil Gi-aces and Blessings of the Mission? Besides attending the exercises, you must from the beginning break off every habit of mortal sin, avoid all bad company, and shun All dangerous places and occasions of sin. You must also pray fervently in church and at home, that you may make the Mission well. Perhaps your eternal salvation depends on it and the everlasting destiny of your soul may be decided now. And then, dear Christian, after you have made the Mission well, and have obtained its precious graces, you must take care that you do not fall into the fatal mistake of supposing- that you have no more to do — that the grace of the Mission will of itself keep you from falling, and secure your eternal salvation. If you have made the Mission well, you have only taken the first step of a long jour- ney, and made a good beginning in the great work of your salvation, \\lAch must employ your whole lifetime. The Mission is no substi-^ tute for the good works of the Christian Life, by which a sinner can escape hell and gaiii heaven, without a solid and lasting conversion. If your good resolutions pass away witi the excitement of the Mission— if, after the Mis- sion, you again allow years to pass in the ne- glect of your Easter Duty ; if you neglect Mass on Sundays; if you rolapse intx) habit* PSStACE. 7' of T ce and violate anew the vows of your baptism, which you have ratified at the foot of the cross -your salvation will be in the greatfest danger. Watch ovei^ Vourself then rma^'?:f !'^' ^"^"y^ diligencevlil zeri Mi^fof t i"^ '" ^'°"'' heart the fruits of the ^ern'r™" v^''*'' *° ^^^^^ *hem until the end ol your life, use faithfully the follow- ing means of perseverance. ^ "" '"WW 1. You mnst avoid the occasions of sin. Evil company and dangerous amusements are the great highways to sin and hell. In your baptism you promised to renounce tliede^il and ffi the t fl r°"f' '''•*^'''''^°''<'' no^ «ndfor ever, wrens, the tavern-bar, the liquor-shop, and toi e ver the person whose company has alread v proved dangerous to your puritf. " lie iS lovethdanger shall perishin'it."(^ccli.iii. 27) ihl'IZ"'"'^ ««^^oo^:^n^-" "'"!'' '^'^y ^«y ^^"^Sl and U?; wo,l "1?'^'*,'''? *''" ^'^"^ of the Saints, tne worlds of St. Alpnonsus, and other devont writers of the Catholic Chnrr^i, and abovT^t the Gospels of the New Testament, whi^ 8 PRBFAGE. If contain tho life of our Lord Josus Christ on earth, his holy lesson^ to man, and the history of 'his death. ! . ' ' S.' You must frequent the Sacraments. Con- fession and communfion are fountains of grace which God has jilaced at our doors for common use. Without confession 3'onr conscience will Boon become hardened; blinded, and loaded with guilt. The Body and Blood of Christ is the food of the Christian's soul. Without fre- quent communion that soul will faint for want of nourishment, and fall into sin. How many dio to the grace and friendship of God from pure starvation, because they let months and months go by without communion. The Saviour of the world mys, that unless you eat his flesh and drink his blood, vou shall have no life in you. (S.John, vi. 54.) Eesolve then to receive this Bread of Heaven at least once in the month. 4. You must pray, " Without me, " says Je- sus Christ, " you can do nothing. " (S. John, XV,. 5.) You cannot.do any thing Whatever for your soul's good; you cannot take a single step in the way of salvation without the grace of God, and that grace you must obtain by l)rayer. '' If any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who givcth to all abundantly. " (S- James, i. 5.) Be constant, therefore, in the habit of prayer. Say every day, without fail^ yc . r morning and evening jn-a jera. Be ])resent not only at the Mass on Sundays and Holy days, as tke Church commands, but as often PRIFACE. g on^3n*- ^^7 especially in tho moment of temptation, before the evil thcmeht ha» time to gain etrength, and GoU win alwav, give yo« the victory. The promise of final perseverance and of salvation, is to those wh« are constant n>,dpor.evoringinprryei"" And c.Xl', ''' '!f *'"''' o»e that , 'hall W called u23on the name of the Lord shall vJ saved. " (Joel, ii. 32.) ' ^'*" ^ +h?!'*" '•'""•' ^''^•'•i- <-"l'"slian, recall to mind the graces given to you during the AliBsinr and renewthe firm n.ohuion toput in pracUce the above mcan.s so necessary to prescn-e ?hom te ned for you by (he intercession of tro BlG..sod \,rg,n, niKl that shom.y help vou to keep them, offer to Jier the following jletitL: ' PRAYKR rem rEP.SEVJRVKrp : ■; - , lov^d 'sfe Y"t^"' ''^^"^' ""'J -".V o^WV be- loved Mother I least mvselfat (hv feet to obHtod'^n'"" "" f". S™«™ ^^•"'^•h thcH a*t ohtamcd for mo during (ho IIolv Mission How swefet it is to remember all Iho.socS-nal my heart, and taught me to rircparc for death and judgment! How joyful was h. t n«, when first I resolved to change my life and keep the commandment.s of OVxl ! ilowXeat ll.c peace of my heart after 1 had made^hat sincere confession of all my sin.s IK^vw shall I forget that delightful hoiir, when I rccom mended my soul and salvatib.to,tht mother^ •',-s>- to PREPAC2. ii.!lli xjare ; — that Bolemn hour also when I renewed the vows of my baptigm, and then received the Papal Benediction, with ti^e plenary In- dulgence of the Church. How happy would I be, could I persevere in that same state of life until the last breath of life I But, alas ! the world is full of danger-.. Satan is seeking always to ensnare my s6ul, and the frailty of the human heart is so great! Oh I no, Mother of God I I cannot persevere by my own etrongth. I should fall :nto mortal sin ; and oh I if that sin should be my last, and remain unforgiven ! Therefore, oh ! Mother of God, take my heart into thy keeping, and maintain rne in these my firm resolutions. 'Never will I sin any more. Kovcr will I utter sinful words, never follow dangerous amusements, keep evil company, or expose my soul to ;Iio oc- casions of sin; never more will I neglect prayer, or the sacraments of the Church, and so lose again ali the fruits of my conversion, liow I am a child of God. Jesus Christ, thy divine 8on, is my friend, the angels are my companions. Oh ! Holy Lady ! am I not a dear child of thine J Keep mo ever in thy loving heart. ^Maintain theso resolutions in my soul. Pray for mo, thy child, to Jesus thy divine Son ; and should Satan overcome to seducb my soul, then will I pray to thee. Oh I Mother, help rao, watch over mo, support me ; never let mv soul bo peparatod from Jesus Christ, thy Son and my liecf comer. Amen. i#Jliii.i.iiiiiii, USEFUL TABHFS FESTIVALS OF OBLIGATION. The Movable Feasts are : The Immovable Feasts are : Jan. 1 The Crucoicisiov J«n. 6. The EpiPnANy. ISi' fr: X]i^ ANNUNCIATION. Aug. h). PiTK Assumption Nov 1 all-Saints. Uee. 2o. ClIKISTMAS. VincemTei^Du'b^oTTutl^^^^^^^ LoiUs, Mobile, CUMCLSION E^AIa^ny A?;!f,^' «"^^ Chlea-o, the Cr,2 CHRistin^eno?fe?Cj^oA>UgJt^^^^ ^"^'^ ^"««p"» DAYS OP FASTING. 2 ?"f;,f"^"^^'«r^'ABVENT. si Tn^ R;^^.;fvv!:^';;'?.S''^'^>' excepted. Viz (he ^v>cl;u4^mvs;'FS^^^^^^ tJiatoly nffor tho First Hi Hv f r^" '"■' »3••S-ilnm..' woek --Inunedlatelv r'or ffi]^^ Whitsun- Hunu...t.S^-;.!;-;^ai^^^^ on Tho hT, Jxhry^SlJ'^nl^^^^^ "'^"^ uBundny, i,, is kept mast i.ot bo Jn.fore i.ch> iVsU,?!'':'' '','•'? ''-'.v, whirl, {'•^softheCJiurc'hfu) n1i,?'"i'^';i» V» »'bsrrv,. tho for f^ome legitimate cause. ^ ^^ '^I'^'.S unless cAemptea H ^^ USEFUL TABLES. te'' f^'-'A^" *he Friday pftheEmberSaysisl^^n^ Friday Id Advent on which there is an obligation to S J BAY3 OF ABSTINENCB. 1. Thb RrNDAYs IN Lent. Frlda^^ Fridays, except when Christmaa falls upon a N. B.—A day of abstinence is that on which w? aro nnt allowed U,eat flesh-meat. All who have aitSlnedt^ the S?a of reason are obliged to observe these days. ^ THE ORDINARY PRATERS. .viTlX^'STas&ws?'"^ "^^^^^^ *^ <^^-^- "~ THE LoKD's Prayer, ..... ^^^h The Hail Mary . '. }{ The AfosTLKs' Creep, . ...*.* }l The Ten Commandments, ! oH The PRKCEr-rs OF THE Church, oS Tfbx * '''^ '''' ^''^''^"' "''^''' Charity a"ndc6ntri'. The (yoNKiTEOR, '. *. *■*'*' In THE am;ekS!'*^""''"'' (^"^ ^'""'^**«»«"). • f V/n • -^ How TO Ba'i'TIZK in case of NECJCbSITT ! ! * i 280 ^ GENERAL DEVOnONS. PRAYERS FOR DAILY DEVOTION. tmon use HOW TO PRAY. are^t^o omerent kinds of pmj"/r,"iS£^ren"fe or speaking M'lth the volcoe ""^^^any set fbrm of words; commonl?Ys^Zdl'a?coTdi,^S t^^^^^^ Word«.lti^to8jJ%?rec^'rmVae n>riuwii% furm. r IU.ItT PBAYERg. 15^ *'^^"'^^r^^i*'^~ijr\_ri. MORNING PaAYERS. IN" the name of the Father, and of the Son » and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. ' ^ THANKSGIVING. f\ MY God ! I adore thee, and I love thee y with my whole heart. I th^nk thee for all the benefits which thou hast granted me, and especially for having protected me so mepw cilully this night. PRAYER FOR NECESSARY GRACE. f) JJ^ '^^^"^ ^ ^^^^ ^® ^^ thy hands this day. I^Mary, holy Virgin 1 may I find shelter under thy protecting mantle. And do thou, O heavenly Father I help me for the love of Jesus and of Mary. My Guardian Angel, and all my patron Saints, help me by your holy prayers. i GOOD INTENTION. T^ u'fl' F7 ^""^^ ^ ^^^^ ^^1 *bat I shall do, J- all that I may suifer during the day which, IS now begun I unite all my actions and sufferings to the sufferings of Jesus and Mary, and I make the intention now to gain all the indulgences to which I may be entitled, for any good works of mine this day. I JT God tlflmily resolve u flvfrom sin nr^fl i*X I implore thee for Jesus' 'sake to crint me the grace of perseverance. And especially n hi 16 OENERAL DEVOTIONS. i III)! I am resolved that in every trial, tauing refuge in thy holy will, the prayer o( my heart shall be, '' O Lord I thy will be done ! ''' Hero set before your mind the labors, and other occupa- tions In which you are lilcely to be engaged throughout the day. Consider well how you can order all yourallairs for the honor of God, and the geod of your neighbor. Call to mind your usual faults, also the dangers and the occasions of sin to wnich you will bo exposed, and make the firm resolution to guard yourself carefully against these temptations and occasions ; and especially against thatone which you know to be the greatest and most dangerous of all. Say then, with a sincere heart : f\ MY God 1 1 am resolved to avoid this sin of ^-^•^ above all others, and with the greatest care, and to be on my guard against this dangerous occasion . Then recommend yourself to the Intercession of Mary, to all the Saints, and to your holy Guardian Angel. • f\ MOST Holy Mary, Mother of God I and v/ ye blessed Saints of Paradise, pray to God for me, that I may not oifend him to-day by any sin. And thou. Holy Angel, who art given to me by God for my Guardian, keep me this day from falling into any deliberate sin. ^onfimflh.^n^*^® greatest possible devotion and at- tontion the following prayers : THE LORU'$ PRAYER. AUR Father who art in heaven ! hallowed V/ 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 trettptttises, as we forgive them that tress- DAILY PRAYERS. 17 pass against US. And lead us not into temnta tion, but deliver us from evil. ^^^^pta- Amen. HAIL MARY. H'^T^»5'Sf' ^"i' of grace I Our Lord is with , S^*®- ,^'essed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb jSus' now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. THE CREED. Cieator of heaven and earth ; and in Jesus Sed bv th^.T^ra" J^J'^' ^'^^ ^»« «««- ceivea by the Holy Ghost, born of the Viro-in ^^•, suffered under Pontius PHate, was hen t'h'i'.l!-''^ *"^^ ^^^- ^« d«^««nd«d into hell , the th.m aay he arose from the dead Stland'o^r ""rT'^'"" ""«*h 't^o right hand of God, the Father Almisrhtv from thence he shall come to judge th7& and the dead. I believe in the lloly GW^ & ?he?*°'" ^'•"'^^' '""^ co™-«nion o^ of f h«'h -? ^'"'S^r^^^^ of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the, life everlasting. Amen. f^S^/tWef^r^n^.?? ??f? ■"..honor of the MM 18 GENERAL D-.I^OTIONS. ACT OF TAITH. * w f\ MY God ! who art the infullibio Truth I I ' ' boliove every thing which the Holy Church commandy me to believo because thou hast re- vealed it to her. I believe that thou art the Creator of heaven and earth, that thou dost reward the just in Paradise, and j^unish the wicked eternally in Hell. I believe that thou art one divine Essence in three Persons,, namely ; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I believe the incarnation, the passion^ and the death of Jesus. In a word, I believo all that the Holy Church believes. I thank thee for having made me a Christian, and I protest that I will live and die in this holy faith. ACT OF HOPE. OMY God ! I confide in thy promises, be- cause thou art faithful, powerful, and mei*- ciful, and hope through the merits of Je&us Christ, for the pardon of my sins, final perse- verance and the everlasting glory of Paradise. ACT OF CHARITY. OMY God 1 1 love thee with all my hearty and above all things, beeause thou art in- finitely good, and worthy of infinite love, and for love of thee I love my neighbor as myself^ * According to a concession of Pope Benedict XIV., granted in December, 1754, an indulgence of seven Tears and seven quarantains (280 days) may be gained by de- voutly repeating these acts. If recited daily for amonti, with confession and oommuDion made in (h« ttovaoa ttf tbo: OQiUti, a pi«nAr7 iadulg«noe it gauMcl I ACT OF C()NTRri'ION. tf ri MY God ! I am heartily sorry for all my \J sins, because by them I have lost heaveo and deserved the lire of hell, but more than all because I have offended thee, O mv God who art infinitely good, and worthy of all my love ; but now I am firmly resolved, by the help of thy grace never to sin against thee any more, aad to avoid all the occasions of siu. r.r'^.'r StJ* *^?' ^^i profitable exercise for those whoso way of hio allows of it, to make atleasta qia?tcr SS hour's meditation after theh- morninff prayers p\)rt^m^ purp<)se you can make use of any approved hc^ok of aii? the celebrated « Following 'of Christ.'" hv ThomVa" .^ fcT.tf''/''^^'^y«" have none Of tiisl, bks, eS^wor i?r J''? upon something yon remember of thImsS HOW TO PASS THE DAY IN A HOLY MANNER I. Wherever you go, whatever you do bo always like one who walks in the presence of Cod. Bemembe? that he IS present everywhere, that his eye follows thouISs'^'' '"' """"^ *^'^^ ^' ^'''''^^ y°^^^ ^^st secret n. Begin every thing you undertake with a ffood inr temion and keep in mind the words oftheWlo^ all for the glory of God. «— 1 Cor. x. .31. nti 20 iiii» l! :i GENERAL DEVOTIONS. AT WORK. T^f^^n y°^T^^^»^ y?Y ^°^^ say^i All for thee, Lord— O my Jesus, all for thee I i IN TEMPTATION. When you are tempted to anger, say—, my Jesus give me patience I Bless me, Mary, my Mother .' U wicked thoughts come in your mind, say quickly — . Jesus and Mary, help me ! . Repeat the Hail Marv or some other prayer, until you have banished them. AT THE ANGKLUS. W'^en the bell rings for the « Anerelus. . at morninff noott, and evening, remember how the Son of God be, came man in the womb of Mary, and say as follows - The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary And she conceived of the Holy Ghost. ' Hail, Mary, Ac. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. my it be done unto me according to thy word. Hail, Mary, &c. And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt among us. Hail, Mary, 4c, PRAYERS. pOUR forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy X grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the mcrrnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, bo brought to the glory ofhis resurrection, through the same Chrisi our Iiorri- Am^n DAILY rBATEKS. 2t BEFORE MEALS. Before meals, say—" Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amefi. AFTER MEALS. Aft6r meals say-" We give thee thanks, Almighty God, for all thy benefits, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen ^ « May the souls of the faithful departed rest m peace! Amen.'' EVENING DEVOTIONS. tC 1^&LX%^. ^ti^, to^^<^s^evenina, ana Having begun the day well by prayer let nravpr also sanctify th^ close. Remember th^at^you are 'no w one day nearer to eternity. Who knows^'? G^d wm seat? ^''"' ''"^ '^'' ""''^ "^^^^ ^'^''^ his judgment' to «ov H '""^'^ excellent practice in a Christian family to say th« even.ng prayers in common, for they S a grea blessing upon the house, c W/iiretwool three ^' i«««t' Of the I. Thnnlf fi-nH fnr, oil tu^ __, •__ , during tho"day past."" "" ™'' "* "^' ""'*'' y<"> if I i L' t2 GENERAL DEVOTIONS, II. Prny the Holy Ghost to onlighten you, that vow may see «ncl be scrry lor the sins which youhavecom- inillcd diirirg the day, and that you may do bettor I'or the future. III. Examine your conscience diligently. Consider how ycu have passed the time from morning until evening : in what you have dene wrong : what has been the nature of your thoughts, words, and actions: examine especially Iiow ycu have put in practice the good resolution which you made in the morning. IV. Excite in your heart a true sorrow for your sms, and lor your neglecl (if any) in keeping the good resolution you made. y. Make once more a firm resolution to amend your life, and ask God to give you his grace that you may do so. And do all this, as if the last 3aight of your lif© had come. (;■ !■'' '? ',., f '' ■ '■:;j i» '■: ' 111 il i ! >, ' t NIGHT PRAYERS. In the name of the Father, &c. Amen. THANKSGIVING. OGEEAT and Almighty God 1 I kneel be- lore thee to thank thee with my whole heart for all the favors which thou hast be stowed upon me this day: for my food ana drink, my health, and all my powers of bod^ and soul. I thank thee for all thy holy lifxhh and inspirations, for thy care and protection, and for all those other mercies which I do not think of now, or which I do not know howto value as I ought. I thank thee for them all,0 heavenly i^hlhe?', through Jesus Christ ihy DAILY PRAYERS. PRAYER FOR LIGHT. 23 r\ ALL-WISEand all-seeing God ; thou who V/ dost always look upon my actions, and count all my Btepe, from whom no thought is hid, enlighten my understanding that 1 may clearly see what evil I have done this day and what good I have left undone : move mV heart that I may sincerely repent and amend. EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE. Have I not sinned this day— hi ihovg/U ? By wiWingly entertaining some un- chaste, uncharitable, or coveto" s thoughts ? Jnword? By using immodest language—utterinff oaths— curses--! les-passionates, slanderous, profane or irreverent words ? Have I given scandal so ' In action? By being idIe?~slow and im'natipnt about my work ? Have I not been in e?[l o^d'anger^ ous company? Done any immodest action? Been too free in my manners ? Been rude, cross, or disobedient towards my parents or superiors? Been unkind, insol- vent malicious, cruel, cr unjust towards my neigh- bor ? Have I given any bad example to my childrin my servants, my neighbors ? ^ i"uren, % omi^^zon? Have I refused or neglected to do any act of charity ? Been watchful over my children and others depending upon me, and careful for their sal vation ? Have I omitted my prayers, my penance or some other duty? ^ ^ s., "^y penance, or Finally, examine whether vou have kpnt f ho r.aa^u,*t you made In the morning. If nSt?conlider wf n^ww was the cause of your fall, and seek on ttlL ^* ^**?*^ preserve you from falJing'in nature! FS?beSlsu^^^"fhi? your whole Christian pcTection depends uront^^^ h^h* gent examination of conscience. ^ *^*^ ^^- fiavine finished this A-ramino4i 26 11 i' GENERAL DEVOTIONS. and to preserve me from every sin. I dedicate to thee all my sleep, thai; with every breath I draw, I may praise thee, thank thee, and love thee as the Saints do in Paradise. Amen. Go to bed now, with holy thon^hts, or repeating with your lips some short fervent eja( lations of love, and continue thus until you fall asleep. It you awake in the night, lift up your thoughts immediately to God, that no evil Ima- ginations may enter your mind, and if they should, say promptly : ' O Jesus I O Mary I ^o, no, I will die rather than do, or wish, or oven think of such a thing I In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. DEVOTION AT HOLY MASS. " l^rtm the rising of the aun even to the going doWnr^mv nmmets great among the Gentiles ; and ifi every place ihlre^i, mcrtfice, and there ta offered to my name a clean oblation : for my name X8 great among the Gentiles, aaith the Lord of JBoata." — -Malach. i. 11. •' **"«*•• INSTRUCTION. Of all the blessings and treasures which Jesas Christ has bequeathed to his holy Church, the august hnliy^r iV^'^rT^.^'tf ^'^' ^'?*^^^' "^^^t precious, and inH hinnV'V\°^^^^.'? l^ the sacrilico of tho Lody and blood of Jesus Christ, which is oflcred to the heavenly Father on our altars under the species «r an- pearancf^ of bread and wine. It was instituted by Our Blessed Lord himself, in order to represent and con- tinue that sacrifice which he made on the cross At Cal- fest and bloody manner; the sacrifico of the Mass is made in a mysterious and unbloody manner In a SpdTfio'^M"""'- ^^^"^ '^ ^" «^>' when Christ is ©ilered in the Mass, wo cannot see him with our eyes as the Jews saw him on the cross, his body, and h\% wounds, and his blood, but all we can sc^ Is thiJ humble appearance of bread and wine under which he hides himself now from our sight. It is made Tn an unbloody manner : that is to sav. in the Cs our Lord does not die again, his life is not taken as for- merly by the shedding of his blood. Alfhnf"i.''liT: realiy present on the altar, he is there a's a living vic^ *Mn, his death 18 only represented. SincQ his lesuj. 27 28 GENERAL DEVOTIONS, .;'! ! I i , ^ii reclion he is mr living Lord, and cannot die again. t Christ being risen from the dead dielh no more : death halh'no more dominion over him. » Jesus Clirist, dying once on the cross, offered hiii>- self up for us tohis heavenly Father: i fk has blotted Old our sins by /lis blood that was shed for us, and by his painful death, * and thus he hath reconciled us to his Father. But in order to leave us a perpetual me- morial of this, his great love, at that last supper which lie partooii wilh his disciples, he took bread in his holy hands, and aftor giving thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them to eai, saying. « This is my body which is given for you ; do this for a commemoration ofme.t Also lie look the chalice, and said, * This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood which shall be shed for you.* — St. Luke, xxii. 19, 20. By these words, « JJo this in commemoration of me, » Jesus gave to his Apostles, and their successors, the Bishoj)s and Priests of the Church, the power to change the bread and the wine into his most holy- Body and Blond. The Priest blesses the bread and wine as Christ did ; he speaks over them the same words of consecration which Christ spoke; and thus the bread and wine are changed now on the altar, as they were at the last supper, into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. As Jesus Christ sacrificed himself on the cross to his heavenly Father for our sins, so here on the altar he oilers himself up to the same heavenly Father, by the hands of the Priest. Afler the consecration which the Priest makes by sayii g over tho bread and wine the same words which Jesus Christ said at the last supper, there is no longer any bread and wine on the nltiir, but the true and liv- ing Jesua Christ, at the same time God and man, really present, although hidden under aj)])earanccs ot bread and wine. The Priest offers up Jesus Christ to hisn heavenly Father, in the name ( f the holy Catholic Church, and Bires and ])raycrs of the faithful, is united with this HOLY MASS. 29 ItisancxccJIentpraclico. tlicreforp for thn^n „,i.„ presont everyday: thv to l.ear Mass o , 8,Sy "A "ui r r^'v'"'^" I'so ofr.ny other dovout oxm; se si suit rd to your own loelin-s of devotion uniLff nil h« jWiiU) your HUention to tjl^ intention"^ u;osS!c;rlg MlAVf'R nKFOllE MASS. /I LMTGIITY, infinite and I,olv God ' Eohnlr! sacrifice thi«ououlo„rirw:^,.thy;fVhin;'hf i m |ri 'gwwaaaawMBa— — SO GENERAL DEVOTIONS. finite MajV-ty, because it is here thine only and eternal Son is offered up as the victim. In union with that most pure and perfect will witli which that beloved Son has given himself to be a sacrifice for us, I offer this holy Mass in adoration of thy holy Name, in thanksgiving for all thy past mercies, and in satisfaction for my many sins. I offer it, moreover, that I may obtain all those graces which I need for my salvation, and a blessing upon my daily life. (Here you may call to mind any special favor which you desire to ask of God.) I offer it, also, for the help and consolation of all those for whom I am in duty bound to pray, and for those who desire or need my prayers the most; for those who are living (jiamethe7n if you like) and for those who are dead (name them.) O God I prepare my heart, purify my mind, blot out all my sins, that I may assist as I ought at this most Iloly Sacrifice. PRAYEHS FOR MASS. When tho Piio^t at tho foot of the altar begins tlio Mass with tho sign of tlio cross, bless yourself ut the ^nmo time, enll to mind for a moment your sins, and then recite with him also tho " Confiteok, " thus : 1 CONFESS to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to bleissed Michael tho Archangel, to blessed John tho Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the SttintH, and to you, Father, that I have sinned PRAYERfi FOR MASS. 1% ^ceedmgly in thought, woi-d, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through Tny most grievous fault, {here strike your breast three times:) therefore I heseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, the blessed Michael the Archangel, the blessed John the Baptist, tho holy Aposlles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me. Pray then for pardon, thus : Tl f AY God have mercy on me, forgive my -^WJ. Bins, and lead me on to eternal life. May the Almighty and Merciful God grant me the pardon, absolution, and remission of my sins Amen. At the " Kyrie Eleison » repeat In your own language, LOED, have mercy on us I Christ, have mercy on us ! Lord, have mercy on us 1 GJ.LORYboloGodinthe r highest ! and on earth poaco to men ofgood will! Wo prai^o thee, we hless thee, wo adore thee, wo glorify thee, we give thanks to Iheo bocauso of thy groat glory, O Lord God, Heavenly King, God tho Faihrr Almightv. O Lord Jesus Christ the only begotten Son : O Lord God^, Lamb of God, Son of tho Father, who lakest GL R I A in excelsis Deo, et in terra jiax hominibus bon;i3 volunta- tis. Laudamus t \ boiiedici- mus te, adoranius le, glo- rdlcainus te. Gratias agi- mus iiJ)i i)ropter magnain gloriam tuain, Douiine Deus, Rex cadostis, Deus Tatcr omnipotons. Dom- ino Fill unigenite Jesu Christe. Domino Dous, Agnus Dli, Filius Patris, rilli Inllic j--- \.U.t.U i.llUUUI, miserere nobis. Qui tollis I away the sins of the world. 32 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. II ' iiiiill peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationcm nostram. Qui sedcs ad dexteram Palris, miscrcro nobis. Qiioniam Tu solus sanc- tus, Tu solus Dominus, Tu solus altissimus Jcsu Ghriste, cum Sanclo Spir- ilu, in gloria Dei Pa Iris. Amen. hum Ijlllfi :;!!!!: ha\Q mercy on us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receivo our [rayers. Thou that sittest at ihc right hand of the Father, ];avo mercy on us. F(.»* thou only art holy. Tlifai only art the Lord. Thcu oi;ly, O Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most higli in the gltry of God Ihc Father. Amen. After the ''-Olorifi," the Priest turns to the people and pronounces the salutatioi). ^ t ^ «"v* Dcminns vobiscr.m. | The Lord he with you. To which Jie Acolyte replies for the people, El; cum s])iritu tuo. | And with thy spirit. Then, as if to invito the whole congregation to unite their intcnii:<.nsto hisc.wn intoiticn, Uio Pnest t^ays Obemu? Ltt ii.s rray. The n f(.llGw.s the Cof(e(f, that is to fc^av the ('(.111 cuor, btcaufc^c the Pjicst gathers together the ir(s and praycLS of all present, and as a mediator < l;ii,s them to (.od in the name of all tlie FaitMul. Eepcat here the loUo Vf ing i rayer : THE COLLECT. ALMIGHTY and Eternal God! Lear the praj'cr of thy people, and turn not away from us thy most holy countenance on account of our sins. Graciously listen to the prayers of thy bcrvant, the Priest, who prays for the salvation of thy people, and through thy mercy grant that wo may obtain what wo confidently ask of thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS FOR MA.SS. THE EPISTLE. 33 ^^f^J"?^^^^ li^ Epistle. It consists commonly of a wr- WHi,*'?,"? /^^' Wiiiings of the Prophets or AposSes While this is read, you can repeat the following prayer i- f\ MY God ! I adore thy Holy Spirit, who has V^ spoken by thy Prophets and Apostles, and BtiU speaks through the holy Church I receive with humility all the commandments and instructions which the holy Church irives me through her Priests. Grant, O God, that I may always believe what thy Church teaches, and do what she commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE GOSPEL. When the book i-s carried to the other end of the altnr SUUKI up While the Priest is reading the G^o^pe^ ami p^raj r\ DIVINE Saviour, how great was thy love y to come thy^ elf ui)cn the earth to be our teaci vi show m the way to heaven. Grant me thi wthat I may listen with humility to all th;. ' y which thou hast preached : enlighten ,.y mind that I may understand them ; renew my heart that I may love and ollowthom. Grant me thy divine assistance that i may never be ashamed of thy holy (Tospel, but confess the same always in words m well as in works ; who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen. ,1.. 'd' u GENERAL DEVOTIONS. ft Hill ill THE CREED. While fhe Priest Ig repeating the " Oredo." remAia standi tog, and recite it also wlthTiln^, as follows : «--*«^ CREDO in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem coeli et terrse, vis- ibilium omiiiuin et invis- ibilium. Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Pa- tre natum aate omnia sae- oula ; Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deuna verum de Peo vero ; genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri, per quern omnia facta sunt. Qui, propter nos homines, et propter nostrum salutem, descen- dit de coehs ; et incarnatus estde Spiritu Sancto, ex Maria Virgine ; ETHOMO PAGTUSEST.' Crucifixus etiam pro nobis, sub Pon- tio Pilato passus, et se- pultus est. Et resurrexit tortid die, secundum scrip- turas ; et ascendit in 003- lum : sedet ad dexteram Patri s : et iterum ven turns est cum gloria judicare vivos et mortuos ; cujus regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, I BELIEVE in one God, the Father Almighty^ Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one liord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages ; God of God: Light of Light ; true God of true- God ; begotten, not made ; of the same substance with the Father; by whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and became incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, AND WAS MADE MAN.* He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and waft buried. And the third day ho rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And ho is to come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose kingdom there shall be no end. And in the Holy Ghost,, the Lord and Life-giver,, • Kneel in reverence of Christ's Incarnation. PRAYERS FOR MASS. 35 qui ex Patre Filioque ] :ro- cedit ; qui cum Patro et Filio simul adoratur, et conglorificatur ; qui locu- tus est per jTophetas. Et unani sanclam Catholicam et Apostolicam JEcclesiam. Gonliteor unum Baptisma in remissionom peccato- rum. Et expecto resur- rectionem mortuorum, et vitani venturi sseculi. Amen. who proceed eth from the Father and the Son ; who, together with the Father and the Son, is adored and glorified ; \\ ho spoke by the Prophets. And ono Holy, Catholic, and Apos- tolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remis- sion of sins ; and I look for me resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. THE OFFERTORY. Here follows the Offertory ; that Is to say, the bread and wine which are to be changed into the most holy Bodv and B cod of our Saviour, are ofliered to Gpd. Say the following prayer : ^^ "^ RECEIVE, O Father, infinitely \io\j, al- mighty and eternal God, this oftering which thy Priest presents to thee for us. I believe most firmly and surely that it will soon be changed into the true body and true blood of Christ. Eeceive this offering. O heavenly Father, for the glory of thy'most holy name, for the pardon of my sins, in thanksgiving for all thy mercies bestowed on me, and that I may obtain new graces still, especially those wdiich are most nocessary to my salvation ; and also for all my superiors, both spiritual and temporal. ; for my friends and my enemies, and for all Christians, li- ving and dead. Amen, . ' n\ *!.:i 36 eCKBIUL DBTOTiaMS. M m ffhejpririt pwitoily tun»to the people. «nd««B, "Obatb Pratbes, JVoi?