Chapter XVIII: Part 18

(_V._ The Lord be with you.)

_R._ Et cum spiritu tuo.

(_R._ And with thy spirit.)

_S._ Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem.

(_P._ The beginning of the Gospel according to St. John.)

_R._ Gloria tibi, Domine.

(_R._ Glory be to Thee, O Lord.)

In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in principio apud Deum. Omnia per ipsum facta sunt, et sine ipso factum est nihil quod factum est. In ipso vita erat, et vita erat lux hominum; et lux in tenebris lucet, et tenebræ eam non comprehenderunt.

(In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him: and without Him was made nothing that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men: and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.)

Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joannes. Hic venit in testimonium, ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine, ut omnes crederent per illum. Non erat ille lux; sed ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine. Erat lux vera quæ illuminat omnem hominem venientem in hunc mundum. In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus est, et mundus eum non cognovit. In propria venit, et sui eum non receperunt. Quotquot autem receperunt eum, dedit eis potestatem filios Dei fieri; his qui credunt in nomine ejus, qui non ex sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt. ET VERBUM CARO FACTUM EST, et habitavit in nobis: et vidimus gloriam ejus, gloriam quasi unigeniti a Patre, plenum gratiæ et veritatis.

(There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness to give testimony of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to give testimony of the light. That was the true light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to be made the sons of God; to them that believe in His name, who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, as it were the glory of the only‐begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.)

_R._ Deo gratias.

(_R._ Thanks be to God.)

VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS.

Vespers are a part of the Divine Offices recited daily by the
priests. They consist of five psalms, a chapter, a hymn, the
canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, _Magnificat_, and an Antiphon
to the Blessed Mother of God, which differs according to the
season. Although there is no express commandment to assist at
Vespers, yet every good Catholic will make it his duty to attend
when he can.

Pater noster, etc. Ave Maria, etc.

(Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.)

_P._ Deus, in adjutorium meum intende.

(_P._ Incline unto my aid, O God.)

_R._ Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.

(_R._ O Lord, make haste to help me.)

_V._ Gloria Patri, et Filio, * et Spiritui Sancto.

(_V._ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.)

_R._ Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. Alleluia.

(_R._ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.)

_In Lent._ Laus tibi, Domine, Rex æternæ gloriæ.

(_In Lent._ Praise be to Thee, O King of eternal glory.)

Psalm CIX.

Dixit Dominus Domino meo: * sede a dextris meis.

(The Lord said to my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand.)

Donec ponam nimicos tuos * scabellum pedum tuorum.

(Until I make Thy enemies: Thy footstool.)

Virgam virtutis tuæ emittet Dominus ex Sion: * dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum.

(The Lord will send forth the sceptre of Thy power out of Sion: rule Thou in the midst of Thy enemies.)

Tecum principium in die virtutis tuæ in splendoribus sanctorum: * ex utero ante luciferum genui te.

(With Thee is the principality in the day of Thy strength, in the brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day star I begot Thee.)

Juravit Dominus, et non pœnitebit eum: * tu es sacerdos in æternum, secundum ordinem Melchisedech.

(The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent: Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech.)

Dominus a dextris tuis * confregit in die iræ suæ reges.

(The Lord, at Thy right hand, hath broken kings in the day of His wrath.)

Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: * conquassabit capita in terra multorum.

(He shall judge among nations, He shall fill ruins: He shall crush the heads in the land of many.)

De torrente in via bibet, * propterea exaltabit caput.

(He shall drink of the torrent in the way: therefore shall He lift up the head.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory be to the Father, etc.)

Psalm CX.

Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: * in concilio justorum, et congregatione.

(I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the council of the just, and in the congregation.)

Magna opera Domini: * exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus.

(Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all His wills.)

Confessio et magnificentia opus ejus, * et justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

(His work is praise and magnificence: and His justice continueth forever and ever.)

Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus: * escam dedit timentibus se.

(He hath made a remembrance of His wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: He hath given food to them that fear Him.)