/, m;y brethren. " By this, he aak« Ihosa present to pray with him, that this «acrmce m«y to! fileLsiugtoGocl. Then say : „ "^ "^ MAY the Lord receire this sacrifice from thy hands, to the praise and glory of Ms own name, and also for our benefit, and tlmt of all his holy Church. THE PREFACE. ^iJ^^®* *" *^® mtrodnction to the Canon of the Mmi, Tbo Pnest soys in a loud voice, *'Per •mnia eceeuld seBculortim: jVorld without end ;» which are the last words of the Secket, or silent prayer, which he has JuBt been saying. lie tiien begins^the Preface with the itoU Syi-^.!!^PA*''^^?V' ",''', '^*'^"^.'.°"' «^t^e people, in who.© name tlio Acolj^e duly replies :. *- *- » «■" P. Dominns vcbiscum. A. £l cum spiv iluluo. P. Sursum corda. A. Hahemus ad Domi- num^ P. Gratiasagamus Domino Deo nostro. A. Dignum el juslum est. P A P, A The Lord be with you. And wilh thy spirit. Lift up your hearts. We do lift them up to the Lord. P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. A. // is meet and just. The Priest then goes on with the Preface. Unite with him in the same prayer of praise and thanksgivii^g and «ty ; IT is truly meet and just, right and salutary, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to thee, O holy Lord, Almighty Father, Eternal God, through Christ our Lord : by whom the Angels praise thy Majesty, the -Archangels adore it, the Powers tremble be- fore it, the heavens, and the Virtues of heaven, and the blessed Seniphs, also, with united exul- tation praise it. Wo ])ray thee let our voices ascend with th Irs to thee, while with the deepest awe we confess, and cry (Sanctus), Holy! holvl holy I Lord God of SoKor^fi, » PRAYERS FOR MASS. 37 Heaven and earth are full of thy glory I Ho- Banna in the highest ! Blessed is he that coraeth in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest ! After the Sanctus, repeat the following words which are nearly the same as those with which the priest beeins now : * THE CANON. WE earnestly pray and beseech thee, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that thou wilt accejit and bless these gifts, these offerings, this unspotted sacrifice. We offer them, first, for the holy Catholi« Church, that thou wilt be pleased to keep it in peace, to protect, imite, and govern it throughout the whole world : together with thy servant N , our Pope, and N , our Bishop, and all the true believers and followers of the holy Catholic Faith. MEMENTO FOR THE LIVING. "HE mindful, O Lord, of thy servants — Here pray for those of your friends still living:, whose welfare you wlfsh to recommend to God in this holy Sacrifice. Be mindful, also, of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known to thee, for whom we offer this ^^acrifice of jiraise, or who offer it up for themselves, their families and friends. We pray for the safety of their souls, for their final perseverance and eternal happiness ; and in fine, we recommend all their desires to thee, the living, true and everlasting God. II • H M *'!<^ae tt 138 «BiiERAL DirvofTnras. At tbo same time, we honor the memory of the ever gl-orious and immaculate Virgin •Mary, the Mother of onr Loi\l and God Jesus Christ ; and also of thy blessed A]X)stles. and 'all thy holy Mai'tyi-s and Saints who nave lived and died in this holy faith which we profess, and this only church in which wo live. For the sake of their merits and their prayers, 'gi'antiiflin all things thy help and protection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Wo beseech thee, also, O Lord, graciously to accept this sacrifice at the hands of us, th}^ -eervants, and of thy Avholo family ; bless the days of our life with thy lioly peace, save us from everlasting damnation, and may wo be counted ever among the number of thy elect through Christ our Lord. Amen. GGod, may til is otforing bo blessed, and in every way acceptable and agreeable to thee; and for our salvation's ^ako" bo changed into thelbdyand l^iood of thy beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amc7i. ^t.tho CoNSFCRATiox, rpprosont to yourself, in a lively . manner, CJiu-lst i. ; at the lust isui per, wlicii he took bread In his iioly hands, blessed if, and Kiid, '• Thifi-:ntn}f Jiody whirhiH iiirinforvnii,^^ and when lio took nbothocup of Wine, wiyiDfif, " Tfii.ilif/ifuJtdlircohiu/J'iood. "Cherish .and clinfjrl!* this ;,rtic!o if your faith, that Jo. us Christ, wnoclii'd foryou on Uio < n ss, is r:iM\ ^'''^'J Melchisedech. Prostrate ;i:nn ""'''" ^"f . ^^limighty God, we beseech thee command these offerings to be brought up to thine altar on high, into the sight of iti ! i* 40 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. B thy Divine Majesty, that all who partake of the most sacred Body and Blood of thy Son at this altar, may be tilled with every heavenly .grace and blessing, through the same Chi'ist our Lord. Amen, MEMENTO FOR THE DEAD. E mindful likewise, OLord, of thy servant, I N and N , who are gone before us with the sign of faitli, and rest in the sleep of peace, (llere make menticn of those departed friends wliom you wish to recommend csj)tcially to the mercy of God, that their svffcringsmay he lessened, or that they may be taken from their place of torment to the abode of eternal bltss.) To these, O Lord, and to all who sleep in CL-ist, grant, wo beseech thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace, through the ^amo Christ our Lord. Amen. To us, also, sinners though we are, yet thy servants, and trusting in the multitude of thy mercies, deign to grant some part and fcilowship with thy holy Apostles and J^artyrs, with John and Slc])hen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and with all thy Saints: Into their company avo beseech thee graciously to admit us, not weighing our merits, but thine own mercy, through Christ '" " O (I'.M^ fl^.riii do«t croato-. our XiOr-u .fianc v*' iiv>isi fy, quicken, bless, and impart all thcpo -thy good gifts to us. I^y him, thoroforo, and PRAYERS FOR MASS. 4^ ^vith liim, and in him, to thee, O God, Almighty Father, together with the Holy Ghost, he all Jionor and glory, world without end. Amen, PATER NOSTER. Here, with the Priest, repeat the " Lord's Prayer " Our Father who art in heavei), &c. Then ofler thGlbllowinir petition : * ITT'E beseech thee, O Lord, to deliver us WW from all evils, ])ast, present, and to come, and through the intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary, ever Virgin, Mother of God, of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of Andrew, and of all the Saints, mer**ifully grant peace in our days, that we, through the help of thy mercy, may be always free from sin, and safe fi-om every trouble, through the same Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord. Amen. When the Priest breaks the wicreU Host, and dropsanar- ticle of it into the chalice, my with him : MAY this commingling and consecration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus (Jhrist, become tw us who receive it the source of eternal life. Amen. AGNUS DEI. nd ■don At the "Agnus Dei, "slrlko your breast three limes a pray to Jt\sup, tlio incanu c LamboiUod, for iho Dard ol your Kuis, baying wIUj tlie Priest : T AMB of God, who takest away the sins of ^ the world, have mercy on t/s /Lamb ol" God, who takest away the ransofthe workl have away ■ «Wi yy*m ji%^ jy v/i XiSi xAuiiu oi uou, WiiO takest the sins of the woi-ld , rive vspifce. O Lord Jesus Christ, who hath said to th^ u \ n 42 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. im M- Apostles, " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, " look not upon my sins, but upon the faith of thy Church, and be pleased to keep her according to thy will in peace and unity. O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, according to thy Father's will, and by the co-operation ofthclloly Ghost, hast given life to the world through thine own death, deliver me by this thy moat sacred Body and Blood from all my sins, and from every evil. Make mo cling to thy commandments always, and never let me be separated from thee. IfduringlhoMass, or aftprit, you receive lioly commu- nion, you mny repeat with the Priest the following additional prayer : OLOED Jesus Christ, let not this communi- cation of thy Body, which, all unworthy as I am, I venture to receive, turn to my judgment and condemnation, but rather through thy tender compassion become my safeguard both of body and soul, and a merciful remed}^; O thou who livest iind reignest with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. THE rOMMUNIOX. At the Bound of the little boll, when the Priest takes thp> sacred llont in his hand, hefore hlH own communion, strike your breast three times also, repeating Avith him each time : T OED ! I am not worthy that thou shouldst Xj enter under my roof, but only speak the- word, and my soul shall be healed. PRAYERS FOR MASS. 43 la desirowltlUho Priest SS^^hJ'^^/l' "Siting yourself THE LAST COLLECT. After tno ----^V^^%l^f^jfo^;f^^« -^^«"^t^o /^LMIGHTYGodll thank thee with my 7^ \^^\^^^^f t for all the meicies and benefits thou hast bestowed on me, but above all that thou hast given thy Son Jesus Christ to be -..?i ^RT^'i'f ''^'u^^'* ^"'' "^"^' '^«^t l"8 Body and Elood for he nourishment of our souls^ j^orld, that I lu^y not vander in the darkness of this life, but according to thy light lead a holy life, and die a blessed death. I'RAYER AFTER HOLY MASS. OMOST merciful God, I thank thee for having permitted mo to take part in this holy sacritic*. Pardon me all my faults, my coldness, and my distraction. I make the firm resolution to sin no more, but to be so watch- ful over all my thoughts, words, and actions^ that I may not lose the fruits of this holy Bacrament. Grant me every necessary grace, that I may sanctify myself in this world, and possess thee eternally in heaven. Amen. EJACULATIONS. I adore thee every moment, O Living Bread of Heaven, Great Sacrament ! Jesus, Heart of Mary, 1 pray thee send thy blessing on my soul. Holiest Jesus ! loving Saviour I I give thee all my heart. Tho same Topo Leo XTI., by tho same Refjcrlpt, grantpd— TUK Indulgence OF im day;} to evory one who says the above Eyaculations with contrition adding tlio lollowing ;: May all know, adore, and praise every mo- ment," always, the most holy and most divine Sacrament. MASS FOR THE DEAD. AlphonsusLiguori.] ' ^'^"^^ and the works of St- AT THE BEGINNING OF MASS. •nELlYER me, O Lord, from eternal death and the earth shall be shaken, when thou Shalt come to jud^e the world with fire Seized am I with trembling, and I fear for that approaching trial, and that wrath to come. Ol that day, that day of wrath, of calamity and misery, that great and bitter day indeed, when thou shalt come to judge- the world with fire. *' ^ Eternal rest give them, O Lord rand let perpetual light shine on them : may they rest in peace, ^mew. ' ^ THE CONFITEOn. T $;^^^f SS to Almighty God, to blessed J- JMary, &c. As in the other Mass. Pray, then, for pardon, thus : May God have mercy on me, forgive mr sms, and lead mo to eternal life!i\Jav the almighty and merciful God grant mo the Dardon. nhaftlnfi"/^». o,wl :.^ . .. ,, i ; ^---"j wijvi iviuiSblUll OI au luy 45 B f 46 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. THE INTROIT. When the Priest mounts the stops of the Altar, imagine you hear the poor souls in Purgatory repeating the following verses, as if to implore your prayers : HAVE pity on rac, havo pity on me, at least you, my friends, because the hand of the Lord hath touched me. My flcBh is consumed, ray bone hath cleaved to my skin, and nothing but lips arc loft about my teeth. Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you, my Mends. Job xix. 21. (Then pray.) Eternal rest give them, O Lord : and let perpetual light shine on them. May they rest in peace. .Amen. k KYRIE ELEISON. OKD, have mercy on them ! ") VTi .^1 +1 r.^ I L Repeat each Christ, have mercy on them! v ^^^^i^^ ^.^^^^ Lord, have mercy on them ! ) THE COLLFCT. * OGOD, the Creator and T^edeemer of all the fiiithfal, give to the souls of thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through the help of ]nous supplications, they may obtain the pardon which they have iilways desired: Who livest and reignest^ Avorld without end. Amen. TUB EPISTLE. IN those days, the most valiant Judas, having made a gathering, sent twelve thousand ilrachms of silver to Jerusalem, for sacrifice to "be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resui^ L MASS FOR THE DEAD. 47 imagine iting the at least 1 of the isumed, lothing ive pity 'ou, ray Eternal rpetual 1 peace. 3 at eacli 3 times. fall the crvants ns, that 18, they y have eignestj , having aousand irifice to hinking 3 resui- rection. (For if h^ had not hoped that they that were s am should rise a|ain, it would have seemed superfluous and vlin to pray for the dead.) And bec^„s^ J,, considered ^that they who had fallen asleep with godliness had great grace laid up for them. It is tlS ?f T^ !i ^""l^ ?"^ wholesome thought to' pray (Gradual.)-Grant to them eternal rest, O ihe just shall be in everlafitin^r remembrance • he shall not fear the evil heaHng.-Ps cxi^ the faithful departed from the bonds of their sins ; and by the assistance of thy m-ace mav they escape the sentence of coTidemnatToif ^ and enjoy the bliss of eternal if^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ - also, and go on to toe Soepll "^'^' ^""'^ '""^ P^ss it over DIES IR^. Nig-her still, and still more nigh Draws the Day of Prophecy, ' Doom d to meJt the earth and sky. 0. what trembling there shall be When the world its Judge shall see, looming in dread majesty ! Hark, the tram d with trilling i^r,^ From sepulchral regififis lone,'""''' bummons all before the thron© 1/r'i' J»St* w.l ;'l kfj iPi 48 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. Time and Death it doth appall, To see the buried ages all, Rise to answer at the call. Now the books are open spread ; Now the writing must be read, Which condemns the quick and dead Now, before the Judge severe, Hidden things must all appear ; Naught can pass unpunish'd here. What, shall guilty I then plead ? Who for me will intercede. When the saints shall comfort need ? King of dreadful Majesty ! Who dost freely justify, Foun^, of Pity, save thou me ! Recollect, Love divine ! 'Twas for lliis lest sheep of thine. Thou thy gltry didst resign : Satest wearied seeking me, SulVeredst upon llio Tree : Let not vain thy labor be. Judge of Justice, hear my prayer I Spare me, Lc^d, in mercy spare! Ere the Reckoning-day appear. Lo ! thy giucious face I seek ! Shame and grief are on my cheek ; Sighs and tears my sorrows speak. Thou didst Mary's guilt forgive. Didst the dying thief receive, Hence doth hope within me live. MASS FOR THE DEAD. Worthless are my prayers, I know, xet, O cause mo not to go M Into everlasting woe. ' Sever'd from the guilty band, Make me with thy sheep to stand, Piacingme on thy right hand. When the cursed in anguish flee, into flames of misery; With the Blest then call Thou me. ;."PP^iant in the dust I lie i My heart a cindrr, crush'd and dry Help me. Lord, when death is nigh .' Full of tears, and full of dread, Is the day that wakes the dead, Ulling all, with solemn blast. From the ashes of the past. Lord of mercy! Jesus blest! Grant the Faithful light and rest. THE GOSPEL. A ^,^^^* *i^e, Jesus said to the multitudp nf tiat Z S eottt ' ZZi ''' "? ^- ••ind thoy that near shall live For «« *if ?^' ther hath life in himself "o hatM? ^® *" the Son also to l^.Z^ t: S? ;^S he" liath given him power to do iudn-m^V," / tSrfo'''t.'\*^* Son ofn^an. A^oEi.ta" tiiiS, for the hour onmMh «.i.^«^:^ _ii f, "^^ ^^ in the graves siali h^ar"the"volcr;f th^C 49 i' ¥ Ik I i I Hi ' I ^■1 ii^l 1.'! ftO GENERAL DEVOTIONS. %■ I' l»^ i ; iiflH s.-^ of God; and they that havo done ^ood, shall como forth uiito the resurrect ion ot life ; but they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment. — St. John, v. TEE OFFEHTOnY. OLOIID Jesus Christ, King of Glory 1 do- liver the sould of all the faithful departed from the flumes of hell, and from the deep pit. Deliver them from the lion's mouth, lest hell swallow them, lest they fiiU into darkness; and let thy stajidard-bearcr, St. Michael, bring them into the-lk)ly light, which thou ha:st pro- mised of old to Abraham and his posterity. Wo OiTer thee, O Lord, a sacritico of praiso and of prayer: accept it on behalfof the souls wo commemorate this day, and let them pass from death to life. Ilorr^ make ;xn ofrcrlng, atso, of your own death and suf- fering;i in union witii tho Holy Sacrifice, thus r OMY God, I offer thee, also, tho hour of my death, and all tho pains I am destined to sulTer from this moment until my last breath. Give me strength to bear them with perlect conlbrmity to thy will. I cheerful ly offer the€, moreover, all the pains which thou shalt pre- pare lor me in puj'gatory. It is just that the lire should punish in mo all the insults I hare offered to thee. O holy prison, when shall I find myself shut up in thee, secure of never again being able to lose my God ? O holy fire, when wilt thou puuify me fiom sO' many stains, and reader me worthy to enter the Land efbli^.ft?"! oiffiQi? all theae ■nains to tkv ¥m MASS FOIl THE DEAD. bl glory uniting them witli the bitter pains of Jesus passion. Eternal Father ! I sacrifice to theeniylife aiidmyM'holo being. I entreat thee accept this my sacrifice, in union with and through the merits of this great sacrifice' of Jesus Christ thy 8on. Amen. '^^^i*^^® Almighty God, who art the guardian of souls, the safeguard of salvation, and the con>- fidcnce of all believers.,- look mercifully down upon us, and through the merits of thy dear feon, whoso sacred Body we offer in this sacri- ticc bless the graves of our departed friends that those mortal bodies which there repose' after the course of this life is ended, may with their happy souls at the great judgment day, Enter not, OLord,intojudgment with these thy servants, for with thee shall no man be .liistihcd, except through thee the remission of all his sins shall be accorded. We beseech thee threfore, let not the sentence of thy ius- tice he heavy upon those whom the earnest prayer of Christian faith recommends ^othee- but rather, by the succor of thy grace, may they be found worthy to escape the avenging .liidg;ment, who were signed with the se^l of the Holy Trinity while they lived. (xraciously regard, OLord, these gifts which we offer thee for the souls of the fhithful de- parted, that by celestial remedies made pure tITo'T-T^' ^^ '^^ con,passionatemW: inrou^h ^^sua ^nnsi iny Son, our Lord. Amen.. »■ 1 !-*■' ME4' jlS 52 ! ';i' ilj I tjl / !■:' i«|: m Mi' GENERAL DEVOTIONS When the Priest, turning towards the people, eavs. " Orate Fratres, Pray, bjy Breturex, " answer: MAY the Lord receivo this sacrifice from thy hands, to the j^raiso and glor^- of his holy name, for the salvation of our souls, and for the repose of the faithful departed. THE SECRET. LOOK favorably down, O Lord, we beseech thee, upon this Sacrifice which we offer for the souls of thy departed servants, that as thou wast pleased to bestow on them the merit of Christian faith, thou raayest also grant them its reward, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen. :HE PREFACE. 1 T id truly meet and right, just and salutary, that wo should always and everj'whero give thanks to choc, O Holy Lord, Almighty Father, Everlasting Crod, through Christ^^our Lord ; who by dying hath destroyed death for us, and rising again hath renewed our life ; and who hath left us this tremendous sacri- fice as a propitiation for our sins, and for the sins of the Faithful departed. Mercifully grajit. therefore, that they, for whom it is ofibred this day, may si^ecdily bo released from all their suilcrings, and find eternal rest and jicr- l^etual light with thee in Paradise; that there wo, with them, may praise and cebbrate thy ]\fMift'«;tV- in f-nninnnTT A\rItl-> nil iha A nr«/^1« „»..l Archangels, the celestial Powers, the blessed Seraphs, and the whole Host of heaven, who I MASS FOR THE DEAD. 53 <;hant thy glory, evermore repeating: Holy! Holy! Holy I is the Lord God of Amies ! tho heavens and the earth are full of thy ^lorv ! Hosannain the highest ! Blessed is ho Who Cometh in the name of the Lord I Hosanna in the highest ! THE CANON. 11/?^ therefore siippliantly beseech thee, O Wl/ lather of mercies, through Jesus Christ thy bon, our Lord, graciously to accept and hless this holy Sacritice, which we offer thee • tor the peace and prosperity of the Holy Ca- tliohc Church, for thy servant our Father, JopeJN- , of our Bishops and clergy, and for all thy faithful Catholic people : Ibi' tho iiving, that they may prepare for death, and ior the dead, that they may obtain eternal rest. MEMENTO OF THE LIVING. "DE mindful, O Lord, of thy servants, I^^ J^and JN--, (IJcrc pause and recommend to Ood any Iwing friend for whom ijou feel nn/ed to Tray during this Mass,) audof all those friends wiio are very near and very dear to mo, and 01 ail those who have asked for, or desire my prayers, or for whom J ought especially to pray; and so direct and strengtlien them by thy holy grace, during life, that at the hour of thoir death tho enemy may not i,rovail i!x:;!ii! j^ 1 iiiro bestowed on the h u^n eiOBus Christ our Lord. hast ' ---..., v«.v/u^ii wuBUB v.iinsiour J O Almighty and Merciful God I who uraau racd both the means ':i IS M'l |i :1 1-1 I f 54 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. of salvation and the gift of eternal life, look graciously upon us thy servants, and cherish these souls which thou hast created, that m the hour of our departure, being free from the stain of sin, we may merit to bo borne upwards by the hands of the holy Angels to- thee, our Creator. Accept, O Lord, we beseech thee, this Sacri- fice, which wo offer thee for the souls of the faithful departed, and grant to us also, who still remain, the grace of a happy death, that by it being purged of all our faults, we Avho in this life are afflicted by the scourges of thy dispensation, may receive our eternal rest in the life to come. When the first sound of the bell announces that the Priest la about to begin the consecration, say : OGOD, may this offering be blessed, and in Qvory way acceptable and agreable to thee : and for our salvation's sake, and for the comfort of departed souls, be changed into the Bod}' and Blood of thy dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. THE CONSECRjVTION. At tlic elevation of the Sacred Host, profoundly bowing, say r HAEL! true Body of Jesus Christ, m}' Saviour ! O bless and sanctify my soul I {Then add:) Give them eternal rest, O Lord* At the elevation of the chollce, soy : HAIL ! true Blood of Jesus Christ, my Re- deemer !0 wash me pure from all my sins! (Then add.) Give them etrmal rest, O Lord. May they rest in peace. i: MASS rOR THE DEAD. 55 AFTER THE CONSECRATION. r'OMMEMOEATINQ^, therefore, O Lord, the v^ blessed passion oi' Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, his resurrection from the dead, and his glorious ascension into heaven, we offer before the throne of thy most excellent Majesty, in behalf of these departed souls, whom thy justice still detains in the pains of temporal punishment, this most holy, pure, and unspotted victim, the holy Bread of otcrnal life, and the chalice of everlastino- salvation. ^ A SPECIAL MEMFNTO OF THE DEAD. BE mindful especially, O Lord, of thy ser- vants :Nr and N , who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and rest in the sleep of peace. (Here make mention of those departed friends whom you icish in particular to recommend to the divine mercy.) To these and to all who sleep in Christ grant, wo beseech thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace ; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Grant, O Lord, to thy servants departed, that they may not receive a return of punish- ment for their deeds, who in desire were observersofthy will; and that as here true faith has joined them to the company of thy faithful, so there thy mercv may associate tliem to the choir of Angels'! O God, whoso attribute it is always to show mercv. and in «i-»nro rtm i^umKiiT K/»cAr«,«,i- *i lor the souls of thy faithful servants, whom thou hast called out of this world, that thou ■n M 56 GENIiRAL DEVOTIONS. I I If!'' "I woulds not deliver them into the hands of the enemy, nor forget them until the end, but command them to be received by the holy Angels, and so be led to Paradise, their true country; that as they have believed and ho])ed in thee, they may not suffer the pains of hell, but possess everlasting joys. O God, the light of faithful souls, be present to our supplications, and grant to all thy servants and handmaids whose bodies rcjst in Christ, a scat of refreshment, a blissful rest, and the light of glory. We humbly pour our prayers to thee, O Lord, for these thy servants, beseeching thee, that whatever guilt they may have contracted through human frailty, thou wilt mercifully pardon, and place them in the seat of those happy s^uls whom thou hast redeemed: through Jesus Christ our Lord. To us also, sinners though we are yet thy servants, and trusting in the multitude of thy mercies, deign to grant some part and fellowship with all thy saints : Into their company wo beseech thco graciously to admit us, not weighing our merits but thy mercy : through Christ our Lord. Amen. PATEll NOSTER. Repeat with the rrioat, «« O'lr Fathn- who art in heaven &G. ; ami then oiler tho following petition : DELIVEll, O Lord, Ibeseech thee, tho souls of thy servants from ail sorrow and sufl'er- ing, and bring them to the nartieinatlor! nf thy heavenly joys; and through tho interces- i MASS FOR THE DEAD. 57 eionofthe blessed and firlorious Mnry, ever Yi^gin, Mo^cr of God, of the Holj Apostles Peter and Haul, and Andrew, andofalltho Saints^.mercjfully .^rrant to mealsothepardoii of my Bins, grace to the remnant of my^av8 and peace in tho lio-r of my death, tliM so through the help of ihy mercy, in the awful hour of judgment I may stand before the face of my accusing enemy without alarm: Throu«-h Jesus Christ tky Son our Lord. Amen. AGNUS DEI, At the " Agnus Dei, » pray thus : Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of tho world I grant them nst. Laittb of God, who takest away the sins %f tho world I grant them rest. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world ! grant them eternal rest. rk J.ORD Jesus Christ, Bon of tho living God ymio, according to ihy Father's will, and by tho co-operation of thj, Ilo^yChost, hast^ri- ven jifo to the world through thino own death, deliver mo by this, thy mos^ nacrcd hody and Blood, from all my sins, and from every evil • make mo cling to thy commandments always' and KevoHet me bo reparated ft;ftm thee. ' O Almi^orhtv and Merciful God 1^1 beseech tnce,„may all these sacraments in %hich it is our pvivilege to participate, be (ho^ means of our purification ; andirrant thiit thJM fh.r c.^. cjinco, may not bo to us a ground of accusa- tion for otir |mnishment, but a salutary intei-* i- ' ^ , m 88 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. l/ilhi! hi 'I t ' cession for our pardon : may it serve for the- washing away of our guilt, for the strengthen- ing of our frailty, and for a support against all the dangers of the world, and to all thy faithful people, whether living or dead, for the remission of all their sins; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE COMMUNION. At the signal given by the little bell, when the Priest, be- fore receiving the Sacred Host, strikes his breast three times, do the same, and say each time : LOED I I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof, but only speak the word, and my soul shall be healed. Here you may make the Spiritual Communion, (see page 109), uniting yourself in desire with the communion ol the Priest. After which recite the following prayer of the Church : TO Almighty God, O dear departed Brethren, we now commend you. May the bright company of the Angels come to seek you ; may the senate of the Apostles come to greet you ; may the triumphant army cf glorious Martyrs come to meet you; the glittering throng of Confessors encompass you with their lilies in their hands ; the choir of Virgins receive you with songs of joy ; and a happy rest embrace you on the bosoms of the Pa- triarchs. May Jesus Christ appear to you with u mild and cheerful smile, and give you a place in his presence for ever. May you be far removed from the horrible darkness, the hiss- ing flames, the agonizing torments. May Christ, who w»s cncci^ed for you, deliver you I I MASS FOR THE DEAD. 5d from yonr pams. xMay Christ, the Son of the living God place you in the ever green and pleasant pastures of Paradise, and may he, the true Shepherd, acknowledge you among his flock. Mny he absolve you from all your sins and place you at his right Jiand in the inheri- tance of hi8 elect May you see your Redeemel* lace to face, and always in his presence, with the nappy company of tho Blessed, enjoy the fiweetnees of the vision of God for evermore Amen. . THE LAST GOSPEL. For the last Gospel, read what follows : I KNOW that my Redeemer liveth, and in the last day 1 shall rise out of the earth • and 1 shall be clothed again with my skin' and m my flesh I shall see my God : whom 1 myself shall see, and my eyes shall behold xmd not another. This my hope is laid up for me in my bosom. Job, xix. 25—1 am the Re- surrection and the Life : he that bclieveth in me, although he be dead, shall live j and every one that liveth and believeth in mo, shall not die for ever : S. John, xi. ^25--And I heard a voice saying unto me : Write, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord ; from henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their works follows them Apoc. xiv. 13. i2. Thanks be to God, * ;: ^>0 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. Finally recommend yourselves to the souls in Purgatory and say : BLESSED Souls, I have prayed for you : I now entreat you, who are so dear to God, and 80 secure of never losing him any more, to pray for me a miserable sinner, that am exposed to sin every day, liable to die every day, and in danger of being damned and of losing God for ever. (*• iijil; «SSS888S88K8iS88S8S»S888^S8SK8SK8S88KK88S888S« ON HEARING THE WORD OF GOD. " He that is of God, heareth the words of God." St John Tlil. 47. An important part of the Christian worship is list- ijning to the word of God from the mouth of the Priest. Let no one think himself so wise and so learned that lie can do without it. Preaching is the means ap- pointed by God to speak to our heart. Therefore, he who will not hear the preachers of the Catholic Church, shuts his ears against the voice of God, and despises Jesus Christ, who says : c He thai heareth you, heareth me, and he that despiseth you, despiselh me. » Let no one say : I can read the word of God for myself in the Bible ; of what use is preaching to me f What ! do you dare to think that a human mind like yours, created, limited, and full of darkness, is able, of itself, to comprehend the mind of the eternal God? O! beware, that you do not substitute your own thought for that of God. No! dear Christian, the church of the living God alone, guided and enlightened as it is by the Holy Ghost, is able to know the mind of God with infallible certainty, and to interpret the Holy Scriptures without danger of error. She it is who an- nounces to us the true doctrine of Jesus Christ, by her Bishops, and their fellow-laborers, the Priests, and they are the teachers to whom we must listen, unless we are willing through a spirit of pride to expose ourselves to the most dangerous errors. ±jMi Win you sav : I have at horno excelient explana- tions of the Gospels, and other good books of instruc- tion ; these will serve my purpose instead of preaching. To this objection of yours, Saint Thomas of Villanova 61 ■'t l . .1" 1 41 62 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. :l;'t ^as aJrcady answered. « Tell me not, I am learned, I tw,V0 at home the works of Augustiu, of Bernard^ 4q. The letter is dead, the voice is living. The preaci^r is the living voice of God. He is ' the voice of one crying W^u .^ilderness. ' Jesus Christ said: 'The letter - kilioth, the spirit maketh alive. ' The world, how was It converted? Through the divine word PREACHED by the Apostles. » Listen then, to sermons with a pious and humble mind ; judge not the Preacher ; look not for beautiful words ; do not apply the sermon to others, but to yourself alone ; consider the word of the Priest as the voice of God, sounding in tha ear of your heart, and calling you to penance, and often before and during the sermon repeat in your heart the words of holy bami^el : i S^eak, Lord! for the servant hearelh. » PRAYER BEPOBE THE SERMON. COME, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and kindle in them the Cre of thv love : thou v/ho hast gathered Uie people of every tongue into tJie unity of the laith. j. » ** GGod, who hast instructed the hearts of the faith- ful by the illumination of the Holy Ghost, grant us by the same spirit to understand what is right, and. to rejoice always in his consolation, through Christ our PRAYER AFTER THE SERMON." ' OLOR0 Jesus Christ, I thank thee for having sown this day tlie seed of thy divine word in my soul. Never permit, O Lord, this good seed to oe taken away from my heart, or consumed by the heat of impur and earthly desires, or choked up by the thorns of worldly care ; but grant rather. that.throimh Uiy blessing, thy word n:ay bring forth ftuit in me an Jiundred fold, to eternal life. An^n ■•*-^-' - t:-^ 1^^ ^rS i DEVOTIONS AT VESPERS. «.d!I^-."^^' ^^f ^ ^s "0 t«xpress commandment which makes it a mortal sm to be absent Ihm Vesners IS ev^ery good Catholic will make it his duly o attend when lie can, and see that hisiamily are nresenraJ.o Z'^'^'nT't"^ '^ '^"^*'^V the Lord's day and the oilier IJoly days oi' obligation; but if a Ca l,olic negects the pubhc servicer Church on .Sunday alternoons, without any reasonable ('xcusc how can m^llS^^J^/^^^^^^^^^^^^^l^^^^^^^^^-^^^-^o'sS,^ Be present, therefore, always in the cliurch at Ves- pers, and employ the moments you spend iherc in praying devoully. ^ ^ ^^^ *" While the iViest and Choir are singim? the Offiro you can follow them by usmg the following traS t on or. jf you prcler, you may make use of some other prayers, according to your devotion. PRAYER BEFORE THE OFFICE. f\ LORD, open my lips to praise thy holv yj^mme: cleanse my heart also from pIi perverse and wandering thoughts; enli-jiteu my mind and inflame my heart, so that 1 may Z±./3^!.^,*i^.r^^^'l3:, attentively, anJ -- -zv.j, rtiiu iiiiiinj a gracious iiearinir in the presence of thy divine Majesty . through Christ our Lord. Amen. -^ . fe ... 64 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. THE VESPERS OF SUNDAYS. Ill II ■'(I First rcdtc nn '< Ovr Fallirr, " nnd a <' Hail Mary^ " and then begin with the sign olthe Ciots, thus: V. Deus in acljntcrium meiim inicnde. . R. Domine, ad adjuvan- dum mo festina. Gloria Patri, et Fi!io, * et Spiritiii Sancto. Sicut erat in irincii'io, et nunc, el semper, * et in secciila saicuiarum. Amen. V. t Inclir^ unto my aid. OGod. . J{. Loid, make haste lo help mo. Glory ho to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the hoginning, isnow, and ever shall be, world with- out end. Amen. Before and after each Psalm 1p snng an Antiphon, which varies according to the Festivals. Anl. Dixit Dominus. Anfiphon. Faid — The Lord PSALM CIX. (Dixit Dominus.) A prophecy of the-exaltation and everlasting Priesthood of Jesus Christ. 1. Dixit Dominus Do- mino raeo, * Sede a dextris meis. 2. Donee ponam inimi- cos tuos, * scabellum pe- dum tuorum. 3. Virgam virtutis tua) emittet Dominus ex Sion : The Lord said to my Lord : Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool. , Jhe Lord will send ifenh the sceptre of thy VeSPKRS, ry^ " and into my \Q haste Father, 1(1 to the t was in low, and ■Id with- 1, which c Lord "iesthood to my at my I make Dotstool. • dominaro in medio Imicorum tuorum. 65 in 4. Tecum principinm in dio y rtutis tiw, in snlcn- dorihus sanctorum : * ex utcro ante luciferum genu! 5. Juravit Dominus, et non poDnitobit oum ■ * Tu es sacordos in externum secundum ordinem Mei- cliiscdoch. p. Dominus h dextrin tuis:*conlrcgitin(Jicira^ sua? iTges. 7. JudicaJjit in nationi- iaus, ini])lebit ruinas • * conquassabit capita in\or- ra miiltorum. 8. Do torronte in via JJibot : * jiropterea exalta- hit caput. Gloria Patri, dc. Anl. Dixit Dominus Do- mino meo, Sedo h dextris meis. Ant. Fidelia. power out of Sion : rule thou in tho midst ( f ihv onpuiies. ' .^Vith theo is iho nrin- CM'iilily in t.';(3 dny r r thy «'n;n^'lh.inUioJjno]iiness ot thy sainls; fruiu tho wonih hr-lbro the day-star Tiip J.onl Jiath sworn, and lio wilJ not re])ent • ihoii art a priest /VjrevW- .jccordinf,' to the order of iMHchiscdocIj. Tho Lci'd at thy ri'^ht ;and had, i;rokeu ifingJi,, ll'\ Glory be to the Father, dc. Afil. All his command- ments arc faithful, con- firmed forever and ever. Ant. He shall delight— PSALM CXI. (Beatus vir.) ^V^iU.''J'^il&^^^ be surely happy 1. Bontusvir qui timet 1)0111 innm :' * in mandatis '"jus volot niinis. '?. Polens in terra orit somon ejus : * generalio I'-clorum benedicetur. ^. Gloria et divitlo) in dime ejus : • et justitia Blessed is the man that fonroth the Lord: in his coiiimandnients ho shall take great delight. Mighty on earth shall bo his seed : (ho genera- tion of fhn pi>rlitr>»..« „i,_ii be blessed. Glory and weallh shall tif^ in his house : and his 61 GENERAL MVO^PlONS. ejus hianet in sacculum saeculi. 4. ExoTtttm est in teiie- bris lumon rectis : " mise- ricors, et iniserator et Jus- tus. 5. Jucundus hdmo qui miseretur et commodat, disponet sermoncs suos in juclicio : ' quia in ceter- num non commovobiiur. 6. In memoria antorna crit Justus : ' ab audiliono mala non timobit. 7. i Paratum cor ejus spcrare in Domino, con- fu'rnatuni ost cor ejus : * non commovobitur \h ncc dcppiciat inimicos suos. 8. Dispersit, dedit j>au- pcribus, juslilia ejus uui- iict in .^a^culuni Fjnculi : * cornu ejus exaltabilur in gloria. 9. IVccator videbil ol irascelur, doulibus suis freniet et tabescct : * (ic sidcriuui iieccatorum pe- ribit, Gloria Patri, Ac. Anl. In mandalis ejus cupit nimis. Ant. Sit nomen Domi- lii. righteousness endu eth forever and ever. tie is men in darkiioss, a li^^ht to the upright : he is mere i All and just, com- passionate. Acceptable is the man that sheweth mercy and lendelh : ho shall order his words with judgment, and lie shall never give way. The righteous man shall be in eternal remem- brance : ho shalf not fear anfl evil roj)ort. His heart is ready to hopo ill the Lord : his heart is strent^^thened : he shall not yield till ho de- spise Jiis eni'uiies. lie halhdislributpdand given to the poor ; his righleousness remaineth Ibiw'ver : his ]^owcr shall bo exalted in glory. The sinner shall see if, and be enraged : he shall gnash his teclh and pine away : the desiro of s.n- ners shad iierislj. (1 lory be to the Father, iVe. Ant. He shall delight cxceediDgly jn his coui- iiiaiidmoiils. Ant. Blessed bo the i ' :.« VES^EH^. (ii PSALM CXII, (Laudate, pueri, Dominum.) the hunible.^ him=,elf, he does not lorget the poor aSa 1. Laudate, pueri, Do- minum : * laudale iiomen Domini. 2. Sit nomen Domini iencdictum : ' ex hoc nunc, et usque in secu- Jum. 3. A solis ortu usque ad occnsiim : * laudaJJilo nomen Domini. 4. Excclsus super oin- ncs gcntoa Dominus : * ot super cffilos gloria ejus. 5. Quis sicut Domihits Dons nosier, qui in altis habitat : ' et li urn ilia re- spicil in coelo et in terra ? C. Suscitans a terra in opem : * ot do stercoro erigens pauperem. 7. lit colloeet eum cum prmeipibus : * cum prin- cipibus populi sui, 8- Qui habitare facit stenleni in domo : * ma- trem filionim Iflptantem. Praise the Lord, ye ser- vants of the Lord : praiso y6 the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be blessed : now and for evermore. = From the rising cf the sun to the setting thereof; worthy of ppeiso is ike namo of the Lerd. High is the -Lord above all thonafions : and above Iho heavens is bis glory. Who is IjlvG unto the Lord (,urGod, who dwell- 01 hen Iiigh :nrid behold- etli what is below in heaven and on oarlh ? Who ft'oni 4he earHh raiselJi up the npodv one : and from the dungliili liPt- eth r.p the poor one : To place him with thn princess : with the princes of his ju'ople. W^honiakMh «hft h.'>rrf>p woman to dwell in her iiouse : the .joyful mother of many children. / ' '': ii I'll If >^0 GRNERAL DEVOTIONS. Gloria Palri, Ac. Anl. Sit nomen Do- mini benedictiim in sae- cula. Anl. Nos qui vivimus. Glory be to the Father^ Ac. Ant. Blessed he the name of the Lord for ever- more. Ant. But we that live. PSALM CXVJ. (Laudato Dominum.) ^^^^^'V*,^* invites the whole world to join in praislue God for his mercy and truth. vi^iiaius, 1 . Laudato Dominum omnes gcntes : * laudato eum, Omnes populi. 2. QuonJaP' confirmata est super nos miserioordia ejus : • et Veritas Domini manet in seternum. Gloria Patri, &c. Ant. Nos qui vivimus l)enedi( iinus Domino. O praise the Lord, all ye nations ; praise him, all ye people. For his mercy is con- firmed upon us ; and the truth of the Lord remain- eth forever. Glory be to the Father, Ac. Ant. But we that live bless the Lord. THE LITTLE CHAPTER, 2 COIl. I. Benedictus Deus, ot Paler Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Pater miscricor- diarum, et Doug totius consolationis, qui consola- tur nos in omni Iribula- tione nostra. R. Deo Gratias. Blessed be the God ancT Father of our Lord Josus. Christ, the Father of mer- cies, and the God of all comfort, who comforlelh us in all our tribalalion. H. Thanks be to God. Then f. Et miscrioordia ojiis a ftrogcnio in progenies, * limontibus oum. 6. Fecit i)Olcnliaiu in Jirachio suo : * disporsit superbos incnlo cordis sui. 7. Doposuit potontos do sodo : * ft oxaltavit Jni- miles. My soul doth magnify the Lord, and mv spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour : Because he hath re- garded tJie humility of his handmaid, for behold from hcncefortii all genoralions shall call mo blessed. For ho that is inightv hath done groat things to mo, and holy is Jiis numo, And his mercy is from gontM-ation to gcnrrnlion, to Iheni lliat fejir him. llo halh showed might in his Jirm : he halh scat- tered the proud in tho con- ceii of their hear!. He hath put down tho mighty from tiieir seat. and hnt]l 1., blc. VESPBRS. 73 8. Esurientes implevit bonis : * et divites dimisit inanes. 9. Suscepit Israel pue- nim suum : * recordatus miseri cordial su£d. 10. Sicutlocutus est ad patresnostros: * Abraham, et semini ejus in Ssecula. Gloria Patri, &c. He hath filled the hun- gry with good things, and the rich he hath sent away empty. He hath received Israel his servant, being mindftil of his mercy. As he spoke to my la- thers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. Glory, &c. PRAYER. w; rE beseech thee, O Lord, let all thy Saints assist us wherever wo may be: thatwhilo we venerate their virtues, we may also feel their protection : Grant to these times in which we live thy holy peace, and drive away all evil from thy Church : Direct our lives, our actions, and our wills, and those of all thy pendants in the prosperous way of thy salvation : return an everlasting reward to all our benefactors; and to all the faithful departed grant eternal rest Through Jesus Christ o'^r Lord. Amen. After tho Prayer, which Is different every Sunday, follow the vcrslcles and responses. ' *"""** V. Dominus voblscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. V. Bcnedicamus Dom- ino. B. Deo Gratins. V. Tho Lord bo with you. R. And with Ihy spirit. V. Let us bless the Lord. n V. Fideiium anima) perj V. May the souls of Vho M4 '1 i I fi ii IP ill i! ill,!!,! -|ll| I" I i I 74 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. misericordiam Dei requi- escant in pace. it. Amen. faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen. Then repeat « Our father- 'I'l 76 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. PRA.YSIB. CONCEDE, mi9?TicDfs Deus, fragilitati riob- Iras praesidiura : ut qui sancta3 Dei Cenetricis me- moriam agimus, interces- sionis ejus auxilio, a nos- tris iniquitatibus resur- gamus. Per eumdem Christum Dominuiir nos- trum. Amen. GfiANT us, mercifal God, a safef' lard against all our v/eakxiess, that we, who celebrate the memory of the holy Mother of Oci, may, by the h^ip of her interces- sion, rise again from our iniquities, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. .From Easier until Trinity.) REGINA CC^LI. Regina coeli laetare, Al- leluia. Quia quem'meruisti por- tare, Alleluia. Resurroxit sicut dixit, Alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia. V. Gaude et lajtarc, Virgo Maria, Alleluia. li. Quia surrcxii Uom- iniis verCf Alleluia. Joy to thee, Queen of heaven. Alleluia 1 He whom thou wast to bear. Alleluia ! As he promised, arisen. Alleluia! Pour for us to him thy prayer. Alleluia ! meet hath V. Rejoice and be glad, Virgin Mary, Alleluia I /?. For the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia PRAYER. DEUS, qui per resur- rcctionom, Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu Chris- li miindum ia3tificurti dig- nat'Ts os; praesta quajsu- OGOD, who, by the res- urrection of thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, liast been pleased to fill the w(.4d with joy, grant, VESPERS. 77 mus, lit per ejus genitri- cem virginem Mariam perpetuso capiamus gau- ^s At this moment icnool .n!> o I x ouh^ i^' fon;, to receive thi« .livinc b:c.sing of ouV\suVlL«rranJ r\ MY (iod, lam sonj— T am sorry for my ^^ f^^ms: foro-ivo mo them, iind /^ivo mo my part in this Lcavonly Uvs^mg ! 1 lovo theo, I will lovo thee iiUyny^, and Bcek to ploasothee in every tlioiight, in every word, and every action of my life, f In the name of the Fa- ther, and ofthe 8oii, and of tlie Holy GhoBt. ■ll r y iMi !f i ■ '^=^=^=^3e$^^X:«^:XC«0$CCC^O$CCC^($CCC^^ CONFESSION. EXERCrSES OF DEVOTION PREPARATORY TO CONFESSION. '^flfp*'^T!,l"ifi5n^*^^'' confession mry be the last of your iUfe«^i?«f^^*^^^' prepare yourc^elf lor It, as if you were lying sick upon your death and already at fhS borders of the grave. Ask Gc o give you t^offracl to make agood examination of c.aseience and LheT[?ht to see your sins clearly, and as they really a?S. '^^^ INVOCATION. Q GOD, the Father of light I Thou who en- ^^ lightenest all men that come into this worla, send into my poor soul a ray of the holy light of love and contrition, that I mar know, detest, and confess the sins, which I have committed against thee. I desire to sec my sins in all their enormity, and just as they are in thy sight: I wish to detest them for the love of thee, and to confess them with tho same sincerity, as I should wish to do at the moment of my death. Jesus, my God and Sa- viour, I offer to thee tho examination which I am going to make, and I look to thee with confidence for tho grace to do it well. And do thou, O Mother of God, assist me, thou who art so full of comjoassion for sinners that de- sire truly to repent of their sins. Help me, my holy Guardian Angel I help me to know all tho offences which 1 have com- 83 CONFESSION. 83 Havin m.tted against my God. O ! all ye Saints In heaven pray for me that 1 ma/brinTfor worthy fruits of penance. Amen. "" JVoio make your , xumination of conscience * contrition lor your sins : excite in yourself a true I. GoNHni^uAT.oN. Oflhe enormity of siji. Con?: lor, first, the enormity of a mortal «in t. • given the death-bloi to you Imrrial soul -^^L^"' have drawn down upon vour<;plf iho „ ' . y^" isliment of the livinM"o(rrrod whn "^k' ^"^ I^""' goance is awful and terrible t hi tTf 1? ^V^^ ^'^"■ ever into HpII th?; hVi ', "^^^ '^ '^ '^^ who cast for- ' coiumiltod so ^reat and qh JnrHH- ' "^^^' "^^ While death i^^^^^'^J^l^^n^l^^' the inhnito patience of this inost mercXl PoH ? makes him wait until now for your'conversio;'' ''" upon those faults and inm„rf!oi •^'^ ''- ''*'""*"' «'^n«« On the contrnrv Hul I u ""^ «f '^m.nation on j,. 22. without con7es::^htd%I;^e\';;^r,\,^^^^^ J [-S while nation of consoienoe wh .k^» • ^'^^^ *"ne to the exami- the nature and number f»h«t!. '"'"d as far as possible, pose, they "lake ^of tt t J^rFxS '''^ ^'"'- this manual, page 285. Examination gjven in » JJ i J 84 I GENERAL DEVOTIONS. CONTRITE PRATER. m Q MY God 1 infinite and holy God, what nave i cione ? I confess that my sins are more in number than the hairs of my head or the Bands on the sea-shore. And yet only a single one of them all was enough for my ruin. Yes, one of these mortal sins was enough to rob me of heaven, enough to bringdown thy angeriipon my defenceless head. Kell opened under my feet when I committed the tk«t and yet others followed, until now, like a mountain they lie heavy upon my soul. Alas I why am I not penetrated with horror and fear at tho remembrance of my guilt ? Sinful sou^ whac Last thou gained by all these sins ? JN"olli- ing, O my Lord, nothing but shame and sor- row, guilt and remorse. They have left me without joy in thepast,or hope beyond tho* grave. ^ ^ But no, my most merciful Lord, there is Btilihope for me: for I know that i^ I do penance thou wilt forgive me. I do repent of all my sins. I Iiate and detest them from the bottom of my heart. I am truly sorry for mv marl and senseless conduct, and I am resolved to sm no more. From this moment I devote the rest of my days to penance and a holy life, lies, holy and merciful God, hear ray firm resolve : Forgive mo this once, and rather will I lose, a thousand times over, all the world has of goods, pleasures, honors, health, oven ri; h rf CONFESSION. 85 'If ltfe_itself, than ever separate from thy grace co"-«sxrro> J4'^ ,t'r •— ^'- « ^hile iiili?ns of ren'l tolheo wet'left t^;'!i"'f ncss of infldelity and horesv I h-™ ,„ t' o dark- For al this thnn n«, 1 '"''' ''''"" '"'^' "-hou ving and tender of Fathers. III. Consideration. Upon ih4 love of Jesus Christ, who suffered for our sins. Look upon yrar (oving Raviour c^i the cross of Cal- vary ! His sacred hands and feet are pierced through and through willi rude nails hammered deep into the wood : his kingly head is crowned with thorns : his sacred body is covered with marks of the cruel scourge ; and his unspeakable agony appears in his dying eyes, and the convulsions of his sutfering limbs, Who is it ? and what is the cause of this bloody spectacle ? Ah ! sinner, ?t is your Saviour, and your sins have brought him to this sad extremity. Yes, for your saka hb became man, for the pardon of your sins CONFESSION, 87 he suffered and died. Gruel Jews! cruel soldiorQ » Lut mr more cruel sinners who, in our d^rstillcrS their Lord and mock at his nairx; • fnr VS a 17 speaks of them when he sav. ^^'ihJ ^^t^P°^"® to themselves the Son of gT nnlltZ "^"'^^7 ""^^^'^ CONTRITE PRAYER. A LAS 1 accureed sins I how could I treat titnL .<• '"'^^ 7^^,P according to the mul- titude of my sms I Is this thy reward mv dearest Saviour, for that innocent blood wCh thou hast shed with so much love and sorrow for my sake? Could I make thee no betteT return than this ?-by my guilty pleasure^ my brutal passions, my cold contempt of thy holv ii^7±nT' K.'^Si" *^y ^^ce Vith shamed and open thy bleeding wounds afresh ? O Lamb of God I sacrificed and lifeless on the cross remember that I am a soul redeem ed by thy precious blood : pardon loo mv sms for 1 am sorry for them from the i.,Uom of my heart, les 1 raise thy wounded hand to bless and pardon me. Receive the trahor that now casts himself in sorrow at thy feet Jly sins fill mo with terror, for I know that I deserve to be in hell this moment, buTsure^ since thou hast died for me, thou will nJi now refuse me mercy : Behold me here, O my God I what wilt thou have me do ? shaU I weep over my sins ? Indeed, I am Kwiy it ■ I' I if II ■ <>.%> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) /. 4,. u.. 1.0 I.I |50 '"■■ t 1^ 2.5 1.8 1.25 u — — - 1.6 ^ 6" — ► ^ Vi sm >T- % ^3 >%■' 1 w Photographic Sciences Corporation ^ nji iV Cv :\ \ o'^ o- .* 1J> " HOLY COMMUNION. 93 First of all, the Holy Communion infuses into our hearts the love of God. Jesus Christ has expressly declared that he came into the world for no other cause than to kindle in our hearts the lire of his divine love. ''Irm comelo cast fire on the earth, and what will I butthatitbekindlec'^'' (St. Luke xii. 49.) What is there now on the earth that can better inflame the heart tf man with divine love, than the Holv Sacra- ment of the Altar, where the divine Redeemer gives us himself entire ? Therefore the holy Council of Trent teaches us that our Saviour in this Sacrament " has poured out all the treasures of his love for us." (Sess. xiii. c. 2.) Men should desire nothing more or more ardontly than to receive Jesus Christ, as often as possil^le, in the Holy Communion. It is known that the first Christians, as St. Luke declares, went daily to the table of the Lord. " They continued daily with one accord in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. " (Acts, ii. 46.) By bread all orthodox interpreters of Scripture under- stand the Holy Communion. It is further known that the Holy Church in the Council of Trent expressed the wish that the faithful who were present at the sacrifice of the Mass, should receive communion every time, not only spiritually but actually. (Sess. xxii. c. 6.) It is also known that the greatest saints made use often of Holy Communion as the most effectual means of advancing in piety and virtue. What shall we say, then, of those Christians who do not conform to the wishes of Jesus Christ and of the holy Catholic Church, and who will not imitate the cxamjile of all holy souls ? Alas ! I know that they excuse themselves with the wretched pretext: We are not worthy to go so often to ilic table of the Lord. my God ! if worthiness were to be considered, who would bo found truly worthy to receive commu- nion ? No one but Jesus Christ would be so, because God alone is worthy to receive God. But I assure you, my dear Christian, that the longer you are absent from Kf '..,J; 94 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. I.'iil communion, all the more unworthy will vou h& icy uT.o'rn^lT''''''^ yc .goto'the talleofthe Lord, so much th^ more numero-is will Jbe your fauUs tecause you are thus deprived of tne principal meaifs or treeing yours -If from sin, and amending your life nainoly, the Holy Go.nmunion. ^ ^ ®' But perhaps you will answer:" I do not know tTu^ nv.s',r;'to'V'">''^''' ''''''' therefor"e1do"no'J irubimj-soll to receive coinmun on. " But t<-ll mn What d-, you then require, in order to know if you Tre ango! of Gol wdl come to tell you? Should it not satisfy you. if your Father-Confessor allows you vo^ communion ? Be sure that if your conferor nerS you to redeye it, you may truest morrlo thaUha„\f all the angels gave you permission, for Jesus Christ y'o^u ?if t^ptrr^^r °^^^^' '^' ^'^ VriestsX'tlt they^ff^^^S?^-?^^ either look upon It as a profanatio i, and blame it or r[d,cule me, and make a laughing-stock of me. "To this I answer, make your communion as often as your Father-Gonlbssor permits, and with the good intention of advancing in virtue, and let peonlf sav wha they will The celebrated John of A^vHrsays^ that those who Dlame others for frequently arroachiS Holy Gommunrn porlbrm the office of the devU aSd Will you bo so foolish as to care for them ? ' Hear, too what St. Francis of Sales says • " If tho rtc vTHovf^'.r'' '^' y°" why^Tso oftea receive Holy Communion, answer them -Two rln^QP« of men should go to communion oC;' namely the perfect and the mperfect, the perfect, that SmSv Porf 'clioV%h«^«f^' ™P.l^'^^^ '^'' "^^y may aS J^IL :: ^J^® ^^^^^S' that they may T,ot become The'sic'k'diatThf ' ''"' ^'^^ ^'^ bLome strong! irahK 7u w^ *h^y ™^y recover health, and tlie healthy, that they may not become sick. A^ fo? youj! HOLY COMMUNION. 95 andweaf*"" to communion, as one imperfect, sick, my God ! of what avail are all these miserable evasions and excuses ? ripeak the truth, say i. out- right, that you are not willing to go any oftener to Holy Communion, because then v6u must ou t the \ranities and sinful satisfactions 'of the world and that you do not love this food of angel., because you still ove creatures with inordinate alfection • that you fear the reprooi which your Saviour might give you, on account of your disorderly ani sinfulvvav of life. It you w-^e to receive him often in the most holy Sacrament. But take it seriously into considerit nn lest your sinful lukewarmness sUild be yoSr r^^^^^ Never fear that on your death-be 1 yuu will reoroach yourself on account of these conmumions wJiich voii have received with contrition and devotion; bi- Mar lest then -alas! perhaps to6 late!— you mav ronent of having robbed yourself of so many graced, w Eh you might hav;e obtained through the frequent worthy reception of Holy Communion. ^ Go to communion then, often, my dear Christian as often as your Father-Confessor will permit you to' do FeasKlays "''^'' ''™^' '"^ '"''''■" '' '" '^'^Vnnclpal Live, nevertheless, in such a way that von miffht go communion daily ; for St. Augustine t,. aches u& that such is the desire of the Holy Catholic Church. PREPARATION FOR COMMU.NION. To go to the table of our Lord, it is necessary Kt To be ma state of grace. Woe to him who would venture to approach the most holv table of the Lord with a conscience stained with mortal sin. t-uch a bad Christian would be guilty, like the traitor Judas of sacri ege ; for of such an unfortunate one, it is writ- ten :<• ^/i^/ a/'/e,' the mnrscl(ihQ Holy Communion i Satan entered into him. " ""aunion,; 5'l $1. '■.4 1 'A V '*V^^ kl :■¥ 41 Kill 86 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. >m hi Therefore, St. Paul, in words of earnest warning, says to us : " But lei a man prove himself, and so let him eal oflhai bread, and drink of the c/ialice ;for he thai eateth and drinhelh umvorlhih/, ealelh and drinkelhjiidgmsnl to himself, not discerninq the Bodu of the Lord.'' (IGor.xi. 28) *^ -^ By this is meant, that he who receives communion unworthily, commits the greatest outrage against the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and, like the Jews who killed Jesus Christ, becomes also guilty of his murder. 2. One must live w itti his neighbours in peace and Christian unity. Communion means unioji, and is so called because it is the image of the perfect union and brotherly love of all the faithful in Christ. Jesus Christ teaches us that we must not bring our sacri- fices to.the altar, if we remember that our neighbour has any thing against us ; with how much greater reason are we bound not to approach the table of the Lord, if we ourselves cherish in our heart a hatred •gamst our neighbour ! We must lirst bo reconciled With our enemy. 3. On the evening before communion, you ought to prepare for it by devout prayer, and by reading some pious book, and withdraw, in reverence for the holy Sacrament, from all noisy and distractmg amusements 4. The Body of Christ must be received fasting, 4hat is, we must neither eat nor drink any thing after midnight. But those v/ho are dangerously sick, anr* receive this holy Sacrament as a viaticum, are dis- jiensed from this. 5. Every one should approach the table of the Lord with devotion, decently and modestly dressed, and •Without any vain ornaments, or display of fashion. HOLT OQHMUKIOV. 91^ PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION, ACT OP FAITH. li."l?) ^^^ ^ comef^ leaping over the mountains, » (Cant. /I H ! my dearest Saviour, what wonderf u I and Xl. almost insurmountable difficulties thoa hadst to break through, in order that thoa mightest come and unite thyself to me ia ^^is holy Sacrament ! Being God, it was neces- sary to become man ; being infinite, to become an mfant ; being Lord of all, to become a slave ; from the bosom of thv eternal Father thou, must pass into the womb of a virgin! from heaven into a stable, and from thy thmne ot glory to an infamous gibbet. And thi» morning again from thy heavenly home thou dost come to dwell in my heart. " Behold he standeth behind our wall looking through the windows, looking through the latti- ces. (Cant. li. 9.) O my soul, behoJd thydear Jesus all burning with that same love which he bore thee, when he died for thee on tho cross—behold him now under the sacramental species ! Like an ardent lover he gazes upon thee from the consecrated Host, and desires to have thee answer to his love. From there, although himself unseen, he teosthee; closely lie watches thee that goest this morning to teed on hi3 sacred flesh, that ho may di.cSver what thy thoughts are, what thou lovest best What thou v^esirost, what thou wculdst have -:fr fl 98 SEVmt^L DEVOTIONS. from him, and what offering thou hast to pre- sent him m return. Courage I O my soul, and prepare thyself to receive Jesus, first by faith, saying : Is it then true, O my Beloved Redeemer, that in a few monients thou wilt come into my heart ? O f niy God, hidden and unrecognized by the most ot men, I behove that thou art really present m the most holy Sacrament of the Altar I confess thee with my whole heart, and adore thee in this sacrament as my Lord and Sa- viour, and to confess this truth I would ffladlv give my life. Thou dost come to enrich me with thy graces, and to unite me wholly to thyself: how great then should be my confi- aence in a visit so loving as this I ACT OF CONFIDENCE. OMY heart, open wide to receive Him » Thy Jesus can enrich thee with all ffood he loves thee so much ; hope, then, for Ireat favors from thy Saviour, who comes ^ thee so tull of tenderness and love. Yes, dearest Je- sus, thou art my hope. This is what I look for from thy love— that since thou givest thyself entirely to me this day, thou wilt enkindle m my heart a beautiful flame of pure love, and excite in me a sincere desire to please thee, that for the time to come my only wish may be to do what is pleasing to HOLY COMinmiON. ACT OP LOVE. m fi ^ ^S^^i ^7 ^od, thou alone art the truo V/ friend of my soul. Couldst thou do more to win my love than thou hast done for me ? Thou hast not only been willing to die for me. O my Divme Saviour, but thou hast even been pleased to institute this holy sacrament, in order to give mo thyself altogether, and thus unite thyself intimately with so mean and ungrateful a creature as I am. But this ia not all—thou dost invite me thyself to receive thee, and this is thine ardent desire. O infinite incomprehensible love I a God desires to givehimselfwhollytomel O my soul, dost thou believe this ? What art thou doini? then? Hast thou nothing to say ? O yes, my God I infinite God I worthy of all love, thou alone dost deserve the love of all thy creatures I love thee with my whole heart. I love thee above all things ; I love thee more than my life. 01 why can I not see thee loved by all, cher- ished by all hearts as thou deservest? I love thee, O my God I and in the fervor of my love I unite my poor heart with the hearts of ali the seraphim, and with the heart of Kary, and wish that I might have the same love for thee which all the saints bear thee, the same with which thy divine Mother is inflamed. I love only thee, for thou alone deservest all my love. 01 blessed Mary, mother of holy love, help to love my God aa thou desirest to see him loved. !: 'i tr iM Ai 100 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. ACT OF HUMILITY. SO then, my soul, in a few momeirts thou art going to nourish thyself with the sacred flesh of Jesus Christ. Art thou then worthy to receive it ? O my God, who am I, and who art thou ? indeed, I know well who thou art, thou that givest thyself tome; but thou. Lord, knowest thou who I am, I that am to receive thee? Is it possible, O my Jesus, that thou who art purity itself, art so desirous to come and dwell in my soul, which have so often been the dwelling of thine enemy, and loaded with so many sins ? I acknowledge, O Lord, all thy Majesty, and my own deep misery. I blush and am ashamed to appear before thee ; I would in reverence withdraw from thee, but if I leave thee, my Life, whither shall I turn ? Where should I seek help, what will become of me? JSTo, no! I will not leave thee. I will rather draw nearer and nearer to thee every day. Thou lov^st to have me receive thee for my food, and ever invitest me. Well, then, I come, O my dearest Saviour ! Yes ! ashamed and deeply humbled by my sins, but full of confidence in thy mercy and thy love to me, I come to receive, thee into my heart this day. ACT OF SORROW. IT grieves me deeply, O God ofmy soul, that hitherto I have not loved thee, that instead of loving thee I have frequently even offended HOLY COMMUNIOK. tot and d.8i^eased thy infinite goodness, in order to satisfy my wicl^od indinations. I have abandoned thee, in conte.npt of thy grace and O m/r"r'''''lPi '■" "^^'"•^' I l^a^^ 'o«t thee, O ray God, und that wilfully, I am sorry for It. Ye,-,, Lora, my whole soul is full of grief. I hate <.nd detest ail the sins that I havf com- mitted both mortal and venial; I detest them more than any other evil, because they hav^ injured thee who art infinitely good I hone be no? r of ""'y'^^y ''r*'''-" "- i*"' ^f ^* De not so O forgive mo before I receive thee ; ce-insc, O my Ood -with thy precious blood dwell "^ ^^"^ "^^ "^""'"S soon to ACT OF DliSlRE. TTA7E caanigo my soul. Seo ! the happy AX moment has arrived, and thy Jesus is comjng to dwell in thy heart. Bdiold th^ Lord of heaven and of earth, thy Saviour and tl } (rod, who IS drawing nigh to thee, and into tn.i heart that longs for thee; but before thou giyest thyself to me, I will first give myself to thee; seel I give up to thee ^his Soroflt""'"" "' ""' '^'"*'^" *° '^^' p- .„?°rf ' ^ ?/ ^'^' ""'"^ promptly and with- out delay! My only and'infinite good, my treasure, my life, my paradise, my- love, my 1' ff {' B i f. ..' aaiiiiyil 102 6ENEBAL DEVOTIOlfS. all ! O that I could receive thee with that same love wherewith all the holiest and most ardent souls have received thee until now, and with which the most holy Virgin Mary re- ceived thee. I unite this communion of mine with theirs. O most holy Virgin Mary, my Mother, see, I am going now to receive thy divine Son. I wish I might have thy heart in this moment, and that love with which thou didst make communion. Give thy Jesus this morning to me, as thou didst give him to the Shepherds, and to the three holy Kings. I desire to re- ceive hipi from thy pure hands. Tell him that I am thy devoted servant, then he will love me more, and unite mo more closely in this happy moment to himself. When the Priest elevates the most Sacred Host, repeat with him three times the following words : r\ LOED, I am not worthy that thou shouldst ^^ come under my roof, but say only the word, and my soul shall be healed. Then with your eyes modestly cast down, but your head erect, open your mouth, and advance your tongue a little, and thus receive the Holy Sacrament. Be sure not to make any hasty movement with your mouth but let the Priest himself lay it upon your tongue. Endeavor to swallow the holy Host by means of the moisture on your tongue, without touching It with your teeth, and least of all with your finger. If other commu- nicants are still coming, and need to occupy your place, then, shortly after receiving, but not immediately, retire and make roojo. for them ; otherwise, especially when the Communion is given out of Mass, you may remain untU f- 9 Priest gives ius benediction. fl HOLT COmiCNION. 