Memor erit in sæculum testamenti sui: * virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo:

(He will be mindful forever of His covenant: He will show forth to His people the power of His works:)

Ut det illis hæreditatem Gentium: * opera manuum ejus veritas et judicium.

(That He may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of His hands are truth and judgment.)

Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritate et æquitate.

(All His commandments are faithful, confirmed forever and ever: made in truth and equity.)

Redemptionem misit populo suo: * mandavit in æternum testamentum suum.

(He hath sent redemption to His people: He hath commanded His covenant forever.)

Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: * initium sapientiæ timor Domini.

(Holy and terrible is His name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.)

Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum: * laudatio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

(A good understanding to all that do it: His praise continueth forever and ever.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

Psalm CXI.

Beatus vir qui timet Dominum: * in mandatis ejus volet nimis.

(Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.)

Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generatio rectorum benedicetur.

(His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.)

Gloria et divitiæ in domo ejus: * et justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

(Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth forever and ever.)

Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: * misericors, et miserator, et justus.

(To the righteous a light has sprung up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate, and just.)

Jucundus homo qui miseretur et commodat, disponet sermones suos in judicio: * quia in æternum non commovebitur.

(Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall order his words with judgment: because he shall not be moved forever.)

In memoria æterna erit justus: * ab auditione mala non timebit.

(The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.)

Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: * non commovebitur, donec despiciat inimicos suos.

(His heart is ready to hope in the Lord, his heart is strengthened: he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.)

Dispersit, dedit pauperibus: justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi: * cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria.

(He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth forever and ever, his horn shall be exalted in glory.)

Peccator videbit, et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet et tabescet: * desiderium peccatorum peribit.

(The wicked shall see, and shall be angry; he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

Psalm CXII.

Laudate, pueri, Dominum: * laudate nomen Domini.

(Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.)

Sit nomen Domini benedictum, * ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum.

(Blessed be the name of the Lord: from henceforth, now, and forever.)

A solis ortu usque ad occasum, * laudabile nomen Domini.

(From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same: the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.)

Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus: * et super cœlos gloria ejus.

(The Lord is high above all nations: and His glory above the heavens.)

Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster, qui in altis habitat: * et humilia respicit in cœlo et in terra?

(Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwelleth on high: and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?)

Suscitans a terra inopem, * et de stercore erigens pauperem;

(Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dung‐hill;)

Ut collocet eum cum principibus: * cum principibus populi sui.

(That He may place him with princes: with the princes of His people.)

Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: * matrem filiorum lætantem.

(Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house: the joyful mother of children.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

Psalm CXIII.

In exitu Israel de Ægypto: * domus Jacob de populo barbaro:

(When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:)

Facta est Judæa sanctificatio ejus, * Israel potestas ejus.

Judea was made his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

Mare vidit, et fugit: * Jordanis conversus est retrorsum.

(The sea saw and fled: Jordan was turned back.)

Montes exultaverunt ut arietes: * et colles sicut agni ovium.

(The mountains skipped like rams: and the hills like the lambs of the flock.)

Quid est tibi, mare, quod fugisti? * et tu, Jordanis, quia conversus es retrorsum?

(What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee? and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?)

Montes, exultastis sicut arietes? * et colles sicut agni ovium?

(Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams: and ye hills like the lambs of the flock?)

A facie Domini mota est terra: * a facie Dei Jacob.

(At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved: at the presence of the God of Jacob.)

Qui convertit petram in stagna aquarum: * et rupem in fontes aquarum.

(Who turned the rock into pools of water: and the stony hills into fountains of waters.)

Non nobis, Domine, non nobis: * sed nomini tuo da gloriam.

(Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us: but to Thy name give glory.)

Super misericordia tua, et veritate tua: * ne quando dicant Gentes: ubi est Deus eorum?

(For Thy mercy and for Thy truth’s sake: lest the Gentiles should say, Where is their God?)

Deus autem noster in cœlo: * omnia quæcumque voluit, fecit.

But Our God is in heaven: He hath done all things whatsoever He would.

Simulacra Gentium argentum et aurum, * opera manuum hominum.

(The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold: the work of the hands of men.)

Os habent, et non loquentur: * oculos habent, et non videbunt.

(They have mouths and speak not: they have eyes and see not.)

Aures habent, et non audient: * nares habent, et non odorabunt.

(They have ears and hear not: they have noses and smell not.)

Manus habent, et non palpabunt: pedes habent, et non ambulabunt: * non clamabunt in gutture suo.

(They have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not, neither shall they cry out through their throats.)

Similes illis fiant qui faciunt ea: * et omnes qui confidunt in eis.

(Let them that make them become like unto them: and such as trust in them.)

Domus Israel speravit in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.

(The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)

Domus Aaron speravit in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.

(The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)

Qui timent Dominum, speraverunt in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.

(They that fear the Lord have hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)

Dominus memor fuit nostri: * et benedixit nobis.

The Lord hath been mindful of us: and hath blessed us.

Benedixit domui Israel: * benedixit domui Aaron.

(He hath blessed the house of Israel: He hath blessed the house of Aaron.)

Benedixit omnibus qui timent Dominum, * pusillis cum majoribus.

(He hath blessed all that fear the Lord: both little and great.)

Adjiciat Dominus super vos: * super vos, et super filios vestros.

(May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you and upon your children.)

Benedicti vos a Domino: * qui fecit cœlum et terram.

(Blessed be you of the Lord; Who made heaven and earth.)

Cœlum cœli Domino; * terram autem dedit filiis hominum.

(The heaven of heavens is the Lord’s: but the earth He hath given to the children of men.)

Non mortui laudabunt te, Domine: * neque omnes qui descendunt in infernum.

(The dead shall not praise Thee, O Lord: nor any of them that go down to hell.)

Sed nos qui vivimus, benedicimus Domino: * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.

(But we that live bless the Lord: from this time, now and forever.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

Instead of 113, Psalm 116 is often sung.

Psalm CXVI.

Laudate Dominum, omnes Gentes: * laudate eum, omnes populi.

Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people.

Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: * et veritas Domini manet in æternum.

(Because His mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

The Capitulum.

Benedictus Deus et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Pater misericordiarum, et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos in omni tribulatione nostra.

(Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, Who comforteth us in all our tribulations.)

_R._ Deo gratias.

(_R._ Thanks be to God.)

Here is usually sung a hymn appropriate to the season of the year.

Hymn For Sunday.

Lucis Creator optime, Lucem dierum proferens, Primordiis lucis novæ, Mundi parans originem.

(O great Creator of the light, Who, from the darksome womb of night, Broughtst forth new light at nature’s birth, To shine upon the face of earth.)

Qui mane junctum vesperi Diem vocari præcipis; Illabitur tetrum chaos, Audi preces cum fletibus.

(Who, by the morn and evening ray, Hast measured time and called it day, Whilst sable night involves the spheres, Vouchsafe to hear our prayers and tears.)

Ne mens gravata crimine, Vitæ sit exul munere, Dum nil perenne cogitat, Seseque culpis illigat.

(Lest our frail mind, with sin defiled, From gifts of life should be exiled, Whilst on no heavenly thing she thinks, But twines herself in Satan’s links.)

Cœleste pulset ostium: Vitale tollat præmium: Vitemus omne noxium: Purgemus omne pessimum.

(Oh, may she soar to heaven above, The happy seat of light and love; Meantime all sinful actions shun, And purge the foul ones she hath done.)

Præsta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito, Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.

(This prayer, most gracious Father, hear, Thy equal Son incline His ear, Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen.)

The Magnificat,

_Or Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary._

Magnificat * anima mea Dominum.

(My soul doth magnify the Lord;)

Et exultavit spiritus meus * in Deo salutari meo.

(And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.)

Quia respexit humilitatem ancillæ suæ: * ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.

(Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.)

Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est: * et sanctum nomen ejus.

(For He that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is His name.)

Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies, * timentibus eum.

(And His mercy is from generation to generation: to them that fear Him.)