103 -THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION. There is no prayer more acceptable to God and more profitable to our own souls, than that which is oflFered in thanksgiving after holy Communion. Christ our Saviour remains present with us until the sacra- mental species are consumed. During these sacred moments we may imagine that we hear from the moulhofJesus Christ himself these words, which ha spake formerly to his disciples : - Bui me ye have Z always willi you. " (St. John, xii. 8.) It IS not well immediately after Communion to be- gm reading in a book ; it is far better to pass some few moments m a solitary and confldentiaf conversa- tion with Jesus Christ, thus kindly present in our heart, and to give silent encouragement to those emotions and desires which naturally arise. It will not do, however, to lose this precious time : and if the mind begins to wander, we must fix our attention immediately by means of the Prayer-Book what treasures ofgrace can a pious soul obtain it she converses in spirit with her beloved Jesus at least a half-hour after holy Communion ! During the rest of the day, the devout soul should often think of that great guest, whom she has received in her communion. ■^»^»^»^»^N^^^ PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION. ACT OF FAITH. "DEHOLB I already my God is come to visit ^ me, already my Saviour is come to dwell in my soul, already my Jesus is within me ; he is come to be one with mc, and to make me one with him, so that Jesus now belongs to me, and I belong to Jesus. Yes I Jesus is all mine, and I am all his. O infinite good- V i li 104 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. Ti'^cs ! O infinite mercy I O infinite love I a God ha8 united himself with me, a God who desires, to bo wholly mine I O my soul, now that thou art so closely united to Jesus, now that thou art one with him, what ait thou doi.ig ? Hast thou nothing to say to him, wilt thoL not speak to thy God who is present wiihin theo ? Awaken then thy faith anew, reii)embcr that the angels t*re around about thco adoring their God, who now dwells in thy heart. Adore thy Lord with tnem 1 Keep recollected, and banish every other thought, call together all ^.hy affections, and lay them before thy God, and cay to him : ACT OF WELCOME. /^ MY Jesus ! my love, my infinite Good, ^^ my all J I welcome thee ; be always wel- come to this home which i keep for thee in my poor heart. Ah! Lord, where art thou, whither hast thoo come ? Into my heart, worse than the stable where thou wast born I into my heart full of attachments, of self-love, and of disorderly appetites. How couldst thou (ihooso puch a dwelling as this ? Well might I say to Ihee with St.'Peter : Depart fromme^ O Lordy for I am a sinner : Z am too unworthy to have a God of infinite goodness ibr my guest. Go rather repost in those puro souls, who serve theo with so much love. But no, uiy Redeemer, what do 1 say I Do not depart embrace thee, O ray y\%, I attach myself in- HOLY COMMDNION. 105 separably to thee. I have been only too foolish m separating myself from thee for love of creatures ; ungrateful wretch that I am I have driven thee away from my heart. Bat nowl wiL never separate myself from thse to'th^e^''^' ^"^ resoived to live and die united Most holy Virgin Mary, seraphs, souls who love (xod with a pure love, lend me your aifec- tions that I may entertain my dear Lord as A ought. ACT OF THANK-SGIVING. I J^^i^^ *^^®®' ^ "^y ^^^^ ttnd my God, -*- for the grace which thou hast shown to mo this mornnig by coming to dwell in my soul. Would that I could thank thee in a manner worthy of thee and of the signal favor which I have received I But what do I say r what worthy tliankH could I render thee, miserable creature that I am ? Father Segnori says that the most suitable aftectiou for a soul after communion, is the vyonaor whKli gives rise to this thoight : a Cxod mine I a God mine I - What shall I render tv Jic Lmf.for all that he hath rendered to me r* bo .aid Diwici, una I, what shall I render to thoo, O my Jesus, to thac, whoaftor so many Ws hast given mo thyself this morning ? Thci-oiore, u my soul, bless thv God, and thank hnu witli all thy power. ' And thou, ivitjy, my mother, and von m^r »^„f,.«« o.,:..^.' bum witli (hviiio lo^ro, " come and I will tell ;| I V 111 iiiiiii 100 GKN^SRilL DBVOTiaNSL yoid tfiAaf ^o<^ eMn^s the Lord hath done to my soul, " Come bless and thank my God for me, and idmire the w6ndroiis grace which I havo received^ ACT OP SELF-OFFERING, *' TMnr Beloved to me, and I to him, " (Cant. 1. -"-*• 16.) If a king were to come and visit a poor shepherd in his hut, what could the shep- herd offer him but his hut such as it is ? Sintje then, O my divine King Jesus, thou art come to visit this poor house of my soul, I offer thee my house, and my whole self, with my literty and my will. " My Beloved to me, and liahimi, " Thou hast given thyself all tome, I give myself all to thee. No more, my Jesus, will I bo my own ; henceforth I wish to belong to thee, entirely to thee, and that all my senses may be so entirely thine, that they may serve only to please thee. And indeedf, what greater pleasure can one have, said St Peter of Alcantara, than to please thee, a God most amiable, most loving and most grate- ful. I give up to thee all the powers of my soul, that thoy may be all and altogether thine. Let my memory serve only to recall thy benefits and thy love, my mind to think of thee alone, who thinkest always of my welfare, my heart to love only thee, my God, my all, and lo will only that which thou wiliest. To thee, then, O my dearest Saviour, 1 con- 'cvi j*;,c »ii-^i iiuuiuiULu iiii i nave, ail i am, my senses, my thoughts, my affections, my de* BOI.y COMMO.VIOX. 107 sires, my tastes, my inclinations, my liberty ti;VanT;'''li«'''' "Pn™^>'y ^"'l ^«"' in o tny Jiands. Eeoeive, O infinite Maiestv this sacrifice made to *hee here, by (hS'tun grateful s,„„er that over exis'teLn earth who now, however offers and gives himself alT to accLi^^^^f,' ^° T'*'' "•" """^ dispose of me accoiaing to thy pleasure, f / Come, O burning fii-e, O love divine and pSr to"tr "" ^'^"■'"■^ "^"^ whi'hisnot mav be-all to ,LP"''^ "^f^' """ *^^^ hereafter I may be all to ihee, may live to accomnlish thv IZn.' ^ ^°°'* ?'*"'"'■« '" »» things P most holy Mary I do thou present with hX THn ut^'^'b^!^ r '^""^ t° the Moft of f a, 1 fni T " "'■ '"'' *'^« acceptance <„■♦. <• 1 ".?* I niayhave the grace to Im faithful until death. Amen, Ame^, LJ '* ACT OF PETITJOX. ml'nn/ Z^"' "'•"h"i-«^Toher tiiou^ht, awakon thv faith, nnnn iU^KulJ^: ana as k whater'^- ^ '— • ' ^ ' ^ ' ' "-^ "^«i t, hear how Jesus himself thou wilt, host thou not *■ f says to thee: '< What 108 GENERAL DEVOTIONS. Wilt thou have me do for thee ? Speak, be- loved Boiil, what dost thou desire of me ? I have coDie in order to make thee rich and happy; ask with confidence, and thou shalt receive every thing thou desirest." Ah! my dearest Saviour, since thou art come to me to fill me with graces, and de- sirest me to ask them of thee, I ask for no earthly goods, nor riches, nor honors, nor pleasures. Give me, I beseech thee, a great sorrow for all the displeasure which thou hast received from me. Give me a great light to Bhow me the vanity of the world, and how much t^ou art worthy of being loved. Chanffe my heart, detach it from all earthly affec- tions, and give me a heart perfectly conform- ed to thy holy wii:, which seeks after thy good pleasure alone, and aspires to nothine else than to thy holy love. I do not deserve all this, O my Jesus, but thou deservest it, thou who hast come to dwell m my soul. I ask it through thy merits, ttrough the merits of thy holy Mother, and ^y the love thou bearest to thy eternal Father. Here pause for a time, and ask of Jesus some special ffraco for yourself or your neighbour. Do noiforJS.vooftS. ners, and the souls in purgatory. ^ *^ ®"* Eternal Father ! Jesus Christ himself has said to us: "Amen, amen, I say to you; if vou^ask the Father anything in my name, ^7u^ F^^'V^y'"''^' (John xvi. 23.) For love lieart, hear me, and grant me what I now ask. nOLY COMMU\!0\. 109 Objects of my dearest love, Jesus and Mary I let me suffer for you, let me die for you, grant that I may belong wholly to you. and never to myself any more " Praised and blessed forever be the most holy Sacrament of the Altar, and blessed be the holy and immaculate conception of the most holy Virgin Mary. OF SPIRITUAL COMMCmON. Spiritual Gommunloa, which unhappily at the niv^ sent day IS so little *practi.ed by Christians is so il^ ccllent a treasure of devotion, that, according ?o the opinion of many saints, it can produce in the soul when made aright, soinnthi ng like the same grace as Altif 'Ih.^^^^^^^^^ ef the „.ost holy SacrameKth' Altar , that is to say. when ^ve are prevented from re- ceiving communion in reality. nnf!'- '''*^'^':/o receive Holy Communion spiritually nothing iarther IS necessary than to excite in the heart l^r'Trr' 'T''''' '' ^" ''^'^'y^ if 'twere possible. SI. Ihomas Aquinas teaches that siiiritual ot r =" ' '"'^ wnrtl.T, nf « ."•>^«''"''*' ."lat i may bccomo wortliy of this heaven y food. Yea I mv SavK.»r,3^s!I.„^re.oIv4l. 1 will 'o 3 eo>^S3 my sins, fully and sincerely and then ^-«x^,.ucv.urtrieapairajLaii^oiatJioo again.. "^ «fi PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. (From the Visits of St. Lignori.) Faith teaclres, and wo are bonnd fn }^u^^-^ n * Josus Christ is realJv nre^onHn ih^ J ^"e\o, that under the appearanJeSeai Dut we'Zll^L^^''' also, that he remains on oi.r aUai-^ L rfn « *7 ^'"'^'^J lo^•e and mercy, there toTj^nso his'|ra" ' to uTam 111 112 PARTICULAR DEA^OTIOWS. '" It , ii • lis confidence, to ask his grace, his love, and his.^lory! Jtit ! what; a t^arddise to 6ontiniiie fir ActiS^of h^e to hat Lof-d, wht) rfemtiins on the aTfor interc^ditig beftMe his Father in our behalf, and burning with love for us. Blessed Henry Suso used to say, that Jt'sus, on llie -altar, hears the prayers of the faithCiil more readily than he does rn any other place. MaKe d. trial of thi« "devotion, and you will see the groat fruit which you wil! gather from it. Bo sure that of all the moments o^ your life, the time which you spend in; devotioitt before this divine Sacrament will be that which shall ^ive you the greatest support during life, and the greatest consolation at the hour of death, and for all eternity. And be persuaded that you will gain more in a quarter of an hour spent in prayer before the Holy Eucharist, than in all the other si)iritual exorcise of the dav. Do rrot then, devout soul, rel\ise to begin this de- votion. From this day forward, retire each day from the conversation of men, ond remnin for some time, for half-hour, or at least a quarter in pome church, Jaefore Jesus Christ in the Holy Sacrament. VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. (For every day in the week.) PRAYER BEFORE EACH VISIT. £\ JESUS Christ, my Lord, vt^ho, for the love ^^ which fhou bearest to men, dost dWell night and day in this Sacrament, full of good- jiesff »nd lov6, waiting for, inviting and wei- teoming a!ll' those who come to visit the^, I bfeii^'^e tlje^ here present in th'e Sattrajfiiftttt VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. It^ djm nothingwess, I adore thoe, and I thank ihee for ttU thy graces granted to toehiiherto; ^rl^-'^i^t"^ ^^f ^i^""^"^ S^^^^ thyself to m^ ih this ^t;amei>t for having given mo also ihjr holy Mother Mary, to ^ V advocatJ^ and for having called me to visit Ihee in thiJ church. I adore thy most loving heart this day, and I adore it with this threefold inten- tion: first, in thanksgiving for so great a gift ; secondly, to make satisfaction for so many injuries which thou hast received from thy enemies in this Sacrament ; and thirdly, by this visit I wish to adore thee in all those places throughout the world, where thou a^t least honored, and most neglected in this divine Sacrament. My Jesus, I love theo with my whole heart I 1 am sorry for having offended thy infinite goodness so often in time past I am resolved, by the help of thy j?race. to offend thee no more for the future: and ^i this present moment, all miserable as I am 1 consecrate my«oIf entirely to thee. J rjiVd and abandon to ihoo my whole will, allmir aftections, my desires, and all I have. Ilcri ^fter, do with me, and with mine, whatov^ thou wilt. My only desire and petition i's that I may have thy holy love, the grace o^ final perseverance, and may be able ?o mm m all things thy holy \vill. I vGoomm^ to thee the souls in pu.rgat irgin Mary. I recommend to th^^,- ^mt^ M rARTIC'JI.AR Dn:VOTIONS. over, all poor sinners. Finally, my dear Hedeemer, I unite all my desires to the desires of thy own heart so full of love ; and thus united, I offer them to thy eternal Father, and beseech him in thy name to receive them, and for thy love's sake to grant them. FOR SLXDAY. Behold the source of every good, Jesus in the blessed Sacrament, who says to us : ^^ If any man thirst, let him come to me.'' (S. Jo. vii. 37.) O I how many graces have the saints al- ways drawn at this lountain of the most Holy Sacrament, where Jesus dispenses to us all the merits sof his passion, as the Prophet foretold : '' You shall draw ivaters with joy out of the Saviour's fountains:' (Isai. xii. 3.) The Coun- tess of Feria, that distinguished disciple of the Venerable Father Avila, who became a ISTun of tlie order of St. Claro, and who was named the Bride of the Blessed Sacrament, on account of her long and frequent devotions in presence of the most blessed Sacramc.it, was asked one day, what she was doing all those long hours she spent in the presence of her Lord ? She replied: " I would remain there for all eter- nity. Have I not there the essence of God, who will be the aliment of the blessed in heaven ? Good God ! what is one doing before him ? Ah I rather, what does one not do ? One loves, onf^ praises, one gives thanks, one prays. What does a beggar in presence of a rich man ? What does a sick man in presence of his rhy- VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. IfS O^su^^llrif' """'* «^««*' «n«l dearest of my Boul O'l iT' *'r ?'■''' '^"'l only love to zi^'ivi?!.' it ^hf sti^rtrr*"^^ necessary for then tn H!„ ?''*"^''!n<'ntl It was af terwa.4s Ion our alLT- "n'^'f .*" '■°™'"" injuries hast ko^uZt been'iS' tt^C"^ M-ate to it WveT 80 tha ,!7"''r''°^''*h° wnich 1 am unwillino. ^.v • "^^ ixitt, ana Do thou alone rnvdenrR T° ""^ '**°'- mo r T»« "'"'"', my clear Eedeemor, reio-n over ly, i)nn&!™ its Thit fo^ 0 teaoh mo what I musfc do, to love him and iileasoihim. like you t Short prayer to remember and repeat. — Q ! my Josus, thee only I love, thee only will I please 1 To conclude, make your splrltnal Communion. (See at tlie end of Devotions for Communion, page 109.) FOR MONDAY. Jesua addresses to every soul that visita him in the most Holy Sacrament, the same words addressed to the sacred Spouse of the Canticles : " Arise, make haste 1 my love, my beautiful one, and come." (Cant, ii.) Soul, who comesl to visit me, arise ! come out from all thy misery ; I am here to enrich thee with graces. Come near to me: do not fear my majesty, which has humbled itself in this Sa- crament, in order to take away thy fear, and to inspire thee with confidence. Thou art my friend. Yes I no longer my enemj^, but my beloved friend, since thou lovest me, and I love thee also. Thou art my beautiful one, for my grace has made thee beautiful. Come then, come, and unite thyself to me, and with the greatest confidence ask what thou wilt. It is St. Theresa who says that this great King of glory has put on the appearance of brr r' in the Holy Sacrament, and hidden his majept\ from our eyes, in order to encourage \\l lc approach with more confidence to his divine heart. Let U8 draw near. then, with oreat con- I VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. M^ fidence and love. Let us unite ourselres ,i« him, and ast him for his holy grwT "^^^ ^ W^L^?y ""g"** »i'\« to be, eternal mats?v°"i'nfi .r ^°''' *^/* *'^''" '^' '°STn' St 8m\ ° f ^^ " goodness, and that thou nast siieii a tender regard for my soul? Or all ye souls who love God, wherever vouarn assTst me fi ^? '^}l°'^y ?'^°' «o that it may my sou^ so tEi?H ^^'l loonseerato to the^ I dosTre O T^^I. i™?^ ""^ ''''^"^^ thine. How know the tenderness of'^thy ''lo^^'to heml They would then all liye only to honor onrf please thee, a., thou desirest,Cd deservest As for me, at least, let me liv-e always th1f» charmed with thy infinitebeauty ! I Jesi*^ & Jrr!^''' moreover, ,to abandon any thino- HT^^rrisVytt.— ^^^^ :fr"/,!irZ .^^"^^^o. if I were c^fed ^ ..=o ^,y ^e. iiappy woudd I be .to lit 1 ili Ill m 11 118 PARTICriLAR DEVOTIO.NS. loose all and gain thee, O my God, my treasure, my love, i^i^^all! (Short jyrayer to remember and repeat. — Jesus, my love, take mc ealirely, possess me en- tirely. The Spiritual Communion, as before, page 109. FOR TLESDAY. " Li that day,'" sayw the Prophet, " there shall be a fountain open to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for the washing of the sinner.'" (Zach. xiii. 1.) Jesus in the Blessed »Sacramciit is this fountain tbrclold by the Prophet, uhich is open to all, and Avhcro, jis often as we like, we can wash away fi'om our souls all tho.^o spots with which they are contaminated by daily sin. Whr.t bettor remedy can we find for any fault into which we have iallcn, than to have im- niediat') recourse to the Blessed Sacrament ? Yes, my Jesus, so will I alwa^'s do, for well I knovr tlmt the'water of this salutary fountain, at the same time that it washes my soul, will ^•ivc me the lii>;ht and strength to ftill no more ; and Avhile it inflames me with thy love, will teach me to suiter adversity with joy. This is the }cason, 1 know it well, why thou dost wait for my visits here, and why thou pajest the visits of those that love thee with such abundant graces. Be it so then, O my Jesus ! wash away all the faults which I have committed this day, and which I am now eorry ibi , becauao they Lave displeaised fill VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. UQ more than I do O I wi! ®'^° *" '"^^ theo thee aiways, Hke ?hv fe?^h"/? ^ °°* "^"^ »«»'• and who obtainea of tL ^1 ^*; Theresa, pormiseion to d we 1 te ^'^°P ,?^^^ila the church ? There Khorn J • ^r.^^'^ory of the the preseice of tt Sed tr'' "l^''^'^ '" she called her nc °hbom „„ ^'"='^«'nent, wbhSi there except fm ton?" , v. "'"^"''"S^"* ^ora The vencrlblo brother ^"1,*?'- %'"?'^^"ion. Jesus, barefooted Carm!re'wf''^° ^"^''°' parsed before a churc™whore *&?" ^^ cramont was kont ^^„i i """, the Holy Sa- vieit it, for'ho i',^^T^;lrno't"t''"'°-'-'"^' *" ' one to pass before tin i heeoming for word at feast" Wt hfwaVnot' ""^^ "''^y'^<> ".word, he always remained •°"'°"'''^^'"' his dearly beloved Lord as Ion,???'" "^ permitted. '°"ff »» ho was i-stituto t]Hs Slc^antt and ^^ ^^^'^^^^^^ ^^ "Pon this altar-it is to vn T'"^''^ ^^^»« tlio .amo reason hiu^^st ' f^' ^"'''' ""^^ ^^^- ' capabio of loving ."lei .'^te^;,"- ^/-^rt l^>s Binner that I am r?n t ^' . ^"' ^^^^"k- - wli> do I love thee T iftUe ? T^"? >^!^^> ^^ .lust to lovo f..oi;K^ . i'*^^? ^ ^^ ' »t i« not . 1^ — .. ., . j--j> « gwjunuss HO worthy af * greater return of lov e on )rtiiy vog a far my part. Thou art "lii > 1 i:o TARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. h'' the infiiiitc (rod, and I am only a ^^^serable worm of the earth. It would be but little if I were to die, and to become annihilated tor thee, since for me thou haat died, and for love of me thou dost sacrilicc thyself daily upon the altar. Much thou dcservest to be loveU, and I desire to love thee much, iielp me, my Jesus, help me to love thee, that thus i miy do what i. so pleasing in thy sight, and what thou demandest so earnestly ot me. Short prayer to remember and repeat— My beloved is mine, and I am his. the Spiritual Communion, page 100. FOn WEDNKSPA-Y. St. Paul, praising the obedience of Josu« Christ, ^ays that ho was ^^ obedient unto death to his Eternal Father. (Phil, ii.) But in this Sacrament our divine Lord has carried his obedience fartlicr still, for he is content to obey not only his Et.r.al Father bu eve^^ mail himself, and not only until death, but oven unto the end of the world, lie has made himself obedient, one may say, until the con- summation of ages. Jving of Heaven as he is, ho comes down, nevertheless, out of obedience to man, and remains ulterwards upon the altar, only, as it would .eem, out of obedience to mkn. '^^ As for me," he ^^^^}'y^]!'^''':}!^'^^;^ " I make no resistance^ (Isai. 1. 5.) ^ ilicie !,« *«...n;,w ivifhoiit anv movemontot his own , iio ailmvs himself to be placed wherever they may choose to place him, whether exposed to VISITS TO THE KLESSED SACRAKEST. 121 View in the ostensorium, or fhiit un !„ t\.^ cibormm : he lets himse f be oarnVd wl.l * they please to carry him eitl.J; tl V"?* street, or i,.. the house V„ *V?"^'' "'^ bo given in eomn,„^:^ ' i ""^^ Inmsolf to sinner. When he .ZTil^ •'"'f "" *" *!'« St. Luke tens „* '^"f ''^«g O" the earth, as Blessed Virgin Ma,i'° T! ''^•^'''"* *<> t^e in this Saerament L? T'' *" '^'- -^"^oph, but a; there';r,rsi'o7 Kr^^r^^^^ / nui/ie no resistance. " ^^f"'' "»«• mS? ''^l"'' ^ ^•'"*^"'« to -'"-'dress thee e.l>ecian.vthisarnTo^r.a<^^ whidunoveaul^ftirerTfirtiVS^^^^^^^^^^ or nt least comfort tlm<.« « »■ " P"rgatory, thou hast alre^y chosen tofe'^'""'' '^''"■«'' eternity., I adore^tlt^'^hl'^te rn^?/- ■^"u wan an the souls that love VlifiT.-" '*■ moment, whether on earth or7n W most pure and holjr Heart of Jo on. 01 s«U8, purifyr mj- .1 1 i I' I > s 11 ;, I iini ii' ■If ' iii 'I'l 122 PARTICLLAR DEVOTIONS. heart from all attachment to creatures, and fill it with thy holy love. O ! most tendlar Eeart of Jesus, take possession of my whole heart, in such a way that it may be all thine own, and may always be able to repeat with condclonco : " Who shall separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus ? " (Eom. viii.) 01 most holy Heart, engrave in my heart those bitter pains which thou didst suifer on the earth for so many years, and with such, great love for me, so that, moved to compassion at the eight, I may always desire, or at least suffer with patience for thy sake, all the pains of this life. 01 most humble Heart of Jesus, impart to me thy spirit of humility. O 1 most geiltlo Heart of Jesus, lend mo something of thj* gentleness. Take away from my heart all that does not please thee, convert it entirely, to thee, so that it may will nothing, wish nothing', except what thou wilt. In a word so dispone of mo that I [may live only to obey thee, to love thee, and to please thee. I ac- knowledg:e that I am most deeply in thy debt ; yes, that I am bound to thee by the heaviest obligations, and it would be still only a small return if I could annihilate and sacrifice my- self entirely for thee. Short prayer to remember and' repeat. — 0' Heart of Jesus, thoa alone shalt be master of my henn't 1: The Spirltuai Communion, , pagp 100. . VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 123 FOR THURSDAY. WonJ, that thou art JL, 15 ff ? ZfiT^" wholly mine ? But can I sav as trnit *k *'*V With the most steadfast resoliifinn t '^ crate myself all to thoA f^^"^^^"^"^ I conse- my life mv ^vin m, .'i ^^,"^^™*e to thee "ally. BehoM "f 'l;;^!^^^^^^^^^^^ .^^f/f' ^"^.^^?- devoted to thee, I detach mv^plf^ "" '^''*^^ -0 with the flame7oTlhfHL^,.l^ITLf ^r-? am unwilling that -creatures should m.";' i""" ' ^ '-ve a placo^n my heart!" ltma'%^^^^^^^ m rfi '.' ■]fi & -i m i JL ''i ii ; ifli I 1^4 F'AaTICDLAR DEVOTIONS. love wbicL tiiou hast given me, even when I 4id not love theo, — these make me hope with confidence that thou wilt accept me now that I do love thee, and give myself away to theo through love. "IjlTERNArj Father I I offer to-day all the •^ virtues, the acts, and the affections of the Heart of Jesus. Accept them on my behalf; and through his merits which are all mine, since he has given thom to mo, grant me those graces which Jesus asks f^r me. For all thy mercies shown to me, I offer theo my thanks, in union with those same merits. Through them also I hope to satisfy for what is still due to thy justice for my sins. Through them, finally, I hope for every grace at thy hand, for pardon, for perseverance, for paradise, and above all, for the gift of thy pure love. I see clearly that in all I do, I only put obstacles in the way of this, but to this evil apply a remedy also. I ask it of thee in the name of Jesus Christ, wbo has promised us that thou wilt grant all we ask of thee in his name (St. John, xiv.,). and the^-ofore thou canst not re- fuse me. Lord ! my holy desire is to love thee, to give myself entirely to theo, and no longer to remain so ungrateful as I have been hi- therto. Look upon me, and grant my prayer. From this very day may I be thoroughly converted to thee,^nevor to fall away from thy love again. My God; I l.) Does it not seem that the same thing is repeated every day, when des- cending from heaven upon our altars, he re- mains there as if by the side of so many lountams of grace, waiting for souls, and inviting them to keep him company for a little while at least, that he may draw them in this way • -. iierfect love? From each altar- where . . wells in the Blessed Sacrament, he seems ik to us, and say : Christians! wny do y. .. Ay from my presence ? Why will you not come, why will you not draw near to one who loves you so tenderly, and who humbles himself to remain in this place tor your sake ? Wiiat do you fear ? I am not come to judge you, but 1 am hidden in this ' -^^rv. yjniy tu ttU gOOQ, anQlO .save every one who will have recourse to mo;. Ii> 1 '-28* PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS, ZTTi: tl ^?*"^: "!>' «° in^e Sao I day the office of onr advocate, oleSht^. i^Z ''J«'*™ *° i''^ ''*«"^«' *''»'h«r, to?bta?n wL^ ?^ Y ™'* g™''*'^ without number ougftt to pray to Jesus in the Blessed Sacra- ment as one speaks to a beloved friend -'i^ hver speaks to me beloved, as friend Tfriendf, ^^.^''^^ O raj -LovA and King, hidden in Y th.s Sacrament, since thou dSst invite me to converse with thee, I will open my heSt with confidence, and speak. 6 my Jes*a anient lover, of souls, I W too w"n the ta! jU8t.ce and ingratitude of men towards then ^ou lovest them, and they do noUove thee" thou dost confer benefits on them and tC retui-nthoe insults : thou wouldst have them dLtoffrrTh""'' ""^ '""'^ ^"' "«* listen: tho^ Jini my Jesus, I too have been once amono- the number of these ungrateful souls O mf God, It IS only too true. Butldesiretoame^d^ a»d I Wish^to compensate for the injuries I hBve^onethee, by doing all I can to pease thee, for the remainder Zt mv life VM^ ai^rd what thoudost reqZ of me i' wiU doit without thfi.lA.lflf r.oo^«r.^ nr" , ^ ^"* .. ^ ,. ,_.„.^.^ ,. ^^ iuuivG Known VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACBAMEKT. 129 *" !»t.% ^"'1 ^7 the way of holy obedience. ^/^.^ afceomitlish it. My Godl i fti-itiry rl.'/rfiSB sever to'^fcave mdorto m,y ai which I know to bo agreeable to thee, althonsh the performance of it should cost ino the loss hPoUh T' "^ ^''''''«o''«' friend., character, health and even life itself Let'mo lose all il only I may do thy will I Happy ios« when all is sacrificed to content thy ) L4 O God ormy soul I I love thee, O severe c.n good, above all goods worthy of my love aSd m loving thee I unite my feeble hcM-t wUh Tilt tT* f,.*^"''^' ^«'l ^^i* tho heart wish to lovo thee alone, now and forever. Sfwrt pram to remember and' repeat.~My Godl my God I I am thine, and thou art minC th& Spiiitnsi Communion, pago 109. Bm. . ( . 3 LnJ Jill fjj .,111 i i VI Hill Hi! THE WAY OF THE CROSS. XT was a very frequent and most touching devotion 01 Christians in former times to make a pilgrimage to the Hoi V Land of Palestine, where our Blessed Re- deemer lived and died, and there to visit every spot of ground which had been made sacred by his presence and especially those which were known as the stations his passion and death, and to honor theso holv places by prayer and by penance. Afterwards, when the Holy Laif^ had fallen into the hands of the infidel baracens, arid Christians could no longer make this pilgrimage with safety, this exercise of the Way of tJie Cross was invented as a substitute. Pictures re- presenting the most moving and remarkable events of our Lords passion, from the time of his sentence to ins burial, are hung about the walls of the church and by visiting these in succession, and praying before each one, we are able in some manner to imitate the devotion of Catholics of other days, although by a pilgriniage far less long and painful. The way of the Cross, in its present form, was instituted in the middla of the fourteenth century, by the Franciscans. Tho Sovereign Pontiffs have attached to it many indulgen- CeS, Wnicn are inn nnmAPnuo *r. »^»~4^: — !--_- A ^ 180 WAY OP THE CROSS. 131 The following beautiful method of Derformini™f R® ^il**' "^y ^o'-'i. '^ith What great wT- T? *^°'^^«^'»t pass over this painful?oad. which led theo to death; and li-how oS wtJ'h It^^fT"^ f'' ' 2"* »°^' I lo^e thee V^^^ ^^f^ '""'■ ^""^ because I love thee, Mrrf 1"*"®'^ '""^ for having offendedthee My Jesus, pardon me,, and pemit me to ac company thee in this journey. Thou art goin^ O^vfj.'"? of me, and it is my wish also^ tK^^n *"***• I^deemer, to die for love oil 1^« .-^ir'? °'^^'."?.' ''itliylovel wish to. Uve,,iathy lQve.1 wish to die. _K 'I Hi H'l '^* pADTrcrLAn devotions. ' t FIRST STATipiSr. JKSUS IS OOXDKMXKD TO DEATH. y. Wc adore Thee, O Christ, and praise inee. ^ p. Because hy thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. l^i' Consider hovv Jesus, after Iiaving been scourged and PhTofn^'''^' '?''".'• ^""^ ""J"'*J>' condemned by Pilato to d.o on the Gross. {Pause awhile.) IVTY adorable Jesus, it was not Pilate ; no /- It was my sins that condemned Thee to die. I beseech Thee, by the merits of this sor- rowful journey, to as.^ist mv soul in her iournev towards eternity. I love Thee, my beloved Josus; I love Thee more than myself; I repent with my wholo heart ofhaving offended i hee. iSTover i^ermit mo to separate myself from Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always ; and then do with me what Thou Wilt. Our Father. Hail Mary. Glonjhe,4Sc Jesus I for the lovo of me You go to die on Calvary : Lot iDo, Jesus, follow too. That I may auflFer, Lord, with you. WAY OF THE CROSS. 133 SECOND STATION. JESUS IS MADE BE^ HIS CROSS. E. Because by thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. MT !?"?* '?<''^ved Jesus I I embrace all tho -^'A tribulations Thou hast destined for me the pam Thou didst suffer in oarryintr Tbv Cross, to give mo tho necessary help to carry mme with perfact patience and resignation I We Thee, Jesus, my loyc, aboyo all things ; oftonded Thocs Noycr permit mo to separat? myself from Theo again. Grant that t may lovo Thoo always, and then do with me what Thou wilt. One Fallter. IlaU Mari/. Gtori/ lir, Jesus ; I rejient with my whole .heai*t of having offended Thee. Never permit me to Boparate myself from Thee again. '-^'' 'o™" grace ofa triilv ornf„ i .^ ^iSwnt mo the Soly Mother Z,f°,r'"^;^ '^^'^ Thy most «vorwJ,eln,o(l with « ,. A -^ P"^''"' '^■■'<' wast ««ai„. 0,.a„tth7r .a 'loirT '■'■'''"■ ^'"'° and then do with ,„o wl'it TI.o.S."'"'"^'''' Jesus I for tho love of mo iftff'J®""", follow too, That I may suffer. Lord, with you. f f ! V * -1. d jl ; '1 JU. ^i![ i t 1 "I. *\ I II 1??^ PAn,TICULAn AEyOTlONS. FIFTH STATIOIVT. THE CYRKMAX HELPS JESUS TO CARRY mS CROSS. v. We ,^dQro Thoo, O ^Christ, and praise Tneo. ^ R. Because by thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the Avorld. "^ Consider how the Jews, seeing that at each stop i!.?riT^^ °'n^^''' ^'"""^^ of expiring, and fearing IIo would die on the way, wlien they wished him to die the Ignominious death of the cross, constrained Simon the Cyreniap to carry tlie cross hchind our Lord. [PmsG Qw/iue.) ■|\/[Y most beloved Josus, I will not refuse ;^»^ the cross as the Cyreninn did ; I accept It ; I embrace it. I accept in particular the death Thou hast destined for mo, with all its pains; I unite it to Thy death, I ofier it to Iheo. Thou hast died for love of me : I will die for lovo of Thee. Help mo by Thy p-ace. I love Thee, Jesus my lovo, above all things : I repent with my whole heart of having offended Thoo. Never permit me to sepuratS myselffrom Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always ; and then do with me what Thou wilt. Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be, dc. Josuo 1 for tho Jovo of mo You go to die^do Calrary ; Lot nio, Josus. fSllow .too, iiiW 1 DXAy sufforrLord, with you. •Wat OP -THE oaoss. ,,37 ^ J. Wo adoro Thoo, O Christ, and praise Joo^lTtlTo ZrlZ '"'^ ^'•-^ Tho„ Last Consider how thn iir.hr „ seeing Josus so il usej an< Hi?? "1""'' "^'^''onica, and J,loo-"tifal. When' •,S,-::d"T!'^*' ""^ °°«« baptism : but ILi™,i;.-,-y t'^^o in sins; Thou alo o^ ^'^,"'''^'' '* "'"'='' ^y my itto^-tsfo;ntfc;,fv ir-T-'V'""^!"-'^*"'^ "ion, Jesus. I ,'0 ^^,1 ,^° '"*' "^^ T 0' pas- of having oiicndcK ; N ;c7J™-^ '''"''^ soparafo myself fmmVi' Pt^rmitmeto I may loveV/eo aS^ a'lfd'i'l; ^T' *'?"* mo what Thou wilt ' ^°" ''° ^''t'l OurF„a.r. ll.a Mary. CoryU,^.. Jmus I for th» lovo of mo You go ,0 di„ „„ (,^,^_^^^ _ Tr.rx' ■'°^°''' loiiow too,' FN I'll v'l 138 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. SEVENTH STATION. JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME. V. TV'c adore Thee, Chr ; id praise Thee. ^ E. Because by thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider the second fall of Jcgus under the Cross • a fall which renows the lain of all the wounds of liis head and members. {Pause awhile.) ■jl/TY most sweetest Je.Mis, how many times •^^■^ Thou hast pardoned me, aud how many times have I fallen again, and begun again to otfcnd Thee? O ! by the merits cf this second fall, give me the necessary helps to persevere in Thy grace until deatlh Grant tliat in all temptations which assail mo J may always commend myself to Thee. J love Thee, Jesus my love, above all things; J rci)cnt with my whole heart of having oflcndcd Thee. Never permit me to sej arato my,- elf from Thee again. Grant that T may love thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. Our Fiithcr. Hail Mary. (Uory he, die. Jesus I for the love of me You go to die on Calviiry ; Let mc, Jesus, follow too, Thnt. T m.i.v aiiffor T.<.>><] nr,'*u o^.. N vrxY CF THE cnoss. • ttr\ EIGHTH STATION. «31TS SPE«S TO THE DiuOHTMa OP ^EBrSlLM. Thl;.^' "^"'^ '^'"' ° <^''"«*' ^-xl praise redtSdTe^orid'?^ '°'^ ^'<'^« ^^- '^-^ Consider how these women wpnf -iti. r, "weei)nnf fnr Mi> h,.i r ^"!/ i^niim en, said He, awhZ) ' ^'' ^"^ ^"'^ y''''^ cA*7f?rm." {Pat,,; ^ -^ tho offences I have committed against Thee because of the pains they have Ked and still more because of thedispJeasurrthev have caused Thee, who hast Inv?!^! i^ It i«j Thxr l/^T.^ 1 '^"« /last love me SO much. IV- u ^ ^^® "^^^^ ^^a^ the fear of hell which causes me to weep for mv sins Mv Jesus, I love Thee more t^han m^se ? I ^^ CI '"^^^ "'^ '^^"^^. ^^^^^ ^f l^^vi^ng offended f^rn^ T?'"""' P.^'^"'^* '^^^ t^ «<^Parate myself ?h:rwr"' "^' ^^^^ ^^ -«^ -^ ^hit Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be, d^c. Josus I for the love of me You go to die or Calvary • Let me, Jenua, foiiow ♦«- ' That I may suffer, Lord7with you. til /; S I - .'If f'l 140 iipi 9 pARtidtJLAR CfevbtiONar SW-Mtt StAWOJf. JESUS FALLS THE THIED TIME. Y. We adore Thee, O Christ, and prais^^' E. Because by thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider the Mtd fall of Jeslis GhWgf. flis weafca ne*S was cjttreftio, aiid the cruelty of tlis execiitioner^ excessive, wJio tried to hasten His steps whori fee could scarcely move. {Pause awhile.) \ H. my btrti'fl^ed Jcsns, by the taerits of ■^^ the Weakness Thoii didst suffer in going ta Calvary, give mo nfrcngth sufficient to eoti- qiief all human respect, and fill my wicked passions, which have led mo to despise Thy friendship. I love Thee, Jesus my loVe, above an things ; I itpent with my whole heart cf hacvin^ ofi^ndctf Thee. Ifever permit me W separate myself frofti' Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always j and then do wi*th me what Then wilt. Our Father. Hail J^hn-y. Glory he^&Of Jesns 1 fojftheloyb ©frntf You go ta dltji ori CAhfJiTy j Let nio, Je«us> «dlifc# too, IkAtf tttaht e^^^i. JA)t&. itilM -BAi. \M OP TH^ CJElOSSi. fit JE8«rft! ft tttlVttD CfJf fits eASWK!«B. B. B^mijeebj tliy holy Cl-oss ThoTl hast redeemed the world. sti^SSe'^f.*^^^ ^^e executioners l^Y innocent Jesus, by the merits of the t^J/T"^^ ^i^"" ^''^^ ^^^*> *^®^P mo to strip tfnU ^* ^ may place all my loyo in Thee, Who aft so^worthy of my love. I lote Thee 2hn^T't'''\''''t.''^^ *^^"^'« ' I repent ithrn^ Permit r^r f ^'^''^"^ ^^'^^^^ Thee.jNeve? permit me to separaiQ myself from The© Si;/T' ^ ^ "^""y ^''' Thee Sways^ and then do with me what Thou wilt. O^VFatn^. majkdr^. Glar^^e.dtd. Jesus r foi'tfidtoy^ of ihe You go( to dfe oh CAlVdry r Let mdi' .tiiiiiiy f^iTAw^i *^1, ' Tfltff I tti^ s^ey; LbMT'witti you. I I- ' ' I' •4' ««» of me. Ihavomer edbv ^'^'K'^'^ ^r Jove Miserable death but ThL™y,.««« *« ««' » love to TlioA f ■'^ . *' *'"'^ burninc' wi-^^h hands rloveTior?'* "^^ ^o-*' »to Thy r repent of Iverjf.;S *'''j'''°'"° «"ttings; :ne what Thou wilt ' ^^^"^ "^^ ^"h. Jams-P for tHo lora of mo - -.. X «»j. sa«r; iord; »ith yoa. 1 J' i IfK ■» '1 f 144 PAnxrCCLAR DEVOTIONS. TmRTEENTH STATION. JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS. V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee. K. Because by thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider how, our Lord having expired, two of his disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, took Ilim down from the Cross, a*id placed llim in the arms of His afflicted Mother, wlio received IJim with unutterable tenderness and pressed Him to her bosom. {I'ause awhile.) r\ MOTHEE of sorrow, for the love of this ^^ Son, accept me for thy servant, and pray for me. And Thou, my Eedcemcr, since thou hast died for me, permit mo to love Thee ; for I wish but Thee, and nothing more. I love Thee, my Jesus, above all things : I repent of ever having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always ; and then do with me what Thou wilt. Our Father, I fail Mary. Glory he, dc. Jesua I for the love of me You came t* die on Calvary; Let me, Jesus, follow too, That I may suffer, Lord, with you. WAY OP THR CROSS. 145 t FOURTEENTH STATIOK. JESUS IS PLACED IN THE SEPULCHRE ^ V. We adore Thee, Christ, and praise dee^meSe'A!'^"^^^^^^^^ ^^- ^-t- then closed the tomhnn^^n^^'^ T" '^^^s. They awhiie.) ^''°'^' ^°^ ^" withdrew. {Pause Thou wijl ^. ''''^ *^'^ ^^ ^^^^ "^^ ^hat Our Father. Bail Mary. Glory be, &c. Jesus I for the love of mc ./ou came to die on Calvary • JLot me, Jesus, follow too, ' That I may suffer. Lord, with you. FinCiUv ttn7/. Ctmr P«tk». tt-.i «., A^ ! '. ' ^1 if n 11 n'. I ->} M'l '111 I It) 1.- i •■r THE STEPS OF OUR SAVIOUR'S PASSION. lAn excellent Devotion for Fridaya, and for Lent, eom- poaed b>/ St. Auguatin.'} I. dearest Jesus, so sorrowfully praying to thy Father in the Gai-den, whilst trembling with agony, and covered with a sweat of mood ; have mercy on us. M. Have mercy on vs, Lord, fuive mercy on us. II. O dearest Jesun, betrayed by a traitor's kiss into wicked hands, Ho'izQd upon, and bound like a robber, antl abandoned by thy disciples ; have mercy on us. M. Mave mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on ?/.v. III. O dearest Josiis, by the unjust council of the Jew(<, found ^luHy of death, led to Pilate as a mall factor, Hpurncd and niocJcod by unjust Herod ; iuivo nioi-cv <^n us. M. Have meny on v.s, Lord, have mercy on us. IV. O dearest Josus, ntrippcd of all (hy garments, and most <'i-uelly hcourged at (Jrc pillar; have mercy on us. i?. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. V. O dearest Jesus, crowned with thoi-iw, butteted, smitten with a reed, blindtbWcd, STEPS OP THE PASSION. iir covered with a purple garment, derided in erery way, and aatnrated with contempt ' nave mercy on us. * ' B. Have mercy on m, Lord, have mercy on ns VI. O dearest Jesus, less valued than tho robber Barabbas, rejected by the Jews, and unjustly condemned to tho death ofthecrosjs- nave mercy on us. ' li. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. VII dearest Jesua, laden with tho oros», of wood, and led to thy place of puniahmont lii$e a lamb to slaughter ; have mercy on u». It. Have mrey on us, Lord, hme mercy on us. ihiJJF'iP u°^''^^i ^^^""^^ ^^'^"^^*^^ *^monic thieves, blasphemed «nd derided, with txJl fT*. J'^.K^f ^^^''^^?^ ^,^^^ *^^^«^' ^n^l from the Bi^th to tho ninth hour loft hanffini? on the cross in dreadful torment j have mercy H. JSave mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. 41 ^"^'.i^ ^^^l^^^ ^^^^^^ extended lifolosa on the gibbet of tho croBs, in presence of thv Mother, pierced with a lance, and sneddir^ Wood and water in one mingled sti-cam; have mercy on us, * R Have morcy on m, Lord, have mercy on us X. O dearest Jesus, taken down tVom tlw cross, and by thy virgin Mother bathed with - • --X i^xj^v tjn,i.xii- Qvrruw j uuvo mercy on us* Jl. Have m£rcy on us, Lord, have mercy 07i us. .X„Li 148 PAnXICULAR DEVOTIONS. ■till J ''■!( m^Ll f -fr'i '^'^''''^ shrouded with stripes, maiked with Hve wounds, embalmed 4ith spices, and laid mthe sepulchre; have mercy B. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on wa. V . Surely he hath borne our infirmities. R. And carried mr sorroios, PRAYER. Q GOD, who for the world's redemption i«nf J^l ^1?^®$ *^ ^® *^^^»^ circumcised, re- fhlLul }^ -^^r' ^^^m<^^ V the kiss of the traitor, Judas, bound with chains, led like an innocent lamb to sacriiice, and shamefully presented before Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Jlerod, accused by false witnesses, beaten with whips and buffets, insulted, spit upon, crowned with thorns smitten with a reedrblindfolded, btiinped of thy garments, fastened with nails to the cross, and lifted up on high, reputed among thieves, made to'drink of gal/ and vinegar, and wounded by a lance :— O ! bv these most sacred sufferings, which unworthy as 1 am, j thus commemorate, and by thy holy cross and death, deliver me Lordf from he Pain« of hell and deign to lead me where thou dids lead that thief who was crucified ,7 ^?7 f ^^«^- tiiou, who with the Father and iiie iioiy Ghost, livest and reignest world without end. Amen. * TOE STEPS OF OUR SAVIOUR'S CHILD- HOOD. An e^celUnt Vemion fo~u.en,, ana until Epip,any. conceived of the Jlolv r^h.? ?.' solvation, """ hmMothor'e f'/^^^y^en-:, ■.. u., Infant Jesus. jmpH;o^;jr;t ':tv, i;-/'- »/- months f rinres placed their states under her pro- tection ? All who truly revere Jesns Christ raise their voices in honor of Marv= For how c^n ha hnnnr thp* Son, who despises the Mother? "" " -— «->- 163 DEVOTIO.V TO THE UIK,,KU VIRGIN. I53 our Hope r^ God refuses h^r n . v'^ "^^"'^^ • "^ail, becaus? he is her Son MnTK"°'^'i?^ *^«^ ^"^ asks thing to us, bLausrf 'she ifour'Mo'lhPn '^ f"^^ «°>^ her to us fcr our Moi hpr ^lin L ^°*"er. Jesus gave voted, the most compassionao «nf '"'l' f^"."^'^«* d^" mothers. Are you a^grSnn^ n^'* ^^'i"^^ °^ a" salvation on that account n^v *n x.^^ "°u* ^^^P^'^ of sinners, and you w.U not '.iSk h/?ii^^7' ^^^ ''^^"geof ihe sea of jife Woulrf vm, ^^^. ^^^^^^ waves of Mary, the queen of sXsZd'«r ^" ^'^tue, ask of tain grace or you Are vrfr. ^^'';'" ^^''^ainly oh- the consoler of tLunharmu''';^'^"'^'^^^^ ^'" ^ary, be comforted ""'^«i*P>' and you will certainly Au;S;t^,Si--\,-7assionato Vir,i„,. g, any cne had soughUbr ro< .1 T ''f '^^*'^'' tile source of grace which it is our great happiness to possess, is Mary our Mother, so rich in goods and graces, says St. Bernard, that there is not a man in the woi'ld who does not particijoate in them. Wo all receive of her fullness. God himself has filled her with grace, as the Ar^gel said to hor, " Ilail! full of grace I" It is not for herself alone, but for us also, adds St. Peter Chr^^solo^' e, that she received this great treasure of giace, so that afterwards she might communicate it to her devout followers in every age. Prayer of St. E2)hraim. f\ QUEEN" of the universe, and most boun- ^^ tiful sovereign ! thou art the great advo- cate of sinners, the sure port of those who have suifered shipwreck, the resource of the world, fhn rnnHnn-* nf fnnfivAu flm cnlnnA r\? £.r'_'^' ■%*'«. VISITS TO ,W „,ESSED V.EG.N. ,5- the weak, the comfort of tho afflictorl ti, and w!rm;o,,r ZtTiT''"''''^' tiy praises, and si ^ ; Zl «.T^,''"7"''! &^::irdr.?i>-^^^ Sfiort prayer to remember andreveaf — Pnfn^ of 8innei-8, take pity on ,^^;^'^''^^«^---K^%e [At the end of each visit, reiient fho f.n . M^M^.i '"'i& *""* immaculate ViVr.;,, „,. l^ave reoourso to-day, J .vlio anV i ' ^V'^ .' .serve tlie. alwav., a. to do «il {'"'"'"'^^ *" 10 make others looeo-dso T IT^"- ''?■'''" *wl| 156 PARTTCULAR DEVOTIONS. I of mercy, and since thou art so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or rather obtain for mo the strength to triumph over thorn until death. Obtain for me, I beseech thco, a perfect love for Jesus Christ. To theo I look for grace to make a good death. O my Mother, by the love which thou bearesttoG-od, I beseech thee to help mo at all times, and Earticularly at the decisive moment of death. 'o not leave me until thou eeest me safe in heaven, occupied in blessing thee, and singing thy mercies throughout eternity. Amen, * FOR MONDAY. " Whoever is a little one, let Mm come to me" (Prov. ix.) Mary engages all those childwm who have need of a Mother to come to her, as to the most tender of all Mothers. Thelovoof all the Toothers in the world, says tho pious Nieremberg, is no more thou a shadow com- pared with that love which Mary bears to each one of us. My Mother 1 Mother of my *oul I thou who, after God, lovest me and do- sircst my salvation m'^re tljian all tho world bo^ido, — O my Mother, show thyself to bo indeed a mother. Prayer of St. Bernard. IVTOST sweet and amiable Mary, no one can -*-'-■- pronounce thy name without feeling the greatest desire to lovo thee ; and thoso who do lovo thee, cannot call thee to mind without being animated to love thee more. Pray for ViSiTS TO THE BLESSED VIHCIN. I.57 »Bd ours, than thyself wh n .fVl ^ ^"^^ g"««« to have constant recourse to thco. (Conoluds as on page. 155,) FOB TUESDAY. dence St. Bernard i„;ilf^«°^°r ';°"fl- reconrso to thee I Thmdo^t ^aTn^^ ^ ''^'■° «oaM'X^^S,~.i^«' dost promise help «>en, my petition f Listen Tnm « °"' more hiJown^ n rv"^^"* '^ ^^^^^' and no meTlnredPK.'^^.?"''^^' ii^«t th;.u heard consolation that I re^we fiiom (i be the clthed hSf S tS"Cl!?4 ^ ^^* SS mankind He p^sthfrii *°'' *f ««J^«°f *« assistance, and we e^n^^w ^^ ^^''^ ^^ *'^ selves to thy ^^7^*^?"^^^'* ««'' be eternally lostTntw^fS.**''** ^^ ^Y no* serve J^Sri^t fomer *'' '^'S^ '<''«»'«* (Conclude as on pagQ 155,) mother M^;;? O Ss of P^Z^* '"^ \*^^ great reason to give ?f mv «ol"'' ^"".^"^ ^r^:^^i^t^ Sit n I * - »!.„ 160 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. IP & rouDded b^r enemies, without virtue, and grown cold in the love of God. Comfort me, conafort me I Bring me the consolation which springs from the beginning of a new life, a life truly pleasing to thj Son, and to thee. Prayer of St. John Damascen, . TJAIL MARY 1 thou hope of Christians, iiear the petition ofa sinner who wishes to love thee with the greatest tenderness, and to honor thee as thou deservest, and who rejDoses in thee, next after God, his hope of salvation. Indebted as I am to thee for the preservation of my life, I entreat thee to restore me to the grace of thy divine Son. Ihou art the surest pledge of my salvation • deliver me then, by thy prayers, from the Heavy load of my sins. Disperse the dark- ness^ of my understanding: banish overv inordinate affection ft-om my heart ; repress the temptations of my spiritual enemies, and m order my life, that, under tliy protection, 1 may arrive at eternal repose in heaven. Short prayer, 5.) rOU IIUDAY. St Bernard assures us tliat the charitv of Mary towards us could not Ix) more ten'der, nor more powerful than it is, for her Iieart is good-Will is accompanied with power to }iel]> the VISITS TO THK iUKSStD VIHOIX. ' tci this great contest which J Z.o--'^ ^"'■y- '" aid me always • but »•«,?.. '''^'''"•'* *'«''• wavering and^read, to yi^M n ^\*'^^^' '"« stretch out thy hwdJ,.' ".""y Sovcrei-ii, ;ustain me JmZ^::'^:::^x''''<7ri' what temptations still remain toT " ^ ®°'^' ed unt 1 death i \h f \f 7 "^ ''"mount- strength, and mv W '■^' ""^ ''''^"So. mv in all my tom„tatioL tr^^^' *°'^«'n»*soIved, diate recourse'to tC' *" ''"''" "'^V" ""«''- ^ of, that a «i mor h.' j flod tnT"'' ''"' "'"'"••^ and been abandoned ttile'/iC*".''"""' Ood, thou pravo^i fii^nu V Afother of who am the Sea est „f' P''"^'' *'""'' *»'• >"«. have the grca.ert uecf,!^^''''!' ""^ ♦'^'"•<''"-re -SAort TO '• 1 In °,1*''^ 'ntereession. help me I * ' *— ^'^'P '"o, Mary 1 .Mary I (ConcliHfc! as on page loi.) ^ou presence of Ciod a^ nn,i « --^"-numiv lu .-ing in ou, favo^kr^ri^LtSr j,'!.!;': f 1 : -il ir ' ifii if i m PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. ers, which are all-pcwerful before him. "For, he cOQtiiaues, she sees our miseries and our daagei's, aad ia her clemency, this amiable Sovereign has pity on us, and comes to our aid with a mother'* love. O my advocate, and my most tender mother, it is then true that thoi^ sees tth^ miseries of my 8©ul, the dangers by wh^ich I am surrounded, and that thou prayest for me. P^ay, yes, pray on, and do not eease to pray, until thou seest me saffe in Paradise,, there occupied in praising thee. The pious Blosius assures me that thou art, after Jesus, the sur© salvation of those who are thy faithful servants. Ah I the grace which I ask of thee to-day is, that thou wilt grant to me the happiness to be thy MthfUl sltiive until death, in order that afler death I may go to bless thee in heaven, certain there to bo no more exposed tostra^^ away from thy eacred feet,, so long as God is God. ^ Frayer of St. Bdefonsus. r\ MY Sovereign, and Mother of my God, ^^ thou are blessed amongst all women, puro amongst all virgins, and Queen of all the hea- vcnly host: all nations call thee blessed. Vouchsafb that I may publish as much as pos. Bible thy greatness,, that I may love thee to the utmost of my power, and that I may serve thee with all the capacity of my soul. Short prayer, i^c.—O that I may leam to praise tlxee,, most, sacred Virgi o. I THE ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. [Otherwise called " the Beads:'} v'' «"d ^vith all classes of ho faUh.ul th,,!^""""" '^Z?™"'* beattribmcd, in most cases to „ i^.l" °/^'l'=' " ""^ Ko?si>:i.^:t«ii'S^^ Tiio nsary-beads on wh h / ^^°i;'''"^ mysteries. rocitcd^on iuJ'L^l"Ll.?i}]'S. «"''. of every decade 1, the decide that'followr " "'" '"'"' ""'"'' '"''''"* IM i I t ■f i I i'" u.^x. I . 164 PAnXICULAU DEVOTIONS. The Chaplat, or, as it is sometimes callet!, " the Hosary of o decades," constitutes onlv a third part of liie lull rosary, and is the common form in which the |3eads are made and used at the present duv, it not J3emg usual to recite more than one part at a lime. 1XDULGE\C):;S. The indulgences attached to the reciJation of ibe Kosary are of two Jdnds, viz : the ordinary inaLl- gcnces, and those (so called) of 8t. I3ridfjet. \Vmonir these indulgences, the principal are tho following : 1st liiosc who are accustomed to recite weekly tiP Lbaplct, or Rosary of 5 decades, blessed in the ordi- nary manner, gain an indulgence of 100 davs oa;h time. 2d. If the ^\osary has been blessed by a Priest a>- tliorized to give tho Bridgetine indulgences, onogaiis, lor every time he recites the 5 decades, an indulgence or 100 days for each bead. The Rosaries blef^ed aurmg the mission receive these as well as the ordi- nary indulgences. ^- B---Those who are not capable of meditating the mysteries, may gain the above indulgences by sinply saymg their beads with piety. ^ J i i' .0 THE BOSAHT. 165 A METHOD OF SAYim THE ROSARY, WITH THE MYSTERIES. ***'"""* [% St. Alphonsus Liguori.] go on with tde medi'tatimr..?^* ' ^^^ which, you reoitaUonofthed^cSS^^iTfouUs^: "^^^teries, afe^hS THE FIVE JOYFUL MYSTERIES I. THE MESSAGE OF THE ANGEL .-.ngel Gabriel the news Sltsho ^hm.IH^''*'^- .01 vo and bring forth into tLTomouUZ ■h^m ( J,ri.,t. O, tho tender pirof ouT C^ who might liavo Haved iii bv k >nH;„ °''' 'o redeem U8, but ehose r-io,^?. ,1 *'"''?S^' Kol/; and tod for om- saiv Hon . «""'' ^'■'"■ where is .1,. gratitude o,;"Vhli " f ' leluni of love wo „»:^ ,. l^ ," "* that --.•cy ? Ho] y Zt :;,. •O.'ii'rVuTl (f ' '''' -^the grace to lovo hin. «..o I'iraTo';: Then nb,v nn. »».._ ? in honor of.t^o divina M^h^^ ^ -- -, -„,. ^ utorm, lor. of eo*; *'''^*''^' •»<* to obtaui tb!i hoJjr B| 1 / firrr. l(j Ai s*, and 1 67o»-t„. ' m THE VISITATION. In IMS' myBlwiy we contemplate hffw the blossed Virgin Mtw?jr, having learned that St. Elixabeth, hsr cousin, was with child, set out immediately to visit her, and rer«ained with her three months. The visit of Mary was iJ^ sjom-co, oi* grace to this whole family. Happy indeed is every soul which Mary 4efgns tovkjfJ ."Let, us pray, then, to our dear Lady, that she will be pleased to visit our souls, itQ aaBctify and save them. Pray now to this intention, 1 Pater, 10 Avea, and 1 Gloria on your beads. ' ' m, THE BHITH OP OUR LORD. ^^ this mystery we conten^plate how the Yirg'ii Mary brought fourth our Eedeemer, at naidni^ht,, in the stable of Bethlehem, between two animals of the stall. When the time of her delivery arrived, Mary was in the city of i^cthlehem, but being very poor, was unable to procure any lodging, so that she was obliged to take shelter in a cave, which was used as a stable for cattle, and there she gave birth to the Son. of God, and laid him en a bed of straw in the manger. It pleased, om-; Lord Jesus Christ to come into the world, in the form of a babe, and in a manger in ordor that sini^ers might have more Qpnfidonce &o approach him. Sirnors then that v*.W«iinJt THE ROSARY. 167 1 P^^tev, 10 ^t,e,, and 1 Gloria, on the beads. ly. THE PRESENTATIOX IN THE TEMPLE temple, and placed him • 17'°^ ^" '" *e humility, ^h'o wenu^ b?purifi;d''ld'r«'' pear sullied, like other women liin ^"^ "l'" Mary, who was sn ^i, ^^'""on- Since, then, Wr aslf^hr^eP^od' ToT^Lr-'/T? '^ fess our sins ^^^^'"y repugnance to Jon. 1 Pater, 10 ^t,.., a^^ j ^^^^.^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ V. THE FINDING IN THE TEMPLE. ^a™e dayH,a„d found hTma^Iirthe^S' 8: ,1;'" =;'^ ! 'A f I > 1 J • k^o«««i. THE BOSABT. 171 the Blessed Virgin to obtain for „s that wo Sore ^°°'^^' *° *^''' o^'^dour Loi-d a^ 1 Paler, 10 Av«, and 1 Gloria, on the beads. IV. THE CABRTING OF *HE CSOSS. In the fourth sorrowful mysterv we eon. template ho* Jesus Christ, having tem° con 4onined to death l>y Pilate; was m'do to boar the cross upon his shoulders. With fireat lor our sins. It is tliereforo iilst thit xvn ii our turn, to satisfy for the oinoes whici wo have given him, should embrace the crosses which God sends us. Let us pray Marv to Stfenee1,nH l^''^ '^'"'' ^^ ^esigLionfand patience under every trial. 1 P«ler. 10 Ave,, and 1 Gloria, on the bends. y. THB CRCOIFmoN OF OUR LORD. In the fifth sorrowful mysterv we cmiom Plato how Jesus Christ, ha^ving'como to t™o" thicro?^ wT^' r« ^t'-'PPed.^nd nailed o ifio cross, whore ho died for love of u /o"''-^!' Sinners to hclJ, for a worfl,']/ ^'''^ themselves up obtain'tbr us heli'h' /"'■ ''"'"" ^"''•>' "> miserable are o Sh '"rf." clearly ho.v ho^v ,^reat the doH jr,v ucl v'l 7'''^''- ""'' -'■h< to come, to CS lo?o bt" "' '''' *'*'""••"' ^-'' •"<> "-V-.V., on .he beau,. III. TB. MISSION OK r,,,, uo.,V «„osi-. hand of l^s Fath.,?"^' .''"'t"^ «* ? ""Iv" Ghost Virffin Mai V- Jr *'"' "Post'es. with the foeble, 80 cold in fi ."*' *''" '■pottles wore so time of/esus' --• ^^"^ ''^'^'^- *'"'* "t 'h<) anoth"- •■ -^ • P'^^'on. »ne betrarfirl i.:™ anotb., u„„,ea j,.^^ ^„^ ^,j abandoned h m' II lit i i 1 ' '" '1 nM m PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. But as soon as they had all received the Holy Ghost, they were so much inflamed with love, that they gave up their lives generously for Jesus Christ. St. Augustine says, " He who loves does not labor. '' He who loves God feels no affliction under crosses, but rather rejoices. Let us ask of Mary to obtain for us from tho Holy Ghost the gift of his divine love, for then all the crosses of this life will seem iweet to us. 1 Pater, 10 Avea, and 1 Gloria, on tbe beads. IV. THE. ASSUMPTION OF OUE BLESSED LADY. In the fourth glorious mystery, we contem- plate how Mary, twelve years after the resur- rection of Jesus Christ, departed this life, and was carried up by angels to heaven. Tho death of Mary was full of peace and consola- tion, because her life had been all holy. Our death '.vill not bo like hers, for our sins will bo then a subject of alarm. But if we abandon O'lr sins, and consecrate ourselves to tho ser- vice of Mary, then that good Mother will succour and comfort us in that last moment, as she has done already to so many of her faith- ful servants. Lot us place ourselves, then, under hor protection, with tho iirm ])urpo8o to amend our lives, and let us ask her now to Hflsist us in the hour of our death. 1 Pcrter, 10 Av«$ and 1 Gktria, on the buadfe. t^ nOSAHY. T. m TBB OOnOMATION OP OCR BLESSED lADY. T,laf«*ho Jm^ ^'""""^ mystery, we contem- plate how Mary was crowned by her divine B,?n'tr m ''^"^^'"Pl^to her glory among he W^>,t j,^^*'",.^?''^ ^''^ crowned in h^fven y the hand of God, she was appointed also to be „ar advocate; for this reason St It 18 true that Mary prays for all men bit she prays especially for those who have r lov^ T^'^T'^y ^o hor intercession Let ^rav ui ^^ P ^'" = ^''^^> Mother of god, Pfaj to Jesus for ne; and while wo recite this last decade of thoEosary, lo? T repeat ^'"mr ^^.n"^*'' ^^'^ "^"^SY METHOD OP SAY- ING THE BEADS WITH THE MYSTEUIES nsu^uf^V^ '"' """'"P''^ «^^'^''« ^'■^^"od : Benin (LT L^^r ^-"' ^'''^ «i'' ^«E Cross, and recite tl a andn'.'^' ^''^^""' ^^^^ ^'"'^'« AvES, «r,d the Gloria 1 If ' i:g PARTlCULAlt DCVOTJONS. Vv'Ikmi you niHl:o i 50 orthe Five JovFur MvsTEntES sny llio AvES of llie lirst decade in this manner : •' Hail Mary, full ol" grace, the Lord is with thee ; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, ?/7*o?// thou didst conceive at the message of an an/jel : Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen." hi the second decade, instead of the words, " whom thou didsL conceive,'' dc, say, *' whom thou didst carry in thy womb on thy visit to Elizabeth.'' In the third , •» w/to sweal blood for us in the garden." In the second docudo, '' who was scourged for ^is.'" In Ihe third, " wJio was croivned with thorns for us.'' In the fourtli, ''who carried his cross for us." In tho iiftli, " who was crucified for us." For i[ie Glorious Mysteries, in the first decade, say, ''who arose from the dead." In the second, " who ascended into heaven." In the third, " who srnl the Holy Ghost." In tho fourth, " who took thee up into heaven." In the fifth, "who crowned thee Queen of heaven." This method is perhaps the best of all, especially for those who recite their Rosary often, and alone,, because it requin^a no book, and helps to keep the mind constantly fixed on the mystery to be meditated. ^ai)cta Virgo Virl ginum, Mulor Clirisii, 8^ jjoly Mother nf G,od, Holy \i,.gi„ ^M' ^^l f^ins, 5 fiwoiiiu nt dnme Mater iasti.si, la' / ^' ' m" ''^'' '"^'^ ^"'■^^' ""*^' J -Molh.Tii)o.stohasto. | ui If ffTWl""'^*'^- I 178 PARTICULAR DBVOTIOKS. Mater inviolata, Matgr ifltcRieratft.^ Matep araabilis, Mater admirabilis, Mater Crofttpris, Mater Salvatoris, Virgo prudentissima, Virgo veneranda, Virgo praedicanda, Virgo potens, Virgo Clemens, Vir^o fidelis, Speculum justitiao, Sedos papiontite, Caupa '[lo^tra^ leptitia), Vt^fii spiritualu, Vjis Ijoncrabilo, Vqs iiisigne devo- tiopia, Rosa myslica, 'I'mris iJc^vidica, Tun is cJiurnea, Domus aurca, Foederis area, Jaiiua e(BJt, Stella matutina, bajus Jnlirmorum, Itiugium poccatorum (lonaolatrix a(Dicto- rum. Auxiiiuia Ciihstiflino mm, Regiiitt ^ngolonun, o o C3- of our Crea- Mother undefiled, Mother inviolate, Mother most amiable, Mother most admira- ble, Mother tor, Mother of our Re- deemer, Virgin most prudent, Virgin most venera- ble. Virgin most renown- ed. Virgin most power- ful. Virgin most merci- ful, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of justice, Seat of wisdom, Cause of our joy, Spiritual vessel, Vessel of honor, Vessel of singular de- votion, Mystical rose, Tower of David, Tower of ivory, House of ttold. Ark of the covenant. Gate of heaven, Morning star. Health of the weak, Refugo of sinners, Comfortress of the af- flicted, Help of Gliristiaas, Queen of Angels, • I ?■ 5 n.g-ina Patnarclia-) rum. ' Regina Prophetarum, {Jegina Apostolorum, ^egina Martyrum, Regina Confessorum, gegina Virginum, Regma Sanctorum omnium, Re^^Ina sin? labe ori- ginali concepta, Agnus Dei. qui toJlis L- Agnus Dei, qui tolJis ppc- cata mundi, exaudi nos mmme. Agnus Dei, qui toIJis pec- calamundi,wwer^;Y.„oJ ots. V Ora i)ro nobis Sancta Dei Genitrix. ^- li difjni effkiamur promi.sxionibu.s ChrisU. /^RATIAM tuam, qua^- \X sumus Domine, nien- tibus nosti-is infunde : ul i^V''- ,.^^''^*''^' iHintiunir, J^'Tisti Fiiii lui iiv^arna- nonem cognovinuij, r^r passioncm .jus et cruc^m 'id resurroctionis gioriup. Perducamur: rVroumdon. Uinstnm Dominum nos. 'film. Am,n. LITAXY f.[.- LOUETro. 17a Queen ofPalriarcIis, ^ Queen of IVophets. I Queen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs Queen of O-fessors, ' Queen of Viipjn-^ ^' Q«nren of all saints, Quoen "oncoived without the stain of original sin. , UmbofGod, who takest away the s.ns of the '^'''^pf^ spare us, Lord. J-anib O.God, who takest away the sins of the Lamb ot God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mv.rnj upon ^\Fn^' ^^""^ "^' holy AlotherofGod. //. 77m/ we mai; he made womy of ihe promises of Chrisl. Ul us pray. 13()L"I{ forth^ wo bcsiM'ch .- luee, O Lord, thy di- vino grace into our heart «; lliat we t(. wh(Hn the i„: ^'•iriiation of Christ thv •^on wa.s made known hV ' inessagtf of an ang.d' in< > by Ills pass.on and •i V.SS \m brought tu the l^^iury t,f his rrHirrection ; ^\^^\^\v^h the .^amn Christ our L,,,rd. Arn(,i 'W MP PARTICULAR DBVOTIOKS. THE MiMORARE OF SAINT BERNARD. T> EMEMBER, O mo3t merciful Yii-gin Mary, •*-*' that it is unheard of, that any one flying to thee for protection, imploring thy help, or ■eeking thy intercession, was ever forsaken. Animaied by thiri unerring confidence, I hasten to thee, Viri^in of Virgins ; I fly to thee, O sweet Mother ; a wretched sinner, I prostrate myself groaning at th^" feet ; despise not my prayer, O Mother of the Divine "Word, but ipracioufjjy hear and grant the same. AnuTi, THE SGAPtJLATl OP TUB FiLESSED VIRGIN MAIiY. Just as men love to have their servant! wear their livery, so Mary loves to see he** servants wear her Scapular, to show their tendfr devotion to her, and that they belong to her family Heretics, according to their fashion, laugh at this de%'otion, but the Holy Church has approved it by bulls aad indulgences. It is related that, about the year 1251, the Blessed Vir^ gin appeared to St. Simon Stock, an English Carmelite, and giving him this scapular, assured him that all who should die invested with it, would be saved from eter- nal fire. This vision is so well attested, that Pope Benedict XIV, does not hesitate to say, * We believe this vision to be true, and think it ought to be so considered by every one. » No wonder, then, that this beautiful devotion has become so widely spread, and continues to flourish throughout the CathoUc Church. THE SCAPULAR. ADVANTAGES OF THE SCAPULAR. 181 vo?^!'g^'ei?"''^'' '"^ P^'^"^^^^ devotion an. sweet nleclffj oriier nrnt.^nn^^" ^Jotner ol God, but a '.enellt' of iL l.-oS^iS^ n,en oSo^'S .ILV' .h. formula of t'ho J'cop ^ '^^^ "yfr^«^ '" ;.i t ,« power intrust,) i to m ■ I rocei??nVH , •,"'""' to tlio Jull Darticinnlinri „ • 1 ■ ,i "' ^ '"'™" Jou CaS "■ '" ""''"'""^ ""h" '""y order of Mount INDrjLGEXGES. "»-i ™u,n,„„io '",",„• ,f''™";'''-»"^ "f <^°n'fcssio« K'nicii al?u ui tlio art , ',. nr Vi. no I l™ury m.Iui- """"oc. at least wit/, M,, he. f' ■• I"'"'"''''' «" l"-<- '"outh. ,1,0 hdv aue ofT„s %^'^'"'"'^^'M' the ""'"ISonce or one inln,l,^,l"' 1 vs J ^erv'' tht" T \vesir;lioiiorcrtheB|e,,e,|Vi"? \ ."A^™ «"'J ,' ,'ences ate applicable ,o ti^'souTflllpui^Jon""''"'- b'-- .:-r ■ s I 182 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. SABBATINE INDULGENCE. T 'P«3j^Jy'^^ther of God appearing orrco to Pope Jobn XXII, in a vision, accorded a further and most precious privileges to tiles'- who wear the Scapular. 1 his IS what goes usually by the name of the Sabba- tino Indulgence, and mention ismado of it in tho Ro- man^Breviary. " It is not only in this life," so savs the Breviary, " that tho blessod Virgin Mary shovvs horGclf favorable to her children of Mount Garmol , it is also in tho life to come, ^or her pow.T and her good- ness extend everywhoro. All those who, woarin-' the Scapular, are caref'il to re^ito tho few prayers pre- scr.bod, and preserve their chastity according to tlieir .nato .if life, may picusly hope that, should thoy havo to sufTer tho firo of Purgatory, Mary will como to con- sole t.ieai m hermatornal lendcrness, and cau^,c them very soon to enter their heavenly countiy. This happv roloaso may be looke i for on the Saturday ne::t after death. THE DDTIES TO BE FULFILLED. Th?