Fecit potentiam in brachio suo: * dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.

(He hath showed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.)

Deposuit potentes de sede, * et exaltavit humiles.

(He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.)

Esurientes implevit bonis: * et divites dimisit inanes.

(He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent away empty.)

Suscepit Israel puerum suum: * recordatus misericordiæ suæ.

(He hath received Israel His servant: being mindful of His mercy.)

Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros: * Abraham, et semini ejus in sæcula.

(As He spoke to our fathers: to Abraham, and to his seed forever.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

For the _Magnificat_, Pope Leo XIII. granted an indulgence of 100
days, to be gained by reciting it devoutly and with contrite heart
once a day. (September 20, 1879.)

Then follows the prayer, which is different every day.

_V._ Dominus vobiscum.

(_V._ The Lord be with you.)

_R._ Et cum spiritu tuo.

(_R._ And with thy spirit.)

_V._ Benedicamus Domino.

(_V._ Let us bless the Lord.)

_R._ Deo gratias.

(_R._ Thanks be to God.)

_V._ Fidelium animæ, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace.

(_V._ May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.)

_R._ Amen.

(_R._ Amen.)

Pater noster, etc. (_secreto_).

(Our Father (_in secret_).)

_V._ Dominus det nobis suam pacem.

(_V._ May the Lord grant us His peace.)

_R._ Et vitam æternam. Amen.

(_R._ And life everlasting. Amen.)

Then is sung one of the following anthems, according to the time.

_From Advent to the Purification._

Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cœli, Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat populo: tu quæ genuisti,

(Mother of Jesus, heaven’s open gate, Star of the sea, support the fallen state Of mortals; thou whose womb thy Maker bore,)

Natura mirante, tuum sanctum genitorem: Virgo prius ac posterius: Gabrielis ab ore, Sumens illud ave, peccatorum miserere.

(And yet, strange thing, a virgin as before: Who didst from Gabriel’s hail this news receive; Repenting sinners by thy prayers relieve.)

_In Advent._

_V._ Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ.

(_V._ The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.)

_R._ Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

(_R._ And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.)

_Oremus._

(_Let Us Pray._)

Gratiam tuam quæsumus, Domine, mentibus nostris infunde, ut qui, angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per Passionem ejus et crucem, ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

(Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, has been made known by the message of an angel, may, by His Passion and cross, be brought to the glory of His resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord.)

_R._ Amen.

(_R._ Amen.)

_After Advent._

_V._ Post partum virgo inviolata permansisti.

(_V._ After childbirth thou didst remain a pure virgin.)

_R._ Dei genitrix, intercede pro nobis.

(_R._ Mother of God, intercede for us.)

_Oremus._

(_Let Us Pray._)

Deus, qui salutis æternæ beatæ Mariæ virginitate fœcunda humano generi præmia præstitisti: tribue quæsumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercedere sentiamus, per quam meruimus Auctorem vitæ suscipere, Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum.

(O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be sensible of the benefits of her intercession, by whom we have received the Author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son.)

_R._ Amen.

(_R._ Amen.)

_From The Purification Till Easter._

Ave, Regina cœlorum! Ave, Domina angelorum! Salve, radix! salve, porta! Ex qua mundo lux est orta.

(Hail, Mary, queen of heavenly spheres! Hail, whom the angelic host reveres! Hail, fruitful root! hail, sacred gate! Whence the world’s light derives its date.)

Gaude, Virgo gloriosa, Super omnes speciosa, Vale, O valde decora, Et pro nobis Christum exora.

(O glorious Maid, with beauty blest, May joys eternal fill thy breast! Thus, crowned with beauty and with joy, Thy prayers with Christ for us employ.)

_V._ Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata.

(_V._ Vouchsafe, O sacred Virgin, to accept my praises.)

_R._ Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos.

(_R._ Give me power against thy enemies.)

_Oremus._

(_Let Us Pray._)

Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostræ præsidium; ut qui sanctæ Dei genitricis memoriam agimus, intercessionis ejus auxilio a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

(Grant us, O merciful God, strength against all our weakness; that we, who celebrate the memory of the holy Mother of God, may, by the help of her intercession, rise again from our iniquities. Through the same Christ Our Lord.)

_R._ Amen.

(_R._ Amen.)

_From Easter Till Trinity Sunday._

Regina cœli, lætare! Alleluia.

(O Queen of heaven, rejoice, Alleluia.)

Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia,

(For He Whom thou didst deserve to bear, Alleluia,)

Resurrexit, sicut dixit. Alleluia.

(Is risen again, as He said. Alleluia.)

Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia.

(Pray for us to God. Alleluia.)

_V._ Gaude et lætare, Virgo Maria. Alleluia.

(_V._ Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.)

_R._ Quia surrexit Dominus vere. Alleluia.

(_R._ Because Our Lord is truly risen. Alleluia.)

_Oremus._

(_Let Us Pray._)

Deus qui, per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Jesu Christi, mundum lætificare dignatus es; præsta, quæsumus, ut per ejus genitricem Virginem Mariam perpetuæ capiamus gaudia vitæ. Per eundem Christum, etc.

(O God, Who, by the resurrection of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to fill the world with joy: grant, we beseech Thee, that by the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may receive the joys of eternal life. Through, etc.)

_R._ Amen.

(_R._ Amen.)

From Trinity Sunday Till Advent.

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiæ, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra salve. Ad te clamamus, exules filii Hevæ. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes, in hac lacrymarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui nobis post hoc exilium ostende, O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria!

(Hail to the Queen who reigns above, Mother of clemency and love! Hail, thou our hope, life, sweetness! We, Eve’s banished children, cry to thee. We, from this wretched vale of tears, Send sighs and groans unto thy ears; Oh, then, sweet advocate, bestow A pitying look on us below! After this exile let us see Our blessed Jesus, born of thee. O merciful, O pious Maid, O gracious Mary, lend thy aid!)

_V._ Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.

(_V._ Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.)

_R._ Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

(_R._ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.)

_Oremus._

(_Let Us Pray._)

Omnipotens, sempiterne Deus, qui gloriosæ Virginis Matris Mariæ corpus et animam, ut dignum Filii tui habitaculum effici mereretur, Spiritu Sancto co‐operante præparasti; da, ut cujus commemoratione lætamur ejus pin intercessione ab instantibus malis, et a morte perpetua liberemur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

Almighty and eternal God, Who, by the co‐operation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare the body and the soul of the glorious Virgin Mother Mary, that she might become a worthy habitation for Thy Son: grant that, as with joy we celebrate her memory, so, by her pious intercession, we may be delivered from present evils and eternal death. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

_R._ Amen.

(_R._ Amen.)

_S._ Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum.

(_P._ May the divine assistance always remain with us.)

_R._ Amen.

(_R._ Amen.)

EXPOSITION AND BENEDICTION OF THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT.

When the priest opens the tabernacle, and incenses the Blessed
Sacrament, is sung the hymn:

O salutaris Hostia, Quæ cœli pandis ostium; Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium. Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria. Amen.

(O saving Victim, opening wide The gate of heaven to man below! Our foes press on from every side; Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

To Thy great name be endless praise, Immortal Godhead, one in three! Oh, grant us endless length of days In our true native land with Thee. Amen.)

Then is sung the hymn, _Tantum ergo Sacramentum_.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui; Præstet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui.

(Down in adoration falling, Lo! the sacred Host we hail: Lo! o’er ancient forms departing, Newer rites of grace prevail; Faith for all defects supplying Where the feeble senses fail.)

Genitori Genitoque Laus et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio: Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio.

(To the everlasting Father, And the Son Who reigns on high, With the Holy Ghost proceeding Forth from each eternally, Be salvation, honor, blessing, Might and endless majesty!)

_V._ Panem de cœlo præstitisti eis. [Alleluia.]

(_V._ Thou didst give them bread from heaven. [Alleluia.])

_R._ Omne delectamentum in se habentem. [Alleluia.]