^, obligation, properly speaking, attached to the Scapu -, 13 t j w ar it coastautlv wilh devotion. Tho obli£ itions or duties (so called) are only im- posed as necessary c nlitions to gain the Sabhatino mdulgnc-. and theso are— Lo recite daily the Little Olhco of th) Blessed Virgin Mary, or in place of it to abstain on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Any one neglecting ta fullll these conditions commits no sin thereby, nor does h 3 forfeit tho other privileges of the Scapular, or lose his title to the other indulgences. REMARKS. 1. To be roceived, in the first place, into the confra- ternity, and entitled to its privileges, it is necessary to be invested by a priest duly authorized. 2. When the first is worn out, or lost, or has been laid by, another may be taken and worn, which does • not need to be blessed again. THE SGAPULAH. 183 worn about the nprU ■ h,,t ;/ • ^* ^^^^ ^® whether over Sunder the dmss """''' "" '^"^'""""' her children Be ua p fn p I f """'" '"^ ><"' '" bo gratitude you owe Cso itat a"lfc:'n7^.^ '^ """ i^f;::> *§::§» J >«Q.,..,>,>;.,v»\Mrv*'. If; ft PEVOTION TO THE SAINTS. The Church militont on earth, an(i the Church tri- umphant in heaven, is one and the seme Church, and unites her children ail in one blest family. Tho Saints who reign with Christ in glory are scpaiatedfrom our sight, but tho communion remains unbroken, and the sweet intercourse ol" charity goes on. For ever secure from danger, and inundated with joy, thevcan receive nothing, it is true, from us but our tVibute of venera- tion and praisc!. But we, on the other hand, can hope ^reat things from them, for tliey are able and willing to help us, and they know our wants. They are able to help us. For if wo value the prayers of a good man on earth, although still encumbered like ourselves by faults and miseries, how murltmore avail- ing must be the intercession of these familiar friends and servants of God, who are so dear to him, and see him always face to face ! ]f ho has itromised so much even to our poor prayers, how shall he deny anythiritr to them! ^ ^ They are willing to help us. l-'or surely, the bliss of Paradise has not taken away, but rather increased beyond measure, the only charity and syiupalhy which burned in their hearts when on earth. They know our wants. They are not ignorant of what takes place here below. " There is ioy in heaven vpon one sinner that dolh pcnmicc" ist. Luke, xv. 7-10. Either the swift angels bring the tidings, or they read it m the smile of God, whoso face they always behold. And when the good Christian prays, do they not know this also? O yes 1 in that safe harbor wher'e they rest, they look back and see us all floating on the sea of life ; they witness our struggles, our fears, our Jiopes, and mingle their prayers with ours. 184 I IITAMT OF THE SAINTS. 18& I acceptable to God who ifffLffl.'" ''?i:°'-="' '«™°s' THE LITANY OF THE SAINTS. Lord have mercy on us. (jfinst, have mercy on us Lord have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ graciously hear us. on us. ' ^^"^^^"^^^ of the world, Have mercy Holy' Mary ^Z^orV""'' ^^^^^^ ^^ "^- Holy Mother of God, ll^l!^'? of Virgins, ^t. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, All ye holy Angels and Archangels St. Joseph, St" i^eter^'^''"^"''^^^"^ Prophets, St. Paul,' St. Andrew, St. James, St. John, St. Thomas, 1 ^ ^ Co iMvi IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I lAo mil 2.0 IIM 12.2 1.25 i4_ III 1.6 i9 w /a ^l Photographic Scieii(.es Goipordtion m f^ c> :\ \ ^\ 33 WIST MAIN STRUT W2BSTIR.N.Y. U5I0 (716) t7'i-4503 6^ ^f 186 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. 8t. St. St. St. St, St. St. St. St. St. All All All St. St. yt. S8. ss. ss. ss. All St. St, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon, Thaddeus, Matthias, Barnaby, Luke, Mark, yo holy Apostles and Evangelists, yo holy Disciples of our Lord, yo holy Innocents, Stephen, Lawromce, Vincent, Fabian and Sebastian, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, Gervasius and Protasius, \ 1* holy Martyrs, I'vivester, Gregory, I Co St. Ambrose, St. Augustin, St. Jerome, St. Martin, St. Nicholas, All ye holy Bishops and Conftessors, All ye holy Doctors, St. Anthony, St. Benedict, Si. Bernard. St. Dominic, St. Francis, All ye holy Priests and Levites, All yn holy Monks and Hermits, St. Mary Magdalen, SI. Lucy, St Agnes, LITANY OF Ti/E SAINTS. 187 5' C5 r St. Cecily, St. Agatha, St. Catharine, St. Anastasia, All ye holy Virgins and Widows / cs All ye men and women, sainlTof Cod ju i J cession for us ^ ^°^- J^ake inter- Be merciful unto us. Spar- wv n in.,^ He merciful unto us r.^ '■ ', , ^•^'^• From all cvi" '^ ^' ^^'^^^ ^^ear us, Lord. From all sin, ' From thy wrath, J;romthe deceits of the dovil ^lom anger, hatred, and all ill-will S^"; .^'^fPntoffornicnlion ' • :rum hgh i.mg and temj)..st I rom everlasting death. iiirougJi thy nativity' I "'o^fe-ji thy baptism and holy fasting 'Tough thy cross and passion ^' 1 M-ough thy death and Juiriai rhrough thy Iioly resurrection. ^tl',!;^'-^«nnngoiu.eIIoIy Ghost the Com In the day of judgment, We sinners, do beseech lliee hear us " 1 nat thou spare us, That thou pardon us, 1 religion "^t-icsiastical Orders in holy ^ ''j^y'Su^cr'^"''^^^'^ I / h- I •r Ml a' 188 l>ARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. That thou vouchsafe to give peace and true con-' cord to Christian Kings and Princes, That thou vouchsafe to grant peace and unity to all Christian people. That thou vouchsafe to confirm and preserve us in thy holy service, That thou lift up our minds to heavenly de- sires, That thou render eternal good things to all our benefactors, That thou deliver our souls, and those of our brethren, kinsfolks, and benefactors from eternal damnation, That thou vouchsafe to give and preserve the fruitsof t', Marth, That thoii vouchsafe to give eternal rest tc all the faithful departed, That thou vouchsafe graciously to hear us, Son of God, Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, Lord. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, Lord. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world. have mercy onus. a* St PRAYER. GOD, whose property is always to have mercy, and to spare, receive our petition : that we, and all thy servants who are bound by the chains of sin, may bv the compassion of thy goodness mercifully be absolved. Hear, we beseech thee, O Lord, the prayers of the suppliant, and pardon the sins of them that confess to thee ; that in thy bounty thou mayest both give us pardon and peace. Out of thy clemency, O Lord, show thy un- LITANY OP THE SAINTS. 16» low speakable mercy to US that oa *v.„ both acquit nsof onr sins a .fi Ir*"'" "'"J'^s* O God, who bvsin «rt ^^ ^ f • penance pacifidd, '"n.^^eifant"'' "f*^ ^^ prayers of thy tcod^ m„t- ^ ""^^^ the to Aee, and tou awav?h» « «nPPlication «nger ^ich w^ de^Te tt oSs" ''' ^''^ O Almighty and Eternal pTh I on thy secant N-tZlh^'k^l^ ""e'cj' direct-'him according t" thv 1-^"^''^' ""^ the way of everlas i^salm&h^TI' ll**^ grace he may desire tZIethVn.^i''^*'^ ir^llX'-' ""'' ^^^^^-^- S^t right tt fl" a^'dTusr-;;" '"'-^ ''«^-«' servants that peace which Xwfw ^ *^^" give; that both our heart mavT i*"*°°°I^ to keep thy commandment ^nd th„ T'^i enemies being removed tLr ^° /**'" °^ protection ma| beTelceab fe *"""' ^^ ^''J' toh%^':S'rhS f/r"' °^''" ^^e parted the remission of all It^- '"^''''^ ^'- throngh Pious BmX„*v/.''®"' "'"« J t^a* the pa^iSoTwhicSft have «^^ "^^ obt"'" . Forerun, we beseecY thie ^^^.'^^^''-^d. tionsbythyho.yinsjLS.L'^r^-^^^^^^ ••I r ; 1 ■r H't v'Mi ■-■■■i ■ ': [■. ■ i . f ■ 1 ■ ■ 1 ■ If .t n ■' ill ' V'jnr r ■190 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. on by thy gracious assistance : that every prayer and work of ours may begin always from thee, and by thee be happily ended. O Almighty and Eternal God, who hast do- minion over the living and the dead, and art merciful to all whom thou foreknowest shall bo thine by faith and good works ; we humbly beseech thee that thyy, for whom we have de- termined to ofiGY up our prayers, whether thin world still detains them in the flesh, or the world to come has already received them out of their bodies, may by the clemency of I h y goodn|.>ss, all thy saints interceding for ihcm, obtain pardon and full remission of all their sins, tlirough our Lord Jesus Christ thy .Son, who livcth and reigncth, &c. Amen. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. E. And let my cry come unto thee. V. May the Almighty and most merciful Lord graciously hear us. B. Amen. V. And may the souls of the faithful de- parted, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. M. Amen. mm, i... 1 1 1 H B ,: ■i •' I 1 1 1 1 r ^H 1. 9& 1 >( 'l^ll^fl DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH. eve^^td anyTn« ofs" fJ' f' '^^'•«=''- " having ^hich he did no? obtafn for Z P n"P '» "i'^ °"""«°^ i8hod, were I to tell otaluLZ;„^?Z'>"'^ *"> ^^J-on. has granted mo '^v thn in,„ "^ V^^'' P™'=es wliicli Of the perils^'orif Of Zt'lT°"/ L"'- Saint. God and 0? ts; p^;^xs^o?^.;r^-^^i^^ s, he has delivered me It spp^^ f "k ^°?^' ^^'^^^ whici other saints to asSu^ L t ""^ *^ ^^ '^® privilege of hut experience proves that nr \i j (, 104 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. and mercyof my God, and to thy fatherly oai'* and intercession. Amen. For a haj^py death, r\ BLESSED Joseph, who didst yield thy ^^ la' t breath in the fond embrace of Jesua and of Mary, — when the 6<3r.l of death shall close my career of life, come, holy Father, with Jesus and Mary, to aid me, and obtain for me this only solace which I ask for in that hour, to die encircled by their holy arms. Into your sacred hands, living and dying, Jesus, M^ry, Joseph, I commend my soijl. Amen. V. Pray for us, O most blessed Joseph. E. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. PRAYEa. WE beseech thee, O Lord, that wo may be assisted by the merits of the Spouse of thy Holy Mother; so that what we are unable to obtain for ouraelves, may be granted us through his intercession; "Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen, DEVOTION TO THE HOLY ANGELS. ^ " Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to min- tster for them who shall receive the inheritance of sal- vation? ' (Heb. i. 14.) ' n '• ^}^n ^"^f.*' " ^^y^ S'- Augustine, " love us as Uieir tellow-citizens, and hope to see us fill up what has been lost to their own number by the fall of the rebel angels. For this reason they are always present with us, and watch over us with the greatest care At all times, and in every place, they are ready to help us, and to provide for our wants. They walk with us m all our ways ; going out and «cming in, they follow us still, anxiously considering whither we live piously and purely in the midst of a wicked world. They assist those who labor; thrty guard those who rest; they encourage those who fight • they crown those who conquer ; they rejoice with the joyful, and sympathize with the suffering When we do well, the angels are glad, but the devils are sad. When we sin, the devils rejoice, but the angels arc cheated of their joy. " (SoHl. cap. 27.) We ought, therefore, to honor these blessed spirits with very great reverence and affection, and to pray to thorn, especially our guardian angels, to whom God has given charge over us, to keep us in all our ways (Ps. xc), and wo may bo sure that this devotion will be most ploasmg to them, and most useful to ourselves. THE ANGEL PSALTEH. (LX'iraclcd from, 'carious Psalms.) O yo angels of the Lord, bless tho Lord : praibo him and exalt him above all forever. 195 M 196 PARlirULAR DEVOTIONS. Praiso the Lord from the heavens : praise ve him in the high places. Praise him, all ye his angels ; praise yc him, all his hosts. Bless the Lord, all ye his angels, you that are mighty in strength, and execute his word, hearkening to the voice of his orders. Bless the Lord, all ye his hosts ; ye ministers of his that do his will. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all he hath done for thee. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with mercy and com- passion. For he hjlth 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. The Angel of the Lord shall encamp round -about them that fear him, and shall deliver them. Glory be to the Father, &c. V. I will sing praise to thee, my God, in the sight of the Angels. M. I will worship towards thy holy temple, and I will give glory to thy name. PRAYER. OGOD, who, in most admirable order, dost assign the various offices, both of angels and of men : grant, we beseech thee, that they who always minister before thy face in THE AN6FL PSALTER. 197 . heaven may also defend us in this our life PRAYER TO ONE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL. r\ BLESSED Angel, my guardian and de- rr./Tt^''' T^^ ^y *^^ ^'""^ providence of God I have been committed to thy care, I . beseech thee to direct mo always in the way Pe^'Ce safety and salvation. Eemain es- pecially this day (or night) by mv side to defend me from-'ail danfer; an^d e^ery evU temptation. Eemember, O deaa-eat guardian how once the watchful love of God ry^l served thee with the good angels in gCe and glory, while so many othfrs were cast down from heaven for their pride. I beseech thee, therefore to watch over me in this my lifetime of trial, and bring me such efficacious aid from heaven, that in no danger may I ever fall and lose the grace of my God Ld Creator, until I come to appear before his face m my heavenly home ; there, with thee and all the saints and angels, to praise and adore him, through the endless ages of eter- nity. Amen. & (There is an Indulgence of 100 days attachpd t^ th^ ft.ii«» ing prayer, for each Ume of reSti^itr^ ^^^' Angele Dei, Qui custos es mei, Me tibi cominissuni pietote superna. Hod ie illumina, custodi, rege et guberna. Afften. I Angel of God, Who art my guard. Committed by heavenly care to thy ward, Rule, govern, enlighten, and keep me this day. Anien. ^fi:^^^iM^emj3kS(SisSiSi:^^i:?'ts^ DEVOTIOIN TO THE HOLY SOULS IN PUR- GATORY. [By St. Alphonsus Liguori.) The practice oi recon.mending to God tho souls in Purgatory, that he may' mitigate the great painr> which they suffe", and that he may soon bring them to his glory, ia most pleasing to the Lord, and most profltablo to us. For these blessed souls are. his etenial .spouses, and most grateful are they to those who obtain thein deliverance from prison, or even a niltigiv tion of their torments. V/hen, therefore, they arrive in heaven, they will be sure to remember all who hav e Sprayed for them. It is a pious belici'that God manifests to them our prayers in their behalf, that they also may pray for us. It is true, these blessed souis are not in a state to pray for themselves, because they are, so to epeak^ criminals atoning for their faults. However, because they ere very dear to God, they can pray for us, and obtain for us the divine graces. Ft. Catharine of Bologna, when she wished to obtain any graces, had recourse to the souls in Purgatory, and her prayers were heard immediately. She declared that, by pray- ing to those holy souls, she obtained many favors, which she had sought through the intercession of the saints without obtaining them. The graces which devout persons are said to have received through these holy souls, are iannmerable. But, if we wish for ihn ai'! of their prayers, it is just, it is even a duty to relievo them by our suffrages. I say, il, is even a duhj ; for Christian charity com- mands us to relieve our neighbours who atund in need of our assistance. But who among all our neighbors have so g'-.at n^ed of our hf?ip ns these holy prisoners? They «ro continually in tha,t lire which torments more X93 !• iAV.-iltS l-OIl THE i-OULS IV PURGaTOHY. 190 sjnen'ytliaiuinycnrthly llro. They arc deprived of uiesipiit ot (,od, a tunneiit far more excruciatiaffthau ■•111 ollHT i!jiiiis. U^t us 1 eflcct that amnnq these suffer- iiiS souls aiopiircnt:^ or brothers, or relations and inon.ls. who look to us n)r succor. Let us remember moroovor. thiLt, boiu-iutlio condition cf debtors for 1 leir Kuis. they catuiot assist themselves. This thouffht shouM iu-.> us forw u'd lo relievo thorn to tho best ot oura,)i ny. By assisliui,' them wo shall not onlv ffivo great i.l.Msure (o Go,l, but will ac'iairo also preat me- rit for ourselves. And in retui»n for our sullrages, these i>lcssed souls will not ne^^Lot to obtain for us manv jrracrs h^om Cxod. j)ut particularly tho grace of eternal lilo. 1 Iio.d for certain that a soul delivered from Pur- ^^atory by tho sullragos of a Christian, when sho enters i aradiso will not mil to say to God: •' Lord, do not sudor tliat porsr n to bo lost who has liberated me from llio prison of Purgatory, and has brought me to the '•n.|oymont of tliy glory sooner than I had deserved ! " bt. Liguori then goes zn to nrffo tho faithful to do all in their power to roliove and libenae these blessed souls, by^procuring masses to be said for them, bv ;Hms, and by their own fervent prayers ri^AYEUS FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS IN I^URGATORY. O (learopt Josiis, by tlio bloody sweat which iKui didst sulier in tho Garden of Gethsomani, have mercy on tlicso blessed souls, A^ Jrave mercy on them, Lord, have mercv on them. -^ O dearest JesiKs, by tho pains, which thou l!i'!l 1"^ ^_^/*.^^*"'.^^ ^^y ^^^^ cruel scourging. ^ iiuircj* \ni IliOlJi. Tt. Have mercy on them, Jcc. 200 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. , O dearest Jesus, by the pains which thou didst suffer from thy most painful crown of thorns, have mercy on them. B. Ilave mercy on thenij &c. O dearest Jesus, by the pains which thou didst suffer in carrying thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them^ &c. O dearest Jesus, by the pains which thou didst suffer in thy most cruel crucifixion, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them^ &c. ■O dearest Jesus, by the pains Which thou didst suffer in thy most bitter agony on the cross, have mercy on them. R, Have mercy on them, &c. O dearest Jesus, by that intense pain which thou didst suffer in breathing forth thy bless- ed soul, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, &c. Then recite the following Psalm : DE PROPUNDIS. . Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord ; Lord, hear my voice. Let thy cai's be attentive to the voice of my Bupplioation. L thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand it ? For with thee there is merciful forgiveness, and by reason of thy law I have waited for thee. O LorrL •N PRAYEBS fOH TBE SOULS IN PDHG*TOHV. 201 .^ And^he 6haU redeem fcael from all his in- V. Give them eternal rest, O Lord V . Jttay they rest m peace. ». .amen. K. 'M i'RAYER. Virlin^and "nf^'n'T" "^ '^'««««'l Mary evS I ! I En ill i .i- li I Ui Kflii 202. PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. THE LITANY FOR A GOOD DEATH. LOUD, have mercy on us. C/nnst, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. , , ,. xu God the Father, who for our sake didst dehver up thy beloved Son to death, have mercy on us. God the Son, who didst mercifully submit to tliS law of death, that we may thereby gain eternal life, have mercy on us. «, . .. Holy Ghost, great comforter of the dymg Christian, have mercy onus. . , , ^ divine Jesus ! when I shall be seized with my last illness, and warned to prepare for the approach of my Judge, then, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me. When my eyes, darkened with the mist of death, shall fix their last dying looks on thy crucified image, 'hen,mercifulJesus, have mercy on me, When my pale and ghastly countenance shall fill ^ others with compassion and terror, When my ears, about to close forever to all human discourse, shall await the dreadful sound of thv unalterable sentence. When my feet, unable to move, shall remind me that my earthly course is drawing to an end. When my imagination, disturbed with gloomy and frightful phantoms, shall fill my heart with deadly horror, When my soul, terrified at the view of my sins, and agonized with fear of thy rigorous justice, shall struggle with the angel of darkness, Wh(»n my heart, weakened and overwhelmed with thr pp.ins of sickness, shall be seized with the last agonies of death, and violently assailed with the last efforts of Satan, i ; When my friends, assembled round me shall pity my 'sufTerings, and weep for my approaching dissolution, ft Co r;> LITANY FOR A GOOD DEATH. 20J ""tZ I'^a tZ^^^- --^ 'his world for •, when my soul, flutlering on my lips .hall hp Tuigt ''°'°' °' '''*'"'"°« "'' Atolghty ^^Uev^of Tar,""!'/,' '™8* 1«P"' '■^<"» '^8 •When I shall stand all alone before mv my"ove, ' ' '''^ "'*""^' « "V God, on htan "art elude":* "'"''' "'"' ''™''^' "•* °° PHATEB. n ?9-^' '^''° ^'^^ condemned w all to din ofdoath ; grant, that passing all the days of t7br.tr ■'"'*"f*"'^ holiness,! may merit IsS ZV^- '"? '\TP"^^ «f ^ good ^ S ^ -r*. Si I *^ ml ^v>J^ip»hv9^cp^>^^cp^^^cp^i^^^i^^>Vi^sj|)^cp^9w' THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. Ant Eemember not, O Lord, our offences^ nor tho, of our parents, and take not revenge on our sino. Psalm vi. Domine, ne in furore. Lord, rebuke mo not in thy indignation, nor chastise mo in thy wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak : heal me/ O Lord, for my bones are troubled. And my soul is troubled exceedingly : but thou, O Lord, how long ? Turn t me, O Lord, and deliver my soul ; O save me for thy mercy's sake. For there is no one in death that is mindful of thee, and who shall confess to thee in hell? 1 have labored in my groanings \ every night I will wash my bed, I will water my couch with my tears. My eye is troubled through indignation ; I have grown old among all my enemies. Depart from mo, all ye workers of iniquity ; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. Tho Lord hath heard my supplication : the Lord hath received my prayer. Let my enemies be ashamed, and be very much troubled : let them be turned back and 204 XJ i.\Jl. LTV, UbV. THE PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 205 Psalm xxxi. Beaii quorum. Blessed are they whose iniquities are for- given, and whose sins are covered Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in-whose spirit there is no guile. ^ xo lo Because I was silent my bones grew old : whilst I cried out all the day lone For day and night thy hand was heavy tT?i.r ' •^'^. *"'*?^^ ^^ ^^ ^°g^i«l^ whilst the thorn is fastened. I have acknowledged my sin to thee ; and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against myself in my injustice to the Lord, and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin. For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee, m a seasonable time. And yet in a flood of many waters, they snail not come nigh unto him. Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encompassed me : my joy, deliver me from them that surround me. I will give thee understanding, and I will mstruct thee in this way in which thou shalt go ; 1 will fix my eyes upon thee. Do not become like the horse and the mule Who have no understanding. With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws, who come not near unto thee. Many are the scourges of the sinner, but -^.— ,. ^.„^„^^„-- ^j^j ^^^^ fiopetii in '. ! Jor> PARTKCLAR DEVOTIONS. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just : and glory all ye right of heart. Glory bo, &c. P$ALM xxxvii. Domine, ne in furore. Rebuke me not, O Lord, in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy wrath. For thy arrows are liastened in me ; and thy hand hath been strong upon mo. There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath ; there is no peace for my bones, because of my sins. For my iniquities are gone over my head ; and as a great burden have become heavy upon me. My sores are putrefied and corrupted, be- cause of my foolishness. I am become miserable, iind am bowed down even to the end ; I walked sorrowful all the day long. For my loins are filled with illusions j and there is no health in my flesh. I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly ; I roar with the groaning of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before thee ; and my groaning is not hid fro/n thee. My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me, and the light of my eyes itself is not with me. My friends and my neighbours have drawn near, and stood against me. And they that were near me stood afar off; oaiu viiv i^xsMi; axju.i^ii.v 11.1 \J. T i\/lV.'i-I.\,-^ s THE PEMTENTIAL PSALMS. 207 And they that sought cviLs to me spoke vain things, and studied deceits all the day lonff But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and wa.« as a dumb man not oi^eninir his mouth And I became as a man^hat hearot'h not: and that hath no reproofs in his mouth For m thee, O Lord, have J hoped; thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God. For I said, lest at any time my enemies re- joice over me ; and whil;st my feet are moved they speak great things against me. For I am ready for scourges ; and my sorrow js continually before mo. For I will declare my iniquity, und I will think over my sin. But my enemies live and are stronger than 1; and they that hate me wrongfully aro multiplied. "^ They that render evil for good, have de- tracted me, because I followed goodness Forsake me not, O Lord my God: do not thou depart from me. Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation. Glory be, <&c. PSALM L. Miserere. Have mercy on me, O God, according- to thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my iniquity. Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. «]£?^ I ^^^^ ^y iniquity, and my sin is -tiWays uQiOra me. • 1 208 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee j that thou mayest be justified in thy words, and mayest overcome when thou judged. For behold I was conceived in iniquitien, and in sins did my mother conceive me. For behold thou hast loved truth ; the un- certain and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made manifest to me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed j thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladne'ss ; and the bones that have been hum- bled shall rejoice. Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God ; and renew a right spirit within my bowels. Cast me not away from thy face ; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Eestore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and strengthen me with a perfect spirit. I will teach the unjust thy ways ; and the wicked shall be converted to thee. Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God of my salvation ; and my tongue shall extol thy justice. O Lord, thou wilt open my lips ; and my mouth shall declare thy praise. For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it; with burnt-offerings ♦ ri/^n TTTil-f »^/-k+ \\r\ A r\Hr»Vii-r\A I ( THE PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 209 not despise. ' ^ ^^^> *^ou wilt be bailt up '^''"' "^ Jerusatem may como x^i^to S' '"^' P''"^"-' '""I •«* «y cry withered; because I St fo«„'?^ ^f * '« Tbrongh the voiro S eat my bread. bone hatg cleaved to m/fleT ^"^'"^^ «>' deLrs^/am°HI-o7"lV '"'''<="" °^ *h« -i'" I^'or I did fiflf. ncT,oo t:7,. t, my drink with we;pi^g:" ""■'*"' "n't "lingled !,■■ 't J y ' |i !■ 210 PARTICULAR DEVOTIOISS. Because of thy anger and indignation ; Ibr having lifted mo up, thou haat thrown mo down. My days have declined like a shadow ; and I am withered like grass. But thou, O Lord, endurest forever ; and thy memorial to all generations. Thou shalt arise and havd mercy on Sion ; for it is time to have mercy on it, for the time is come. For the stones thereof have pleased thy servants, and they shall have pity on the earth thereof. And' the gentiles shall fear thy name, O Lord ; and all the kings of the earth thy glory. For the Lord hath built up Sion ; and he shall be seen in his glory. lie hath had regard to the prayer of the humble ; and he hath not despised their peti- tion. Let these things be written unto another generation ; and the people that shall be created nhall praise the Lord. Because he hath looked forth from his high sanctuary ; from heaven the LorH liath looked upon the earth. That ho might hear the groan,, ui i hem that are in fetters ; that ho might release the chidren of the slain. That they may declare the name of the i >i\^mA ir\ Sinn • fiTifl }\\a TM«fjiaA in .lornsnlATTi. TBB PENITENTIAl PSAIMS. 21 1 _ Wien the people assembled loeether unH kings to serve the Lord. ''"So«ier, and He answered him in the way of his stren---of-y Who st.1's?aK: ""' ■""* '"'^"■«-' L-l. For with thee there is merciful forgiveness • ttt w" "' *'^ '^" I ''-^ -StTd Z i>a&o^;?^1,':Sr'''«-«'^">y-i ^ From the morning watch ftven rmfji .;^i.. i««> Israei hope in the Lord. ' '"^ ' wp IeL^i p 1^ ^ m' i I I f I ^12 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. Because with the Lord there is mercy, and with him plentiful redemption. And he ahall redeem Israel from all his in- iqnities. Glory be, &c. Psalm cxlii. Domine exaudi. Hear, O Lord, my prayer ; give ear to my supplication in thy truth; hear me in thy justice. And enter not into judgment with thy ser- vant ; for in thy sight no man living shall be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul ; he hath brought down my life to the earth. He hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been dead of old ; and my spirit is in anguish within mo : my heart within me is troubled. I reraeml)ercd the days of old, I meditated on a!l thy works : I mubod upon the works of thy hands. I stretched forth my hands to thee : my soul is as earth without water unto thee. Hear mo speedily, O Lord ; my spirit hath ikinted uway. Turn not away thy face from me, lest I be libe unto them that go down into the pit. Cause mo to hear thy mercy in the morn- ing ; for in thee have I hoped. Make known to mo the way wherein I »V^...M .>1K . /», — T I i:iV„,J I ^_ thee. 'If h THE PENITENTIAL PSALMS. j^ rhj jrood spirit Rhall load moinf^+k^ • i.. land ; ibr th^ naTnc'n «aL O Cd ^^^^^ luicken mo in thy justice ' ^^^* Thou wilt brin.r i^y soul mif ,^p * ki and in U,, .erc^'.^ ^j' « X^'ti myMp'TorT'' '".*,'''^ "" *''«« »hat afflict t?e Fwkrflc "" "'^ ^*""^"*- Glory be to venge on our bins.^ ' """^ ^""^^ """e- PBAYER. JJEAR I beseech thee, O Lord, the pravew r ? . ■ 1 i ii ...uJ Utt nit ON MENTAL PRAYER OR MEDITATION. Meditation is morally necessary to salvation, be- cause it is impossible to know the truths and the mys- teries of our holy religion, except by the eyes ol' iho soul, in other words, by frequent and serious reflection. He who neglects this," walks, as St. Augustine says, With his eyes shut, and in this way it will be impos- sible for him to discover th • road which he ought to choose, and the means which he ought to employ in order to amvo at his destination, namely, at heaven. But meditation is chiefly necessary to salvalion. be- cause he who is not in the habit of meditating, does not pray, and so is lost. Ho who does not meditate continually, cannot acquire any solid virtues, for no one will persevere in the practice of virtue unless he perseveres at the same lime in prayer. For this reason it is that our Lord has said : " Wle must ahcaiis pratj and never faint " Ho who does not meditate, will not be conscious of his own wants. He will make j\u account of the dangers which surround him, he wili not exert himself »d by the UUercession'or^Cyrroffhe''S,i'^.r'""• Jsf„co o™ l'.as t'?°„fw'r'''^''-.'i'''"\'''''- ■"•'''''''""n. means to go ihere TjllZTi.^T'' '^'' ''■"« t"- 'ha ■liamberat home an^nln i^fK*" "•«<"'?«« in one's "Ut tl,o xvhob day ^If"o"f ,^°tvZ ^f'" ""?"e'- bcforolving down to ^Vnn in ^ ' '' " ^ood also -0 meditation °a^%'°,htSirninrbuf iM?- ''"''■-''°."'- '^possible, it is enough frbo"Lilt"A'I'ii'„',':!..'J"i'» -uu fittii-ijour each day. '"'" -*■■ "-• "^^^i^aiu lur mm 216 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. r ; * 11 t;| ^ HOW TO MEDITATE. Before meditation, place yourself devoutly upon your knees. If you are able to remain kneeling with out injury to your health, it should be done ; but if that is likely to prove injurious, you may stand or sit. Then begin the preparation to your meditation, in which you must never forget to place yourself, first ol all, in the presence of God. This may be done by re- peating the follov.'ing Acts : " my God ! I am firmly persuaded that thou art here present, and I adore ihcc from the bottom of my nothingness. " Then humble yourself before God, saying : •' O my God, I deserve to be burning this moment in hell. I am sorry for all my sins. Pardon me in thine infinite mercy."; Lastly, pray God to enlighten you: " Eternal F;i- ther, for the love of Jesus and cf Mary, enlighten mr in this meditation, in order that I may profit by it. " It is well to add to these preparatory prayers, an Ave to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a Gloria in honor of St. Joseph, of our patron Saint, and of our guardian Angel. These acts and prayers must bo made with great attention, but without dwelling on them too long Before you enter upon the meditation itself, read with attention one of the points given in vour book of meditati-ns. (Sec page 219.) If already in the coiu- luencoineut you ftM'I touched by a:;y truth, then read no failher. \V»' must do, says St. Francis de Sales, as lli(< Jx^ps dn, for thry stop on each flower, until they have sucked out all tlit^ honey. If, on the contrary, thr first point of the Meditation jiroves tD bo a difliculton'"' to make use of, go on at oricc to the second point. It is nec( ssary to remark, that although one makes use ordinarily of the understanding to consider the truths of faith, yet tli* eri;ontial j)i)int .of meditation consists in the following Ihinj/s : I. To awaken Uifi (I jjcil ions. — We ouglit tliereforeto liumble onrselves with heartfelt sinccritv, to animate m ON MEDITATION'. 