(_R._ Containing in itself all sweetness. [Alleluia.])

_Oremus._

(_Let Us Pray._)

Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili, Passionis tuæ memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quæsumus, ita nos corporis et sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuæ fructum in nobis jugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis, etc. Amen.

(O God, Who, under a wonderful sacrament, hast left us a memorial of Thy Passion: grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy body and blood that we may ever feel within us the fruit of Thy redemption. Who livest, etc. Amen.)

Here the Benediction is given with the Blessed Sacrament, all
bowing down in profound adoration.

Adoremus in æternum Sanctissimum Sacramentum!

(May we forever adore the Most Holy Sacrament!)

DEVOTIONS FOR CONFESSION AND COMMUNION.

Confession.

Before Confession.

A Prayer For Sincere Contrition.

I have now, O my God! aided by Thy grace, endeavored to discover the number of my transgressions, and have examined, to the best of my power, the state of my conscience. But, alas! O Judge of the living and the dead! how far different is my judgment from Thine! How many offences are still perhaps hidden from my view, though perfectly known to Thee! But, my God! as I am persuaded it is not so much a knowledge of their number, as sorrow for their deformity, that Thou requirest, I now earnestly implore of Thee to give me that lively, sincere, efficacious contrition, which I know is a necessary condition of my pardon. My heart was formed by Thee, Thou alone canst change it; it is in Thy hands, and though most ungrateful, most insensible, it is not too obdurate for Thee to penetrate and soften. One drop of Thy adorable blood, one of those precious tears which my offences drew from Thy eyes, would suffice to produce in my soul the most lively contrition. Ah! look on me, eternal Light! and my understanding will be enlightened to conceive the enormity of sin; touch my heart, and it will be broken with sorrow for having ever offended Thee. Convert me, and I shall be converted; for my destruction, my misery, and my misfortune, is from myself, but my salvation must come from Thee, O my most merciful Father! from Thee, Whom I have so ungratefully abandoned, and so grievously offended.

Act of Contrition For Those Who Are Guilty of Mortal Sin.

O infinite majesty of my God! I am so full of shame at the sight of the ingratitude and malice of which I find myself guilty before Thee, that I dare not raise my eyes to heaven. I confess, O most gracious and merciful Lord, that by the multitude and enormity of my sins I have deserved to be abandoned by Thee, and condemned to eternal torments. Ah, unhappy being that I am, how can I have dared to offend Thee! Can it be, O my Saviour, that I have trampled under foot Thy blood, by which I was redeemed; and that I have thus renewed the pains of Thy Passion and of Thy death! Ah, why, why did I not die at once, rather than displease Thee! How could I dare to offend against Thee, Who art infinite goodness, wisdom, and beauty!... Thee, Who art perfection itself!... Thee, Who art my God, my Creator, my beginning, my end, my happiness, my all!... Thee, from Whom I have received my being, my life, and all that I am!... Thee, Who hast guided and protected me with the tenderest love under the shadow of Thy wings!... Thee, Who hast adopted me for Thy child, and made me heir to Thy eternal kingdom!... Thee, Who hast redeemed me by Thy most precious blood, and hast so often nourished me with Thy most sacred body and blood in the Sacrament of the Eucharist! And yet, notwithstanding these, Thy great and manifold blessings, I have offended Thee, O my God! I have abandoned Thee, to league with Thy enemies against Thee. I have preferred a vile gratification to Thy love. Oh, ingratitude! Oh, delusion! Oh, madness! Ah, when shall I detest my sins as much as they deserve! O my sweet and merciful Lord Jesus, of Whose goodness there is no end, and of Whose mercy the treasure is infinite, have pity on me, and save my soul! Pardon me, O most bountiful Lord, pardon me, I entreat Thee, by the merit of Thy bitter Passion and death! Remember not my iniquities, but regard Thy infinite mercy. I promise that, by the help of Thy grace, I will never fall into them again. From this very moment I break all the ties that bind me to the world, to the flesh, to the devil, and to sin. I am from this moment firmly resolved to trample under foot all worldly vanities, and to consecrate myself entirely to Thy holy love. Oh, never allow me to fall back into my old habits of sin! Never permit that honors, or interest, or pleasure, or pride, or the love of life, or the fear of death, or any other motive, shall cause me to swerve from Thy divine commands. Grant that I may keep them with my whole heart, though it should cost me the sacrifice of my life, and of all I hold dearest in the world.