217 our faith and our lio]>c, and above all to make acl^ of contnuon, and oflove to God. of conlS v tS j 's holy will, and to olTer ourselves un entirol v n i^ w Wtosl time for iTiiycr. God ordinarily Rives Iiisi-n," Z>r„ ''•''''• end you s/iall receive:" tlioreforo "avs bt^^Torosa, ifany one does notask.hewillnot recehl •>. I'Cnnul male nood rcinhiUnn^ \n„„ i discovered J,y mcclitation whit veTa;7ln 1 '"^ part, in order tc livo in conV rm ^° wi ,? t ,o ,olv"wm ver n:yi--r'i^i;!^,^--;;ii^^^^^^ <"'.« N. rM 1 *"^ foiiJs in Purjcratnrv il^n IIolv Cluircli, our f.ionds arid benefacl.Tf mp;i n^ bo carej'ul not to omit it m lUr (lay foi- niodilati: n.' on account of aridity or dis- 218 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. Is < tr'otion?, and do not be troubled or discouraged when you no longer feel the consolations of devotion. St. Francis cf Sales sa\ r., that a great number of courtiers wait every day on the king, as a testimony of their re- spect, and are content if only he condescends to look at them. We too, when we are in meditation, testify our reverence towards God, and give him proofs of our k)ve. If he is willing t!ion to converse with us, and console us, wo must be graloful for so sweet a favor ; but if he is not disposed to grant us this grace, wc must bo content to remain recollected in his presence, adoring him and making known our wants. For al- though God should not Pi)eak to your heart, dear Christian, in a sensible manner, be sure ho will not fail to regard with a favorable eye these testimonies of your lidplity, he will reward your confidence, and answer your prayer. The simplest melhoi of meditating is the following : after having invoked the Holy Ghost, you read a few lines in a book of meditations, and then ask yourself the following questions : 1. What does the holy faith here say to mo ? '2. What must I do to put in practice its teaching in this matter ? 3. What have I done hitherto ? i. What am I willing to do in ftiture ? Then ask of God, through Mary, to give you his as- sistance, and ren<3W over and over again tho resolu- tion you have made before the Gross of Jesus Christ. i 1^1 DAILY MEDITATIONS. Jl^ MEDITATIONS. FOR KVERY DAY IN THE WEEK. (From aie wnlings of St. Alphonsus Liguori.) MEDITATION FOR SUNDAY. On the End of Man. I. Consider my soul, that God has frivpn thee existence, made ihce after his own ima^?? without ^"y n^cnt of thine, and adopted thiribr Ids own a'at'he;' " ^, ^'^^^^'^^"V ,"? '^^^ ^^ved thee more Ihln mimsiiie, that ihou mayest cternallv oniovhim in Ztf io heTn""' /'"'"'"^ "°^ cnLej'7ndnuS nothvoto he hapj)y here on carti), to rniov riches and aiUhon y, or to cat, drink and sle-p aJdo ho "on '"''' '' ^''' '''' ^°^-^ ^^^^ win^th^tern^ »e:^^y^ \^'^l ^.f^ ^'^^ ^*'"^" ^^^^° c'^oated tilings for this t" at am P '? '' T''' ^^'^ ^'''' ^"^- O ^vre t^h 'an of n V \ o ^ ^^'""'P'^ n^^ ^">^'""S ^Ise rathor J an of m> elornal end. (For example; ofthi^or iMy Father ! for the love of Jesus, ^rant (hat I mnv ui\ livinew.ll. {//ere endeavor la exeile the drcnesf civrit of penance, and make ike prmeKlr'^wJ^Z. especial,,, never more to I!, ink of t/nsorth.^i^^^^^^ vaui objeci, IjiU rather on somvtinnc, nuite oppoU^ II. ( onsKler what stinrrs of con; cionce i twill Avo you at the moment of ,:,ath, to remem her thai ?ou at the'en /r^^^^' " '''"'^"^ ^'^^^- ^^'^' ^^orrow, when at the end of your days you fee that there is iiolhin.- loft to you, at that hour, ofall your possession.. I ° ,'""«u will 'mt, if you fail von w?in ^^°^,^ °^ ^^"' and body; lost eternally. BehoM '^^ you will bo »he only imp ria t t . "^^^^^^^^^ greatest of all affairs, servo God alid are vourTj; , " Tl?'''^' ^»«'»^^^s-to Christian ; I will liu! „ow for 2 " '^'^, ""^ '''"^^^' -iner that I will sivenVv".?irfn V ^. '''''''. P^f^^'"*'^' and saved after all (\ hn^' *'^^^' ^"^^ ^>ope to bo 'hrown into he 1 ^.o one,"""l' ^11' '^''' ^^'^« ^^«P« now lost, for worn the? 'f?.''' ^^^^^ ^"^^ ^^-^^ aro ■nan would e^e w sh to , '2.7''? i'T^^'^'^^'^at ••urscdofGodwhr.i sintlohr'''^ ^'^ ^'^ '^ ^^ 'Ills 3in and oftorwui(N confo.Ji \vi^' ! ^'" ^^^^'*' ^r;il have lime for that v \Vho L ° ^""''^' ''' >'^" • ""^ethatvoiwl Innt ,1 • " ^.'^"'' 5'^^' tJ^e as- •nmittl^ this sit/''^,rr"^7 l^^^^^y after you r.Gcl; and what uiin''"''''"^*^ >'^" ^^^^^ t^^« "^' .a it aS •' tl! ^"''■'^'"'* °' >^^^ i^ you do -mucrs suadenly wilir.loa,h;„^,,Iea.ts',i,emCmhrm! Sii: liS'1 n'i PARTICUI.AR DEVOTIONS. \Vi r 11^ so that they go on from one sin to another, until they fall into hell— a punishment far worse than death it- self. O, my brethren, mark well what you now read : cease from sin and give yourself to God. Fear lest this should be the last warning which God will send you. You have gone on in your olTences long enough. He has borno with you long enough. Tremble lest Iho first mortal sin you again commit after this, God will pardon you no more. Consider well; your soul is at staice ; all eternity is at stake. Tlow many have been moved by this great thought cf eternity to leave the world and live in cloisters, deserts and caves ! 0, unhappy sinner that I am ! What liave I gained by so many sins? {Reflect on the frequent repctUion of your beselling sin.) A guilty conscience, a heavy heart, a burdened; soul, hell deserved, and God lost! Ah, my God and Father, unite me to thee once more and for- ever in sacred charity. {Excile the qiirit of conlriiion in your heart, and make a frm resolution.) II. Consider how this, the only important concern, is the most neglected of all. We thiiik of every thing but our salvation. We have time for every thing but God. Exhort a man of the world to receive the Sacra- ments oftener, or to make a mediintion of half an hour, and he will answer you : I liave children, 1 have pro- perty to take core oH I have bu; incss, I have so much to do. O my God 1 Ilav i you \\.\ a soul too ? Call upon all your possessions, and your cliildrcn and relations, to iiclp you at the hour of death, they will give you no relief, neither can they rescue y; u from hell, when you are damned. Flatter yourself not with the hope that you can reconcile God and the world, Paradise and sin. The affair of our sahation is not a thing which can be arranged easily ; you must lay out cfiorts ; yen must do yourself violence if you would win the crown of eternal life. {Tninh of that l,esriling sin which lies in your waij.) Ah ! how n^any Christians who are now in hell, flattered thenjselves that at some future time they would serve God and save their souls. What folly to think always of what linishes so soon, and to think DAILY MEDITATIONS. 223 soliltle of that whic?i will never pnrli n ru^-r.*- , jou. (Arouse in voiineir Uic tnirii of ™7 v- ^ ^ make a firm resoCiion) ' '^ contrtUon, tuid < hlL "^"f 't"^'' well. O Christian ! and say (o voursfir- ihavo only ono soul ; if i loso that I loso all T ha™ Something of far cw ""^^^^ salvation, ncnds on \t fnn .fil I ^^. common imporlanco de- ■ invo vcd 6 Zcn^] ^^^i;P'"^s^ ^r eternal misery '3 «o,;. or your beJIngZ.) Thav'J noUhouthtTf Ss'?4o^°"ia.?r.r.' {^SL^S-'^^^^^^^^^ I do not loso tlico O "nv God M?" """^f' '''°°'y savo mo l.y ,hy intcrcos L "^ J r-LoZ/iX!. " top co«/na-o«, and make a firmfZlJlZ.j ' ' '" " MEDITATXOX FOR TUESDAY. On mortal Sin. I. Consider that God has croifod vn„ ;„ „.j .i , - anone.y; yol'-h^ ferh/sTra'LTni'',iS liiff II 224 PARTICULAll DEVOTIONS. \ \ friendship. You kaew that by your sins you would displease him, and yet you have committed them. What does he, that man who commits sins? Ho turns his back on God ; he loses respect for him ; ho lifts his hand, it may bo said, to strike him; ho grieves the- heart of his God. (Is. Ixiii, 10.) He who sins, says in fact to God: Withdraw from me, I will not obey thee, I will not sor\o tlioe, I will notacknowlodgdhee as my Lord, 1 will not have thee for my God; this pleasure, that worldly advantage, this gratification of my revenge must be my God. bo do you speak in your heart, whenever you prefer a creature to your God. St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi could not coiiipre- ht^nd how a Christian, with his eyes open, could com- mit sin. And you who are now reading this, whatclc Tou sav ? IJow manv mortal sins have vou not alreadv committed? {Examine yourself.) My God! pardon m '. and have mercy on ihe. I have oifended tliy infi- nite goodness; I hate my sins, I lovelliee, and repent of having offended thee, my God, thou who art sit infmitcjly lovely ! [Arouse yourself to repentance, end make a firm resoluUon.) II. Consider tliatin the moment whon you are com- mitting sin, God says to you : " My son ! I am thy God, who liavo created thee fiom nothing, who have redeemed thee with my blood. I forbid thee, under pain of my displeasure, to commit these sins." But when you sin, you answer your God and say: ••() JiOrd ! I will not obey thee, 1 will procure for 'myself this satisfaction : it is of no importanco to mo whcthei it pleases tln'O or not." Alas ! O my God, more than cijcc have I done this ! [Examine yourself) JIow was it possLL'lo for thee to bear with ^nc so long ? Ih.it I had died before offending thee.! 1 will never displease thee more : I will love thee, O infinite good- ness ! give me only the grace of perseverance! give me thy holy love ! [ExcHe your heart to contrition, end male a firm resolution.) III. Consider that when the number of sins exceed a certain limit, God abandons the sinner. *« The Lord I liAir.Y .MEDITATIONS. 225 '^insr (2 Marl ?i^ '^1 W hon i/^'' ^'^^'^T ^/''''^^> confess iT.y ins .-fnoA^^a '.^^^^ I will pi'clon, Lm Uin hour c^ ip^HJ. ^^''^ *"f' ^^opod for hofallyoi,. "'^ *'" ^•-•ni''' lJ"ng should froodnoss cf God to din i^ i.'^Jy.nlasre of the 10 fear thai God ^Ui.o^i^T'r'' ''''''''' ^'"'^"^'^^ youcommil. Tl.unk J ni^fr "" "^'-^^ mortal sin «o kindly and so iop^'X^^^^^^^ ]^-^''i'<--^l for you ra!hcrtosunord.>-,U M i.DXESDAY. J>oalh is cortaiii hni vni, , *''• ^'"^" must die. '" ••ome. Onolit 1 drop'flCin^ ?r ""', ''^'''' ^^ ^i" >oin bursting in voT Ci f • "'If^' y^"^ ^"^^^^^ a <^^^-' throat, a viclo n.f r'n'"^''"!'"^ '^^^^ >" P"i^onous roptile. a^k^ ^'VS• i^? ^jto of a ♦'.^Hh(jualv».fl ii.-xi, nf i:.V.:J:^^'""^' " freshet '"»,a Hash of lichtn ii'g, IS enough to dej>ri\ an ir< ill r 1 J . .A -22G PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. mt fill you of life. Death will come to you when you least expect it. How many have laid down to sleep at night in health and in the morning have been found dead I May not this happen as well to you ? All those who have died so suddenly, little thought that they were to die in this way, and if thoy were then in the state of sin, where are they now ? and where will they bo through all eternity ? Let it be as it may with tliem, this is certain, that a time will one day come, when for you, a night will close in, followed by no morning ; or a day will begin for you that will be interrupted by no night. Jesus Christ said, I will come as a thief, unseen and in secret. Your merciful Saviour w^arns you in season, for ho desires that you may bo saved. Do what God desires of you, prolit by the warning, prepare yourself to die well beiVrc death itself comes. " Be ready, " for when there is no more time for preparation, it is necessary to be already prepared. {Examine here ymr bcsdiinq sins.) It is certam that you must die. The drama of this world must close for you, and you know not when. Who l.now^s whether you will live a year, a month, or even till to-morrow? Jesus! enlighten mo and pardon mo. [Arouse your sovl to munition, and make a firm rcsolulion.) 11. Consider how you will li(>, at the hour of death, stretched apon a bed, surrounded by your weeping friends, a priest by your side to assist your soul ; a crucillx at your head, the li-hted tajjor at your feet , in fine, already just at the entrance of eternity. Dread- ful pains alllict your distracted head, it grows dark around you, yoiu- tongue is jiarched, your breath is short, your breast is burdened, your blood chilled, your Ilcsh shrunken, your heart rent with anguish, all you bavo is glidivg from you, and, poor and nuked, you will be thrown into a grave to rot. Thero worms and insects will gnaw your llesli, and nothing of you will be left but the crumbling bones and a little dust. Onen some crave and look! wkat has become of that rich, that avaricious man, that vaiu and worldly woman ? DAir.Y MEDITATIONS. 227 This vanifv n.i \ \ >"" "'lo sin . he savs to you Sibils l^^mt. while you can do it, remedv ll,o A for Im ! O, tho end of life! tljo l.mf l.ronfi. i <' >. i 4 nfv in h!^?, i ' ^'- ^'tmiity in lioavon, or an eter- hnf ' >^",^'" ^'•'i^'-' nolhinK more to suirei- vou w I «ble bcng that I am." th, „e „„■„, will .V/.u^^"- rmeon'X- w? '7' '»«"'<■"'>'• "ll-ea,- in li;.,;;;:;: W8 PARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. w »' hell? Shall 1 rejoice forever with the angels, or shall 1 burn eternally with the damned ? bhall 1 be a child of God, cr a slave of the devil? Alas I soon, too soon, shall 1 know, and where I find my- self the first moment, there shall I remain through cternitv. Ah! what will become of me in a lew hour'^ in a few moments? What will become of me wiicn 1 chn no longer repair that scandal ? when I cannot restore those ill-gotten goods? when T can- not pardon my enemies from my If^i^t ?,J^!^o^„ J cannot any longer make good that confession ?. (Examine yoursflf as lo your prmcipal sm) Then will voLi curse a thousand tmics that day m which you sinned ; you will curse that pleasure, that re- venue which vou have taken, but too late, and with- out Vail, ^ beJau.c you will do it then on y iTom the fear of punishment, and not Irom love to God ! Ah ' Lord, heboid— now, at this very moment, I turn to thee ; I will not wait for death ; now, and always, I will love thee ; I embrace thee, and in thy embrace will I die ! iMy mother Mary, let me dio under thy protecting mantle : help me in my death ! Amen. {Awaken your conlnUon, and make a firm resolvtion.) MEDITATION FOR THURSDAY. On the Pariicular Judgment. I Con^^ider how tlie soul, as soon as it has left the body, will be immediately taken before the tribunal cf Gcd. to be judged. Yonr Juago is Almighty God, cremird and'onPnged with you. Your accusers are Ue devils, your enemies. You are to bo judged for vcur -ins The iudgmcnt is one which cannot bo fecallo ; the punisirmont is hell. There, you have roJom anions no parents, no friends ; you will bo Jlono there, you aild your God. 'H^^M-^^J^j ^^f^j: nil ihe encrmitv of your sins, and you wdl no longer iVoableto excuse them as you have beiuio. Aii uio Sins you have committed, in thought, word, or deed, m DAILY MEDITATJONS. j'fl Will be examined: all the mne or • i , omission, and of comm sslon %/ indulgence, of the vast number o> ^^2. ) ^ F^^^ '^'^ he weighed in the^eSb^'Zl, ^r^.^^ing will and if in any one nnini .^^^"^^ ^} divine justice, Will be eternaflyTst.^'My ^"urtlfor ' P^'^^' ^'^" n?yj"dge, pardon me befL iho ' tZ f'^ "^'^^ ^« of the world, their bodiP^w.nn^',^^'^"' ^^ ^he end the soul, tbeV UTO '^'^'' ^^g^therwiUi cording to their w4^-s plfn k °^u PunJohmenl ac- you will agafi^^rre Vfo" vonrT^^^^^ -''' '^ ^^^demned, theeteinalV^rno yolTeo^^^^^ curse the body, and the bodv L I^'P ^'^^ ^^^<^ ''^^^ and soul, which are now r,n/. -^""i* ^° ^^^^t body hidden Pleasurt, wm"bTagainluo!l'^ T"'^ ^'^°^- olher after death. If on i h^ -?»^ > torment each saved, then will your hZv L^l^-' ^^^"^' V^" are radiant and incanab le of .^,f?. ^ '" P^^^^^^ beauty, and body will brworthv 'f^'!''^' f^ ^^^i both sou this life, like he acTil of a Hn".^''""^ ^'["- ^hus will light, as well as the omn of i hi?'^' ^^^- ^^ ^^^^ de- is over then. NothiL remain^^ T^^' '"^- ^^^ one of glory and the oThor nf ^''^^^^''"^^'^s, the hliss, the other of merv one nr"^*'^"^*^"^ = «n^ of of suffering : the iu"t in 'hn? J^^' «"d tha other i£:^amuJ,owX ^^^^^7"' t^o sinners in hell. who has lovcc; "le wnrl.i Z^a i ' i^*^^ ^<^ ^^at man joys of this w^ld? E lo'srcveTv^'h ^""^ '^" "^"^'^^^ B?ul, body, heaven, and God%t!."£7''''^ '^^"^' thJ udg'oTi iTurn'^to^^^^^^^^ ,T'-^\ '^^ Christ It is all over wiihv 0^111 "\o_ j-^Fobat^s and say : pver i My ho«i- isaow cu7aa "tSfJ^'^^''^ souls. aJlis justice^the hQur of wrath Li '^^J- of truth and K. ^*u w wraift and vengeanee. Depart (I -J m iSii m I'll 11111 m 230 I' ARTICULAR DEVOTIONS. from mey yecursedy into everlasting fire. (Matt. \xv.) Away, ye sinners. You have loved cursing, and now let it come upon you. Accursed he yo all eternity ! DepaH from my presence; go, deprived of all you possessed, laden with torments, go into eternal lire ! {In view of this judgment, examine yourself on your besetting sin.) Then will Jesus turn to the t^cct, and say : Come, blessed children of my Father, conje receive the king- dom which IS prepared for you ; come, no more to bear the cross with me, but wilh me to wear the crown. Come and be lieirs of my kingdom, compa- nions of my glory, come to praise my mercy through all eternity ; come from exile to your homo, come from misery to joy, come from weeping to rejoioing, corao from Rull'ering to eternal n^st ! " Come, ye t>les- sedofmy Father, possess the kingdom preparal for you.'' my Jesus ! I also hope to bo among thesis "blessed ones. I love thee above all things. give me thy blessing now ! And do thou, my mother Mary, bless mo also. {Make a fervenl act of contrition, with a firm resolution to prepare dunng fife for judgment.) MEDITATION FOIl FRIDAY. On Ikil. I. Contemplate for a moment that frightful prison of hell, filled with lire, where the damned sufTer Ker- nally. Into tliis fire they arf», so to speak, plunged and buried. Under them a sea of lire, over them a sea of fire, around on all sides fire — lire in the eyes, (Ire in the mouth, fire jienetrating every where. Ti-jrtv each and ev(;ry sense has a torment of its own. The «yeR am tormented by darkn«^ss and smoke, and, at the same time, by the sight of the devils and the re^t of tho damned. Day and night, the ears hear nothing «l80 but howling, and wenping, and cursing. Thb sense of smell is sickened by the insupportable stench of so many putrid and infected bodies. The taste is tor- mented by A burning thirst, and a cruel hunger, while DAILY MEDITATIONS. 28t never a drop of water c&n be had or the least refresh- ment. And thus these miserable captivef SiinS weep, groan, howl, and despair, whilst thev crtVnnt at" on'" O n'.n ) T^'^ ""'''' ^^^ And reslo^r con "ot iTeve ntLi?^v^'f fr^^^^'^^ i^Y the flames, to be- «o Jf if/ ^°"' ^^^° «^'eii now are readin'^ on this YOU CO ? ^ W hnt f vn,?^ *^"l ?°"'^"*' ^here wouia a never-ending eternity fT^^^l^L^."^^ tX^'S ti "ofiho'loni Tn'h J?''^'. P^'"' ^^^'^^ a«^'°t the facul. lies ouiie soul n hell. The memory will be everlrt««iL ngly turmented by the stings of con^rienrA ^aT that worm which will foreverrrn/iw in f 1 ^'^ ^^ ,^ "- ^^-ned, to i^mindrm&" o"o i^ ly^^r^^^^^^^ pleasures. OGodI how will each moment of sinfni pleasure appear to him then, after a hundred aCi escaping frcm his eternal ruin God T O rv^T^i, ' J a double hell will this be I Tho -min ♦ ' 9 ^'^d 1 what that is to say; every' p,;^sU,r suSg' mux.?^ stanchrff w.ll 300 clcarfy what great rewards il has Iom): I'H ¥ i I 232 PARTICriAU DEVOTIONS. namely, heaven and God ! God i my God ! pardon me for the love of Jesus. {Excile your heart to con- Irilion, and make a firm resolution.) III. Sinner, you who arc now so indiflorent whether or not you lose heaven and God, you will know how great has been your blindnes'^ when vor. shall seethe triumph and joy of the hies heaven ; and you yourself driven like an urn crea'uro from that blessed home, cast out from t^o presonco of God, and the company of Mary, of the angels and the saints of God. Then in a frenzy of despair you will excluim : O Heaven, O place of joy ! O God ! O infinite good, thou art not for me, thou wilt n^vcr more bo, mine I Alas ! poor sinner do penance rather now ! amend your life at once. {Examine your conscience again, and place before you your besetting sin.) O yes, wait not tiU time with you shall be no longer ! — give yourself wholly to God. Begin to love him truly. Pray to Jesus, pray to Mary, that they may have mercy on you. {Make a fervent act «f contrilion and a strong resolvXion) MEDITATION FOR SATURDAY. On the eternity of punishment . 1. Consider that Hell has no end. There, ail knids of suflfcring are found, and for all eternity. Hundreds and thousands of yearswill |)assin those torments, aiut yet hell will be always as if just beginning. Hundreds of thoRsands, hundreds of millions of years and of centuries will pass away, and Hell will be st 11 al. its commencement. If at this veiy hour an angel shoul(4 «3arry the tidings to one of the damned, that (Jod hud consented to free him from hell— and when? heuil when so many millions of centuries shall have jKissed away as there are drops of water in the ocean, leaves on the trees, sands in the sea, and on the earth—yon would shudder at this, but fitiU it ' " - - — taiirt; Udings would give greater joy to that soul, than you 41U DAILY MEDITATIONS 233 still beginiin^ inf^vvP^^^^^^^ Veuves, but Holl is my pains as long as it may dK hli i ' ^-'^1^"^' if it will only ono do v on7 i "^*^^' ^ ^^ satislied ; end will ^^vl'ZiZlTyorrCT^^^^ ^""l^' '^'^ lost sinner will delude and nif..-^'"''^!^!^^ ^'"s poor wardly : PeTl^ps Go,? 'vi one d'avZl?' '"^' ^^^ "^- and deliver me from ll7u~.Nn tL^^^ '^'^^''^ °" "^« will always have Tfore hk ovi^^ ? ^^^n'^^mned soul eternal condemnation and l.lfi, "'° ''"*""^^ °^ ^"« Alasl it is suiT?oo .'u^ef . H "^'J^^'^ ^^" ^« ^'^is: now sufTer, thi's l^lZt ^so ow Uiif ^^of t"'^-' will never end J never n^voi rT' .^^ ^^ " """S ^hich God does not know ? 'urth, the angols andSnon, and T^nr ci^?u^ .IfJ^ "Msts and made them out of nothS^ (;. Is thcroany place where God is'nol? 1. ^0 ; Crod is every wh^re (J. Can God lie ? t- No God is inlinilely true and faithAiJ 411 that oX ^:o7.:o.T' "" """ "-p^-'-^^ wiudf ' I. God is infinitely holy. He loves gvwv thir.* *>,*'♦ " rt d "^^i^r, ^^^'^ '^-^ "-t "S!""* ""* V- lias God a body ? - - A. No : God has no horly. He is a pure Spirit. '• • 'i h S8B PLAIN INSTRUCTIONS. 2. OF THE nOLY TRINITY. Q. Is tliei'O more than one God ? A. No: there is only one God. Q. Is God only one person ? A. There are tliree persons in God, but only one essence. (J. TIow do we call these three divine Persons ? A. Thoy are named: 1. The Father; 2. The Son; 3. The Holy Ghost. The Father is of himself ; the Gou is Lcgolten of the Father ; the Holy Ghost is not l)cgotton, but proceeds equally from the Father and the Son. And all three are alike uncreated and eternal. Q. You say there is only one God in three Persons : what must we understand by this ? A. We must understand that although, in some manner, we can distinguish in our thoughts and in our prayer between the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, yet it is necessary to believe that these three are only one and the same divine Being, having only one mind, and one will. This is a great mystery, but God has not yet revealed himself to us more clearly thaji this. Q. ilow do we confess the Holy Trinity? A, Wo confess our belief in tli^e Holy Trinity every Ihue we bless ourselves with the sign of the cross, by touching our forehead, our breast, and our shoulders, end saying : " hi ike name of the Father, f c^nd of the Son, t G,nd of the Holy Ghost, f Amen. 3. OF THE REDEMPTION OF MANKIND. Q. Have men always remained obedient to God? A. No: the very first of all, Adam and Eve, dis- olicyed God by eating of the forbidden fruit in Para- dise, and thereby sinned. (i. Did this fiin injure the first man only? A. This original sin not only injured our first pa- rents, but it has also descended from them io aii their children. THE LITTLK CATEGHrSM. 239 io Ofii tiiuu- rii" nli''fh!!'''Vll'"^" ^"^^^ '-^^^^ ^^^'ay forever from (.tO(1, like the rebellious angels ? ^. No : for God, in his great mercy, lias i?iven us a Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ ' '*> b^vbu us a ^. Why do we callJesus Christ our Redeemer' 4. Because ho has redeemed us from the slavery of the dovil, by dying for us. siuv cry oi i. THE INCAKXATION AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST. Q. Is not Jesus Christ God? i+J^.\w''-H*^^^''' second Person of the Holy Trin- for^usl^'""'' '^''''' ^^'''^ ^' ^^^' ^'^^^ *^^"1'* ^^«' awhile, on account of those sins which the;' have not expiated during this life. ji ' THE LITTLE CATECHISM. 241 Q. What souls are they which go to Purgatory ? A. The souls of those who die in the grace of God, but are nevertheless still soiled by venial sins, or who have not done during their life sufficient penance fdr their sins. Q. How may these poor souls in Purgatory be aided by us ? A. They may bo aided. 1. By Prayer. 2. By the Holy Sacrilice of the Mass. 3. By othei' good works done f ;r their sake. 4. By indulgences. (). What is Hell? A. Hell is a place of eternal torment, where the damned are punished forever. Those who die in- mot*- tal sin go there. Q. What is Heaven. A. Heaven is the blessed abode of the Saints, whero the faithful servants of God are rewarded, and enjoy his presence forever. Those go to heaven who die ii the grace of God. Q. Will all those bo paved who have believed and professed the true Faith V A. No : Faith is necessary to salvation, but of itsell alone it is not sulllcient. Q. Upon what other principle, then, will men ba rewarded or |)uni?hed at the day tfjudgment? A. They will bo judged according to their works, that is to say, accoiding to tho sins they shall have committed, or the good works they may have done. 6. OF si.v. Q. What is sin ? A. Sin is a wilful transgression of llie law of God. Q. How many kinds of sin are there ? A Then' two kinds of sin; namely, I. Original sin. l. Actual sin. (A What IS original sin ? .'J. Urigiiiai sin is that sin which Adam committed in raradise, ami which wo have inherited from hinu being uJl bora in siu. ii 5! ill 14?. PLAIN INSTRUCTIONS. Q. How is original sin remitted ? A. Original sin is remitted in holy Baptism. Q. What is actual sin ? A. Actual sin is any sin which we commit onrsel- Tes; in other words, it is the wilful violation of the law' of God, after one has come to the age of reason. It is committed by thoughts, words, or actions, or by the omission of what wo ought to do. Q. What is mortal sin? A. Mortal sin is n grievous offence against God, which kills the soul. Q. How does mortal sin kill the soul ? A. Mortal sin kills the soul, by separating it from God, and subjecting it to the punishment of hell. Q. What is venial sin? A. Venial sin is a less grievous transgression of tho divine law. It offends God and stains the soul, but does not ruin it. 7. OF GOOD WORKS. Q. Is it true that good works arc necessary to sal- Yttion ? A. Yes • good works are certainly necessary to sal- vation, for " faith luUhoui works is demV (St. James. ii. 20.) Q. What is meant by good works ? A. A good work il any right action, done in a state of grace, and with some holy motive. Q. Can a man, by any strength of his own perform such good works, so as to merit eternal life ? A. No : those truly good works which possess merit before God, and deserve salvation, can be done only with the help of God's grace. PART SECOND. THINGS V/HICU EVERY CATHOLIC IS BOCND TO KNOW UY COMMAND OF GOD OR OF THE CHDRCH. Q. » liUl Uliin IJlJIljjr, .3 CVVij v.:sm:-.-ii-- --"".:• r - know, besides what we have nlrcady raontionod ? A. Every Catholic is also bound to know, 1. The THE LITTLE CATECHISM. 243 KNOW BY three most ordinary Christian prayers; viz., the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, and the Apostles' Greed : and also, at ioast in substance, 2. The Command monts of God ; 3. The I.-ecopts of the Church ; 4. The Sacra- ments, and especially those three which are necessary to every one ; namely. Baptism, Penance, and the Holy Eucharist. (;. Is it a mortal sin for a Christian to be ignorant of these things? A. Yes, if it be through his own wilfulness or noff'- lect. ^ I. THE ORDINARY CHRISTIAN PRAYERS. Q. Is it necessary to pray ? A. Yes ; it is very necessary to our salvation. Q. VHiy is it so necessary ? A. Because it has been commanded by Jesus Christ. Q. Is it necessary fur any other reason ? A. It is necessary also, for tho reason that every man needs tho grace of God to avoid sin and practico virtue, and this grace is not obtained without prayer. Q. What prayer contains every thing for which wo ought to pray ? A. Evc-y thing vo need to pray for is included in Mie Lord's Prayer. It is called tho Lord's Prayer, be- cause it was made for us by Jesus Christ himself. Q. Repeat tho Lord's Prayer. A. " Our Father," Ac. (See page IG.) (J. What prayer after this ono is tho most remark- able? A. Tho Hail Mary. Q. Why is the Hail Mary so remarkable ? A. Bocfiiiso it is a very holy and clTlcacious prayer, inspired by tho Holy Ghost, and adopted by tho Holy Church. r - J Q. Hcpent tho Hail Mary. A. " Hail Mary, full of grace," *c. (Reo page 17.) (J. Is .t also necessary to know tho Apostles' Greed? ohc learn it by heart, and repeat it often. 244 PLAIN' INSTllUrXIONS. i- 0. Why is it caUed the Apostles' Creed ? A. Because it is believed to have been composed by the Afwstles themselves. ). Repeat the Apostles' Greed ? I. " I believe," Ac. (See page 17.) II. TllK COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. Q. AVhy aro the Ten Commandments called tho commandments of God ? A. Because they were given to us by God himself oi Mount Sinai. Q. Which are tliese Ten Commandments ? A. They are contained, in substance, in the follow, isxg veu'ses, which may easily be commilted to memory' 1. One God nlono, for ovormoro ' By faith, jind lK»i)e, and love, adore. 2. Tnou sluilt not tuku his name in vain. 8. Thtj liord's day thou ^halt not profane. 4. Honor thy fatlior, and thy mother. f). Thoushait not hurt nor htite thy brother. 6. Tlion f;h;ilt do no ndiUtory. 7. Thou Shalt not steal. H. Thou shnlt not Up. V, TIk^u Shalt have no impure desire. 10. Nor tx) thy neighbor,'»s goods aspire. (J. W^hat do the first tlirei? co«?maiidments of God C'uitain ? .1. Th(! first three coniuianiliuehts contain our duties towards God. Q. What do the sev^i other eommaiidnients con- tain? A. The stn-en other coniinnndnients contain our duties towards our nf i^^hltor. Q. What does the First Cummnnduient require? A. The First Coininnndment reijuiros us to believe in Ih" only trvK^ God, to ho|H» in Jiini, to love him, and alcre liini. 0. Wluit does the lirst eonunnndnient forbid ? A. It forbids Idohitry, hilidclity, Heresy, Supersti- ii tfi, VViichcrafi, FortuncM^'iLiug, and evPry kind ol Ffilse worsiiip. ~mii' TRE LriTl.K CATECHISM. 245 Q. Is il right lo venerate the Angels and Saints ? A. Itis nght ; beciuse we pay them no divine !ionor hut only honor them and implore their intercession w:rh God, as being the friends of God. (}. Is it permitted to venRrnte holv images ? .J. Th(>. veneration of Ijoly images is pe°rmitted, b(v cause this veneration is not paid to the image itseif but to that winch it represents. (>. Is it permitted to venerate holy relics? A. The \eneration of the relics of 'the Saints, or the remains of the bodies of the Saints, is also permitted because this honor is referred to God, who is glorified 111 his Saints. ^ p. Is it a sin to j in any way. "' Q. What does the Second Commandment forbid'' .1. n forbids all bla-^-phemy. and prolUnation of the h.ly Name ot God; all perjury, and rash or foolish ^wi'iirini.'; und all cursing. (J. What does this comuinndinent require ? A. It nvpiir.'s us to ]hh\vv the name of God', to speak W.I 1 rovereric(M)f holy things and to keep our lawful oaths and ^ows. {). What dons the 'J'hird C<.iimiandment require ^ A. It r.^qiures us to attend divine service on Sun- d.iys and Ilohdays, and to sppiid those days in devo tiMU and good works. fj. What does it iV)rbid ? A. It forbids all servilr hrbor done on those days ^^ ithout strong reasons of nercssit V, (dinril \ or devo- imn. ' • ' Q. What does the Fourth CommandiiuMit ro.ruire' .1. It requin^s that we should lovi\ honor, obev, u-id I. -Ip our parents; that j.nn.nts shcmld i .ovide fov the iiairiiri, ^ovoiii, and watch ovcrthem; that husband and wifeshould live tog<'the. HI all duty and alTection : and that we should obey all \'''\ 1 1 u^ PLAIN INSTRUCTIONS. oirr superiors, both spiritual and temporal, and respect Uieir authority. ^ , . , „ Q. What does this commandment forbid ? A. It forbids all disobedience, liatred, and contempt, mockinor, cursing, or abuse of parents and superiors. Q. What does the Fifth Commandment forbid? A. It forbids ever> outward act of violence against our neighbour ; sucii as murder, striking, &c., and all injurious and insulting words. It forbids, also, all in- ward haired, anger, and enmity. Q. What else does this commandment forbid ? A. It forbids suicide, or self-murder, and the expo- sure of one's life and heairli without necessity or duty; also to destroy or impair one's reason by drunkenness. (;. What does the Fifth Commandment reciuiro ? A. It requires us to love our neighbour, and even our enemies ; to live in peace and union with all, and to show a good example to those around us. Q. What does the Sixth Commandment forbid ? A. It forbids adultery, and every such like act of impurity ; all immodest looks, kisses, touches, and em- braces, and all such light conduct, conversation, and familiai'ily as lead t;) sin. (;. What (lo( s ihis commandoment reriuire ? A. It HYiuires us to bo pure and chasto in all our words and action? ; to govern and restrain all our sen- sual app't;tes, and al.