Ah, what has been my folly and my wickedness in having so often and so grievously offended my God, my heavenly Father, my gracious and loving Redeemer! What ingratitude, what an excess of malice! At the very moment I was receiving with one hand the greatest favors and graces from this my most tender and merciful Lord, with the other I was plunging a dagger into His bosom—I was crucifying Him again within my soul! I have sold myself to the devil for a worthless pleasure; I have renounced the kingdom of heaven and all the joys of paradise for a trifling enjoyment; I have signed the decree for my eternal damnation to gratify my pride; I have condemned myself to suffer an eternity of torments and all the agonies of hell, to indulge an unworthy passion! Ah, who will give to my eyes a fountain of tears, that I may weep and lament over my sins!

O my divine Redeemer, Whose love I have unhappily despised, Whose blood I have trodden under foot, Whose wounds I have reopened, and Whose death I have renewed by my sins! How can I present myself before Thee after so great an excess of ingratitude and malice! O my gracious Saviour, what hadst Thou done to me that I should treat Thee so cruelly! Thou hast reconciled me to Thy Father by Thy death, and I have again drawn down upon myself His indignation by repeated sins. Thou hast snatched me from the slavery of the devil, and I have again entangled myself in his snares. Thou hast healed my wounds, and I have inflicted fresh ones on myself. Thou hast delivered me from the eternal flames of hell, to which I was condemned by my sins, and I have cast myself into them again. Thou hast obtained heaven for me, and I have sold the right which Thou didst purchase at the price of Thy blood, for a trifling pleasure, for a corruptible crown. Is it possible to conceive folly, stupidity, malice, equal to mine! I confess it here before Thee, O Lord; I detest it from the depths of my soul; and resolve to die a thousand times rather than fall again into it. Ah, wilt Thou reject a contrite and humble sinner, when Thou didst come down from heaven to call sinners to repentance? Wilt Thou refuse to receive this strayed sheep which returns from his wanderings, after Thou hast sought him so long, to bring him back to the fold? Wilt Thou reject this prodigal child, who comes to throw himself at Thy feet, after Thou hast so much grieved over his loss? Wilt Thou leave me forever to groan under the insupportable weight of sin, when Thou didst invite all those who are burdened to cast their load at Thy feet? Thou didst absolve the sinful woman when, kneeling before Thee, she implored Thy mercy; Thou didst remit the sins of the publican when he humbled himself in Thy Temple; Thou didst pardon the good thief when he acknowledged Thy power on the cross; and shall I be the only one to whom Thou wilt refuse grace? No, my adorable Saviour, not so. I trust that, however unworthy I have made myself of pardon, yet Thou wilt grant it to me, and that Thy precious blood will appease Thy Father’s wrath against me, and wash away the stain of my sins. Offer it, then, to Him for me, O Lord, and apply it so effectually to me that I may be entirely cleansed, and may be judged worthy to enter into the blessed mansions, where nothing defiled can be admitted. Amen.

Act Of Contrition For Venial Sin.