^o lo avoid tho 0( casions of sin. (;. What d(><*s tli'.> Sevcnlli Commandment forbid? A. It i'orbiils all robberv, stealing, cheating, extor- tion, violation of a lawful contract, and every species of injuslice. (;. Wliat does this commandment rerpure ? A. It n^quires us to ronder to every one his due ; and if we have done any wrong to our neighbour, to repair Q. What does tho Eighth Commandment forbid ? A. It firbids all falso witness, lying, slander, detrac- tion, unjust susi.icion, nnd lale-bearing. Q. Wliat does this eommanflment require ? A. It requires us to bo truthful and sincere ; to do- THE LITTLE CATECHISM. 247 fend the good name of our neighbour, and if we have said any thing to his injury, to repair it. Q. What does the Ninth Commandment forbid ? A. It forbids us to desire any thing which the Sixth Commandment forbids us to do ; also, to entertain any such dangerous thought, or take pleasure in it. 1^. What does this commandment require ? ^. It requires us to cherish a strict purity in the heart, and to resist every unholy inclination from tho beginning. Q. What does the Tenth Commandment forbid ? A. It forbids us to entertain the thought of commit- ting any theft, fraud, or injustice, or oven to look upon tho goods of our neighbour with a covetous eye. Q. What does this commandment require ? f^ A.li requires us to guard against tho spirit of ava- rice, or the inordinate love of riches. Q. What else do we learn from these last two com- mandments ? A. Thoy teach us that God searches into our very hearts, and that he will judge ourmost secret thoughts and desires. Iir. THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHtTnCH. Q. Are there no other commandments binding upon Christians ? A. Yes ; besides the ten commandments of God, tho Christian is bound to obey tho commandmenls of tho Church. Q. Why is ho bound to this ? A. Tho Cliristian is bound to keep tho command- ments of the Church, because tho Church has received from God the jwwer to make laws ; and because, be- ing our Spiritual Mother, wo are bound as children to obey her. Q. ilow many commandments of the Church are there ? A. We count commonly six. Thev are the fo!lQwin£r : 1. You must hear Mass every Sunday and Ilohday. 2. You must fast and abstain, on tho appointed days. 11 irr*rr 248 PLAIN IXSTBUCTIONS. 3 You must confess at least once a year. 'i. \ou must receive tlie Blessed Eucharist once a year, du- ring Easter-time. 5. You must not marry against the laws of the Church. 6. You must contribute to the support of the Church. These precepts are expressed- in the following verses : 1. Sundays and Holy Bays observe As feasts of obligation ; Attend at Ivoly Mass, and keep From servile occupation. 3. Lent, Ember-days, and vigils fast, With one m(.>al antl collation. 3. On Friday, meat thou must not eat, For sake of Christ's dear passion. 4. (Inco in the year at least confess With due examination. At Eastef-time receive thy Lord, ' With tlianks and adoration. 5. In Lent or Advent marry not Withixirap and ostentation, ^ Wed before witnesses and seek The Church's approbation. 6. The worship of the (Jhurch maintain With generous contribution. Q. Are we bound to keep these laws of the Church as faithfullv as the commandments of God ? A Wo are ; for our Lord si)oke to the Church when he said ! " He that lieaMli yc^ hearelhme ; onrf Jt« [hai despisetk you, despiseUi mi " (St. Luke, x. lb.) IV. OF c;UACK, AND THE SACRAMENTS. Q. Is man able to k.'ep the commandments With- out the grace of Cod ? • vi ♦ \ No ; without God's grace, no man is able to keep th.^ coaiuiandments, or to obtain salvation " WilhoiU me, iiou can do nothing:' says our Lord Jesus Christ (St. John, xv. 5) ; and St. Paul : " Our suffictinci/ is from God.' ['l Cor. in. 5.) Q. What do we mean by Grace ? 4 ri ^ A. urauo jv is alt liiw^s--- •' 1 piiii cnnernatural Rift of I God, by which he either pardons and admits sinners THE LITTLE C.VTECHISM. 3ij) to his friendship, or enables the just to avoid sin t« tl'X'Zt'"'"' '" """"''^«' -^ toafC^'^te';! C>.. What is a Sacrament ? A. A Sacrament is a visible sim of an inviuM^ iificaiion. 1 here IS always an outward sien or pppp in uaptism. liut lliere is also an inward crace whi-h we cannot see : as, in iDaptism thrremis^.Ton of sins IS a grace which cannot be seep "^'^sion ot sms they caurd"?""^ Sacraments are there, and what are ^^.^j Ought we to esteem the holy Sacraments very A. Indeed, we ought to hold them in the highest rSh-'"' ,^^^^"i\'hey were instituted by J^us Unnst himself, and because thov are tho fmintn;^! (rem Which he supplies us with slv^g anVsiS^! OF BAPTISM. Q. What is Baptism ? .1. Baptism is the Sacrament of Retmermim in. wuch man is Oorn again to eternal l^y^^^a^^ '^\^t water and the Word of God. ' (J, \\ hat are the eflects of Baptism ? -4 I he principal eflecls of Baptism are 1st Tha pui-don of sin, whether original or act.ml '• ^'^ thJ Thf '°? ??.f "/'tidying graces into the sou]"; ' and 3rd The indelible impress of the Christian character. ' r :u i 1 ! I. ill iM 250 PLAIN INSTRUCTIONS. Q. Is Baptism necessary to our salvation ? A Yes ; it is necessary, and for all men. 0. "Why is Baptism so necessary for all ? A Because all men are born under the curse or Bin • and because our Lord has said that " unless a mak be bom again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ibt. Jonn, 0. who are authorize to baptize ? A. The Priests of the Church ; but, m case of ne- cessity, any one can baptize. (>. How is thia to be done ? A Water is poured upon the head of the person to be baptized, while these words aro pronounced: *' I baptise thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amenr The water must be common and natural ^ater, and must be Doured on by the same person who repeats the words: and care must be taken to repeat the w ords exactly, and to pronounce them at the same time that the water is poured on. OP CONFmMATION. What is the Sacrament of Confirmation ? ^ A. Goniirmation is a Sacrament by which the Ghns- Han already baptized ^^ forlified Inj the grace of M fJoUfGlioU to confess his failh firmly, and to regulate his^ life according to a , j_:„;^ 1^. How and by whom is confirmation adminis- tcred ^ 1 • A it is administered by the Bishop, who lays h's tiand upon the candidate, at the same time anom.- .ng his forehead with the holy chrism, and pronoun- cing the sacramonlal words. ^ Q. What condition is necessary m order to receive this sacrament worthily ? . . . .. _r A. It is above all necessary to be m a sxaie oi grac^ ;o receive t, sxaiG 0: THE l.iTTLE CATECHISM. OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST. 551 Q. Vv'hat is the Holy Eucharist ? ^ .1 The Holy Eucharist is the most holv of all tho >acranents : // is (he true body and blood of our Lm d Jesus ihnsl under Ihe apimrances of bread and Q. Are tho soul and diviuity of our Lord also pres- ent in this sacrament? ^ -1. Yes ; the whole person of Jcsus Christ is there living and entire. mert., Q. Is it right to adore tho Blessed Eucharist v n tP ' ^^ ' "^^y ^"'^ ^"^'^^ to ^f^oro it. • y\^ .7 ?"'* ^^^^'^'" '^''^ t'^^ ^^•'•^aJ and winechanged into tho Body and Blood of Jesus Christ ? ^"^°^^« ^. This change is wrought hy virtue of tho words Tlor MaTs"^ pronounced by the Priest during tho (J. What is the Holy Mass ? A. Holy Mass is the unbloody sacrifice of the new •ovenant (he perpetual memorial of the bloody sac- niico ot Josus Christ upon the cross A. No ; his death and passion on tho cross are onlv ivpresenlod tiiero, and a sacred remembrance made or It. (/. Is Jesus Christ then not really present in the .H(1SS . :j',\^r''^}^^^^.^^^^hV^(isent, and really offers him-v self^to his Almighty Father for our sins, upon the Q. What is tho Holy Communion ? J:Jlf i'^lfr ^ommunioh is that sacred feast, vhore the laithlul recoivo the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, as their spiritual food. (J. is it necessary to receive sometimes the Holv Communion ? ^ cr ommunion iiiient for tho nour nu^: v^iirist insiiiuicu tnls su- g of our ouls. and ho him- 252 PLAIN INSTRUCTIONS. self has said : " Except ye eal my flesh, and drink wiy blood, ye have no Ufa in you. " (St. John, vi.) Q. ^ay every Christian, wi-hout condition, receiva the Holy Communion ? A. No ; to receive worthily we must be in the grace of God. Q. What preparation then must the sinner make to entitle him to Communion ? A. He must do penance sincerely, and receive ^the .absolution of his sins from the hand of a Priest. Q. Is any preparation necessary for the body also? A. Yes ; it is necessary to be fasting from midnight. OF PENANCE. 1^. What is the sacrament of Penance ? A. Penance is a sacrament in which sins committed after Baptism, are remitted by the absolution of a Priest' (J. From whence have the Priests received this power ? A. This power was given to his Priests by Jesus Christ, when he said : " Whose sins ye shatl forgive, tfmj are forgiven them, and whose sins you shall re- tain, thei/ are retained:' (St. John, xx. 23.) Q. What condition are necessary on the part of the penitent ? A. It is' necessary that he should confess his sins, with true contrition, and make satisfaction for tlve past. ■ Q. What is confession ? A. Confession is a faithful declaration of one's sins to a Priest. Q. What is a sacrilegious confession ? A. A sacrilegious confession is wlicn, in confessing, one wilfully hides some mortal sin ; also when con- fession is made, without contrition, and the purpose of amendment. (J. What is the value of such a confession? A u \a rrnnH fnf nothlnsf, and must be all made over again. 1, receive THE LITTLE CATECHISM. 253 Q. What IS the guilt of a sacrilegious confession ? *t. tr .'^/.V^^y grievous mortal sin, for it is a lie to the Holy Ghost, and the profanation of a sacrameivt (J. \Vhat preparation is necessary in order to make a good confession ? A. It is ii^essary to pray to God for light and as- sistance, and to make a can^ful examination of con- science. made?°^ ^"«^ ^h^' Examination of Conscience be A. It must be made with regard- to all sinful thoughts, words and actions; and also upon the number of our sins, and those circun.slances which multiply the sin, and change the nature of it (J. What is Contrition? A. Contrition is a hearty sorrow for sin, with the firm purpose of amendment. Q. What kind of contrition is necessary ? A. Contrition must be supernatural, that is to sav • proceeding from some holy motive of faith. These motives are contained in the usual act of contrition (J. «l. but also null myer,^;;r,io*n"tC'l.""" ■■' ""■'■'' ™''-". »a"y 2. When contracted with Jli,. ii,i,.,i ^^ • •-■dehild: norcanib r,Ll^ '■ "■■ "'"""or ol' their »n" wl.0 baptized Win'^Amtl^r-'"" P""^ ^'i"' 'he CltEKD OF i'OPK PIUS JV ".« contained ; ?."!, "'"r" ,' ","«^'^ »''"<^t ,",';■ .and i.ni«i,i;;"!;,rr ii^L::!' |'i':t%!':'- .1.0 Father b4ro^ „u ago ' \;^'^'e"Z f l"«>.t of light; ,rue uj of .Ir'rllc Cl'; IP 'ill I m i •256 PLAIN INSTRUCTIONS. l)egotten, not made, consubstantial with the rather, by whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, aad was made man. He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered, and was buried. And the third day he arose again according t© the Scriptures : ho ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead ; of whose kingdom there shall be no ^nd. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and the life-giver, wlio proceedeth from the Father and the Son : who, together with the Father and the Son, is adored and glori- fied; who spake by the prophets. And i'nono holy. Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I con- fess one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. I most steadfastly admit and embrace tho apostolical and ecclesiastical Traditions, and other observances and constitutions of tho game Church. I also admit the holy Scriptures, according to that sense which our holy mother tliu Church hath held and doth hold, to whom it belongcth to judge of the true sense and in- terpretation of tho Scriptures; neither will I ^vcr take and interpret them othcrwiwo than according to tho unaaimaus conaent of tho Fathers. THE LITTLE CATECHISM. 257 I also profess that there are truly and pro- porly Seven Sacraments of tho new iC instituted by Jesus Christ our Lord, and ncoossaryforthesalvationofmankind, though rot all tor every one : to wit, Baptism, Con- firmation, the Eucharist, Penanci, Extrorae Unction Orders, and Matrimoi.y and that t^ioyconl^r grace : and that of tlicse, Bapt Lm Confirmation, and Orders cannot be repeS without sacrilege. I also receive andSu CatlX'n'' '""," '^PP^*'^ ceremonies ofSie tmin of !"'■'■ r' "'""^ " "^° '°'°™" '^minis- tiation ot the aforesaid sacraments I ombraco and receive all and every one of the ihings whicU have been defined and declared in tho holy Council of Trent con- cerning original sin and justification. IS oBeied to Crod a true, proper, and pro- pitiary sacrifice for (he living Ld the d?^ F^n I /f, *''° '"°'' "^"'y eaerament of the ^.dlvZSi^r '^*™f^-^ '-^""y ••■■Hi substan. tial y the Body ami Blood, together with the and tha 't7'""^'' "' T ^""^ -^^-^ ChVist! and that there is made a conver.sion of tho ^vholesubstaneo.ftho bread into the Body! ami of he whole substance of the wino into tno iilood; which conversion tho Catholic !Z,^!!,f.;!:!;'.?L«i"'-.^-""i -^-'^ chnst is mont.' ^^^^"""""'^'-■^^^""«' aiM a true sacra- I constotly hold that there is u Purgatory, ^'>^ PLAIN INSTRUCTIONS. r i r,i!i s* and that tho souls therein detained are helped by tho suffrages of the faithful. Likewise, that the Saints I'oigning together with Christ are to bo honored and invoked, and that they offer prayers to God for us, and that their relies are to bo had in veneration. I most firmly assert that tho Images of Christ, of the Mother of God ever Virgin, and also of other Saints, ought to be hnd and retained, and that due honor and veneration are to be given them. I also aftirni that the power of Indulgences was left l\y Christ in the Church, and that the use of them is most wholesome to Chri^stian people. I acknowledge the Holy, Catholio, Apostolic, Roman ChurcJi for the mother and mistress of all Churches ; and I promise true obedience to the liishop of Home, successor of vSt. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, and Vicar ofJesuH Christ. I likewise undoiibtingly receive and profess all oth(n- things delivered, defined, and declared by the sacred canons and (Jeneral Councils, and narticuhirly by the holy Council of Trent. Atk! I condemn,' reject, and ana- thematize all tilings contrary thereto, and all here.>ies which the Church Iiuth condemned, rejected, and anathematized. I, K. N"., do at thin present freely profess «nd sincortdv liold tbJs true Cntbolie faith, out of which no one cim be saved: and I promise most constantly to retain and confess THE I.rTTLi: f:\TECHISM 259 I bo 8amc entire and inviolato, by (^d's .'issistancc, to the end of my life. ..AUD FOR THE CHRISTIAN I-NSTRUCTIOX OF THOSK WHO CANNOT READ. WJ.o^.v,,T recoivos one Of llioso cards from a (^.atholic who -annot road, will teacli him by word of mouth wiiat follow:^: ' CmT ■ ^^''' ^^'"' ^''^''''' ""^'^ ^'"'^'' ^"^ ^"^Postlefi Second : IIow to answer the following questions ac-ordin- to the form printed in the card. 1st. Q. IIow many Gods arelhi^e? .1. Thii\} i,^ one God. M. Q. IIow iiianv persons in God ? 1. Thnx- The Father, the Son, and the Holy •rllOPt. ' .{d. (J. Who is Jesus Christ ? .1. God tli(i Son, True God and Ti^uf Man W\. Q. What did he do for men? A He died on the Cross ibr the sins of the worid '! V„ C'V, Where will the good go after death? .1 lo Ileaven, lor all eternity. <)th. Q. Where will the wicked go ? A. To Hell, for all eternity. Tth. Q. What is the name of the True Chnix^h » .1. The Holy Catholic Church. ^ "The institution of this great Sacramr ni by our Lora Jesus Chri-4 is clearly seen in the Gospel. Ho, Inm- 260 SACRAMENT OP PENANfCIi. 26 1 self in the most solemn manner, and with his own- l.reath gave the power to pardon sins to Apostles, and after them to their successors, the Bishops and Priests of he Church, when he said : '' Iieceiv!ye the Jlolij Ghost. Whose sifis you shall forgive, ihry are mi}'(jn them ; and ivhose sins you shall retain, they are retained. (St. John, xx. 22.) ^ Our blessed Lord declares by these words, that he communicates by the Holy Ghost to the Apostles, and tiieir lawful successors ia the apostolical ministry the power to exerciso jurisdiction ovor the sins of men • that those whom they absolve, shall be absolved by him also, while these to whom ihey refuse pardon, 'shall remain unforgiven by himself. I'he forgiving or retaining of sins is not, bv any means, committed to the mere arbitrary will or caprice of the Priest He is bound to know the condiliin of tlie sinner, hat he may pronounce upon him a iu'^t in ^'^^H L^r 'T^ '°"'^ ^^^ "°™'^ ^° ^"y J^^t decision, guiUy of ? ""^ ^^'^ '^''"^' ^'^^ ^^^" hnnnfi f^'''''\ *°?' ^^' ^^?^^ ^°^^« °^ Christ is strici,!v tn nn V '"''''? ,^'"°^'' ^''^ ^'""^ to the Priest, that is, to confess, and leave himself to be judged by him ac^ cording to his priestly power. Confession is therof^e ]rvQn^lV''°'J important and essential parts of tlio iioiy bacrament of Penance. THE EFFECTS OF THIS SACRAMENT. .J^n"? ^^^f^? '"^""^ advantages of this holy Sacrament Pnr>.o n^l ^,°^'°"^ number. We can say with the Roman Catechism, that almost all the piety, holinnss tn"t rnn'^,^''^.^,''-^^;'^S*'^''°"^^^^ t^^^ ^"^^^ mercy, am confcs^on '"^ ^^^'^^t^"^°"^' ^^e owing to sacramentai It O T\in : 1 /t«_ o pi iuoi];ai Ciiuuis are 1. The forgiveness of sins With a sincero and contrite When the po heart confessed nitont has his sins» PI XIV INSTRUCTIONS. undtho priest. With upliltpd hand has ropcated oyer him iJio words. " I absolve thoo from thy sins, at hnt vory moment all the guilt of tho sinner is pardoned for nil otornitv. What a consolation in the hour of doalh and in tho dav of judgment for ih.^ sinner who cm h)ok back upon a sincere confes!«ion ! \> iLrnsiores to the sinner sanoiiiying grace, tli<^ friendship of God, and a right to heaven. }*'W un- happy do wo r-,onsider the man who has lost tho fav.i of Vorae great pitron. or who is sntlering from the loss of for' une. or who has some po\v.>rful person lor Jus i-'uemyl IJut far more unhappy is he who has lost God and Heaven. , . „ . , 3 This sacrament obtains the remission of eternal ].un:<;hmcnt,as St. Paul declares: " There is, there' fore, 7)010 no rondemmlion to them that are m Christ Vsuv" The pains of Hell aro not for thoso who ihrough the m<'rcyof (^od an^ reston>d to his grace m tho sacrament of IVniance. ^ „ , , , .\ It obtaiits that tho merl's of all the goml works wirK-h wo hiid done bei;.re, wh-n wo wore m the stat-^ t.f £;race, are restor.'d to us again. O what a treasury of 'nMce is the rocovfMn' of all our good works : What (■\ertions will not a man mako to recover agamtlio l.'.nn^.oral goods wliirh he has lo os from falling again into sin, and to make US ]M'rs.'Von- in virtue how many sinners luivn louiid in this sacrament the most =ure defence against ihoir passions, and tho boNt remedy to heal their 9pu- ilual wounds ! , . , . e ^ „\ (» It restores to Ihe sinner his lost peace of sou and a quiet conscience. The IToly Spirit has declare.l ihat ^^ there isno maeeforthcwlchedr and that their life is full of pain and sorrow. How many havo ex- nor:iMiced in their own case, that whereas they lived before confession as in a hell, fuii of distress anu anxietv no sooner did they receive absolution thfm SACaAMENT OF PENAKCE. 262 they felt so groat a consolation that they beliaved themselves iii paradise. ^ "e^wveu ^ 1\ ^P. ^^",^' ^^^^^ ^^^^0^® human family is deenlv in. dobted to this holy sacrament, for it is tho preserver of good ordor, peace, and justice. How many sfng of injuslico and impurity, how many quarrels havo been hindered cr terminated byitl Jf it often happens that society ,s desolated with great crimes, it fsS mon y because holy confession has been desp sed or carelessly made. Which aro Ihoso in overyTonirc^ gation ^yho give the greatest cause ofVrief to r4a!- ous Pastor? generally those who seldom cr never 1 to confession. These so-called Christians, who ImrdW go once a year to confession, and then with a hear^ as cold as ice. aro usually wicked and God-forXn Dominico Soto, confessor to the Emperor Charles V and one whose testimony cannot bo called in ouestion' relates, that the eity cf Nuremberg having X ov"; ador'to'thnyjj^J^'^'V'v '""r^^'^' ^^^ndnamhal sador to the Emperor, to implore him that Ijo would by an .mperial mandate, once more cstabl sh Ses: s on among them, because, as they said exneriemfo showed clearly vhat since confossion had becKven up among them, monstrous crimes had Jjeen commit Uie;; bSr '"^''^ '^"' ^^ ^^^ never Si^nown Mow^^^c^fltra^^^^?;^^?^^^^^ ^^^^^^^'t^^ 1. Examination of conscience. 2. Contrition and the purpose of amendment. o. Confession. 4. Tho absolution of the Priest 5. SatisfaciioD. I. EXAMINATTON OF CONSCIENCE. JZf;'JJ'!!^,^:I!T^^^ is. that wo by Yn:n':J:^;L""','':rT.'': '' ^. ^^y ^^ ^i^^eivo oursel magining that this and that Christians liv s no sin. Many ill a criminal ignoranco of tho com r :!■:?:' 264 PLAIN INSTRUCTIONS. mands of God afid the duties of their station,— live, as it were rmik in low desires and lusts, m a disgust- ing indifferonce and carelessness for every thing spir- itual and .livine, so that they loose all k. ^wledge ot God and of theujselves. They may not, it is true, toe murderers cr thi>-ves ; they may even have some natural virtues (as the heathen have also), and ma\ call themselves honest a-.d respect ablo people, bul fui- all that thev are any thing but good Ciirislians. or agreeable to God. When such ix'rsons make their confes-sion. it may happen that they do not find them- selves guilt\ of nnv sin. Is it because they are so in- nocent and" ^..odf Alas! no,-all ^^'fY, "'^^ViV.r this ea-y conscience is a true knowledge of them- selves, a knowledge which they hav^ not, bocaus;- thev never mik^' a thor.ugh examination ol thei: conscionce. And who are they, for the most part, these Christ ans, so righteous in their own eyes ! MosllY thosp who go to confession only once in thi- vear or perhaps have not made th.'ir conlessK-rs lor manV years, and have hitherto lived in complete tor- getfiilncss of their duties. These are Uie Christians who comfort th.mselves and lead ctners astray by savin^^- '* O such and such a thing is no sin. ' I don't see any harm in that." If, however, they werr willing' to be honest and would examine themselves faithfully, thev would tind themselves like a sejml- rlne full r.f oorruption. It must never be forgotten. However, that the kiiowiedge of one's self is a gilt of God ^t. Augustine jii-ayed earnestly tor it thus : " Lord ' grant ihat 1 niav know Thee and myselt also" Would vou, dear Christian, ^fom /his time know vourself thoroughly, look to th.; Holy Ghost for ligiit and lu^l]). and remember always to begin your self-xaminatiun by pra>er. HOW :vn'(;n time ought one to employ in the vvWINATlO.N OF CO.NSClKNt.K. I You must give as much time and attention to this AS you are accustomed to give to aiiN other very im- SACRAMENT OP PENANCE 265 portant business. What would a man do if he were involved in a lawsuit, the failure of which would cause hiin the loss 01 all his property ? Would he not search with the greatest care for every thing that could be of some service to i.im in his suit ? And vou, sinner have you not. by falling into morlal sin, lost vour title 10 Heaven and deserved H.-ll r This v.-rv confession which you are about to make, and the examination of conscience before ,t, will i^erhapsderid,. for Heaven or o %pu' ^^'.'"^ ''^'^^'^■•'^ ''■ '^ '^ "^'' ♦''•' la^^t « IK' of vour life *' ;.. Jhetimere(|niredforyour examination of con- science cannot b.- exactly dete.-miiied. One who con- iosses olten, and has a very Kinder or tiuiid conscience may easily liaiKpidii/e himself, for he is not likelv to overlook anymorliil sin. As 1m venial sins, he must not trouble iuinH-ir inn much.. Ibr. slri.lh speakiuL' he IS not bound to eojifess Ihem. 3. On the olhfM' hand, a man who has hitherto lived Mink in sin, who lias hardly confesse.l once in a vear Nvho at almost every o.'casion has broken the lo- of (rod, must not be sntisfied with a passinji glance at his conscience fie must commence this important business of sell-exammation some davs J>efore confF-^- Mon. During this time he should reinain entirelv re- collected, and call to mind and seriously consider eVerv plaej3 where ho has been, the persons with whom he iias kept company, the business which he carried on Ac. . otherwise he would only be able to confess a .'onfused multitude of sins, without regard to number Kind, or circumstance. ' }. Many examine themselves too superficially • and I lis is the reason why they find so few sins .o Accuse themselves of m the confessional. How many business luen and trades-i»eople, if they went to the bottom of ilH'irconscienep, would find many lies of no small consequence, lueh fraud and usury, manv unlawfu' and unjusl contracts! But if thev were to 'look care- ully mio their consciences, then the ill-gotten nronertv helongmg to others must be restored, with some = • " ' •■" i"p" ^•••■•li Mibstance, and ior 566 PLAIIC INSTRTJCTIOKS. I' thiP reason they are afraid tp look inin-. They do not ile.sirt; so much to be pardoned, as to Lie comforted in their misfortunes. On the contrary, li-iu^ contrilion is a sorrow which comes from higher mid iiolier motives. It is our lAiith that weeps for the mi>roi'tunes of the soul, and the injury done to God. ir lilt; unhii})py sinner siuci^'ely desires the iiardon of his ^ins, his contrition must bt3 of this kind, for God will accept no other. ;5. The best and purest motive for contrition is the dixiiie love, which makes us grieve for our sins, and detest them bec-ause of thoir ingratitude, and the in- jury done to a good and holy God. When this is the ovcr-ruMng motive, contrition is called perfect, and is so excellent a disposition, that, according to the •:ouncil of Trent, the soul may be reconciled by it to Gud, even Defore confession and the priestly ab.soki- lion, i»rovi(led there is also an earnest tlesire for these. Imperfect contrition (or attrition/ is where the sinner is excited to sorrow, and to the purpose of amend- ment, by the consideration of the filihiness of his t68 p^A^I? lNST^W?^IpN8. sms, or from the fear ot hell, or because he has for- feited his right to heaven. These moti\es, although less perfect than that first mentioned, are nevertheless good, for they are true impulses of the Holy Ghost, and dispose one to receive the grace of pardon tlirough the sacrament of penance. We must not, however, fall into the error of those who think that a f(ceble contrition is all they need, provided they confess their sins. True contrition, although it riiay be Imperfect in its kind, is never feeble. It is true that the si:icere penitent is often unconscious of any strong feeling of sorrow ; for con- trition does not properly consist in any feeling at all, but rather in the supernatural hatred and abhorrence of sin. Strictly speaking, however, a ^'enuine contri- tion can never be fe^le ; oti-erwise it would not be sufficient to produce that firm and efficacious purpose of amendtnent, which is its natural and necessary fruit. It is thtrefore neither riglit nor safe to set nar- row bounds to ourselves in this respect, but we ^^hould try to animate our souls more and more to a genuine, earnest, efficacious, and tender contrition. Our for- giveness becomes then easier and surer, and our re- formation more complete and lasting. 4. The firm purpose of Amendment is the insepar- able conipanion of true contrition, and therefore a necessary condition to the forgiveness of sin. God requires of the sinner a new spirit, and a new life : When the wicked lunielli himself away from his wickedness, which he halh wrought, and doelhjudy- ment and justice, he sfuiU save his soul alive.''' Ezech. xviii. 27.) It is impossible for God to pardon the sin- ner who still retains the will to olfend him. He must be resolved to oiTend God no more, and this resolu- tion must be no mere promise of the lips, or momen- tary emotion, but a sincere, firm, and efficacious de- terminaticn. . ' Can the purpose of Amendment be called sincere ni that man, who says to God, thatj he repent.s with his Whol'i heart of having oOended him, but who falls im- SACEJJIENT OF' PEHANCE. 569 mediately into the same sins, after receiving absolu- tion ? or that man runs again into the same occasions of sin ; who does not avoid the persons who led him into sin before ; who frequents the same places of temptation ; who will not repair the injury he has done ; who will not consent to bo reconciled with his enemy ? in fine, who does not even make an honest, practical beginning of a good life, nor take the neces- sary means of perseverance ? Who can duufet that the confession of such a man is a mere mockery of penance ? Who can believe that this absolution w&s of any value ? D. What must you do, then, my tlear Christian, in order to excite in yourself this salutary sorrow for your sins, and this lirm jmrposo of amendment ? In the lirst place, it is necessary to place before your mind, and to meditate seriously upon those su- pernatural truths of our holy religion, which, as we have already seen, furnish the only truo motives of a genuine contrition, and of an eileclual and lasting conversion, " Ueinember thy last end,'' says the Rrophet, '' and thou shall nevei^ sin.'' (Ezech. vii. 20.) You will find the principal motives of this kind in the little Act of Contrition, (page 253,) which every one ought to learn by heart and repeat very often." You will find them also at much greater length in the Devout Exor- cises, preparatory to Confession. But above all, it is necessary to pray. Yes, poor sinner, pray earnestly to God fore true contrition; pray for a firm and lQ,sling resolution to sin no more ; for these holy dispositions of heart are gifts of God, which a man cannot have of himself, but must soek for tlirough prayer. Bemakk.— -1. It is necessary for you to know, my dear Christian, tliat contrition for your sins must al- ways go before Absolution, and therefore, as soon as you havo exapiined, and romembered your sins, you ought to repent of them immediately, witii the inten- tion to receive the holy sacrament of penance. For if 270 PLAIN INSTHUCTIONS. you should not have in your heart this sinceri3 sorrow for your bins until after absolution, then both youi- con- fession and your absolution will be good for nothing 2. Do not be too anxious, lest your sins should not bt forgiven by God, because you do not feel any contri- tion. As the good tree is known by its fruit, so will your true contrition be known by your improvemoiit therefore, it may be said for your consolation, thai you may confidentiy hope your rej'ontance is tni*; when you have actually changed your life, and aban- doned your sins. 'I V III. OF CONFESSION. CorptssioN, the third essential part of the holy sac- rament of pentnce, is the accusal. .. of all the sins onti has commuted, made lo a Prieat duly aulhurizeii lo receive U, in order to obtain from him the absolit lion or mr don of them. In order to make this dut> of confession more easy, attend to the following rult>s I. Imagine Jesus Christ himself before you, in th.- person of your confessor. 2. Choose for your ordinary confessor a i-riest who has a great deal of mildness, a prudent zoal, and a Inu charity for sinners. Yet you must not think that, be- cause you have done this, you cannot sometimes make- your confession to some other confessor 3. Do not look on confession as a torlun^ of the con- science, as intidcls, heretics, and scolfers repres<»nt ii but the humble self-accusation of a child, wiio knows the kind compassion of his father, linds new consola tion with every word, and is sure that his father will not be angry, but forgive him gladly. 4. Never let a long time poss without Jioly confes- sion, for by this means you will llnd it easier, and cer- tainly wili derive more prolit from it. 5. If you have had the misfortune to fall inU» an> mortal sin. give yourself no rest until you have con- fe^ed it. SACRAME-N-T OF PENANCE. 171 In oivler to securt! yourself against tlie danger of liiiling some sin through false shame, call to mind : 1. That by concf'aling your sins, you become guilty