Prostrate at Thy feet, O Lord, I ask Thy pardon for all the failings and negligences which my frailty, my ignorance, and my malice have caused me to commit against Thy infinite majesty, especially for all those which I have perpetrated since my last confession. I am confounded, Lord, when I remember their number, and how much I have displeased and offended Thee by them. Ah, how little do I love Thee! how little do I love my neighbor! With what coldness, with what cowardice have I attended to Thy service! How much on the contrary have I yielded to self‐love, and how much I still retain of affection for creatures! Oh, how rarely do I enter into myself, and think seriously of Thee! How filled with distractions are my prayers, my meditations, and all my exercises of devotion! How much vanity enters into all my actions! how much attachment to my own will, my own ease, and my own convenience! Ah, Lord, draw me, I entreat Thee, out of the abyss of my misery, and purify me from the multitude of my sins. Art thou not overwhelmed with shame, O my soul, at the sight of the many offences which thou hast committed against thy sovereign Lord? Is it thus that thou servest a God of infinite majesty? Is this what thou hast promised Him so often, and to which thou art engaged by the holiness of thy vocation? Knowest thou not that the least sin is an offence to the infinite majesty of God, that it contains an infinite malice, that it is an evil which insults and offends thy most loving Father, thy most bountiful Saviour, thy most sweet and merciful Lord? Ah, if thou didst but know what venial sin really is; if thou didst but comprehend the stain which it produces upon thee, the deformity, the wounds it occasions in the eyes of God; the torment which it draws upon it in the other life, the danger to which it exposes thy salvation, thou wouldst give a thousand lives, if thou hadst them, rather than sully thy conscience with it. Thou feelest a difficulty in conceiving a bitter sorrow for thy ordinary faults, because they are venial; but this arises from thy want of light. The saints, to whom God communicated in abundance His supernatural inspirations, wept day and night bitterly over their faults, which were slighter than those thou dost commit daily.

It is enough, O my God, that slight as these sins appear, they have displeased and offended Thee, to induce me to conceive an extreme horror for them, and to make me employ all my efforts to correct them. I love Thee, O God of love; I praise and glorify Thee, O infinite majesty! O purity of heart, which cannot endure any attachment or affection to the slightest sin, how lovely art thou! How happy is he who is possessed of thee, for thou renderest us favorites of God, thou makest our souls temples of the Holy Ghost, and dost draw down upon us all the graces and blessings of heaven! I will omit no pains that I may obtain thee in future. But it is from Thee alone, O Lord, that I may hope for this happiness: I am too weak to aspire after it by my own efforts. Thou alone canst enrich me with a gift so precious; grant it to me, I pray Thee, O my God. Amen.

Good Resolutions.

Since I have had the misfortune to offend Thee, O my God, and that I cannot recall the past, I resolve at least, with the assistance of Thy grace, to repair it by henceforth carefully avoiding all that displeases Thee. I will shun sin, with its sources and occasions, particularly those sins into which my natural frailty most frequently leads me. I will adopt the means suggested by Thy minister for the correction of my faults, listening to his words as if spoken by Thyself. I know, O my God, what I should have to apprehend from the severity of Thy justice, if Thy anger had not been appeased by the merits of Jesus Christ. I feel that Thou wilt not reject the prayer of Thine innocent Son, Whose blood pleads for me, His guilty creature. In this hope, O God of goodness! I present myself at Thy tribunal, there to accuse myself of my sins, entirely, sincerely, and humbly, with full confidence that Thou wilt ratify in heaven the absolution pronounced on earth. Holy Virgin! Mother of grace and mercy! Refuge of sinners! intercede for me, that in this confession I may receive full pardon for the past, and grace to avoid sin in future. My good angel! who hast been the witness of my transgressions, help me to rise from my evil habits, and obtain for me strength against future relapses. Amen.

After Confession.

Prayer After Confession.

Can I persuade myself, O Lord! that, criminal as I was a few moments since, I am now, by the grace of the sacrament, purified from my sins! God of mercy! Who, by the absolution pronounced by Thy minister, hast cleansed me from my iniquities, and restored me to Thy favor, shedding on me Thy precious blood, and applying to my soul the virtue of Thy sacred wounds, how shall I acknowledge the wonders of Thy love! Truly, O Lord, are Thy mercies above all Thy works! How shall I prove my gratitude to Thee, O divine Benefactor of my soul! I will offer Thee this day, and all the days of my life, a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and incessantly extol Thy divine munificence. I will consecrate my whole existence to Thee, shunning sin, and loving Thee with my whole heart. Oh, permit not that I should again trample on the blood which saved me, and grieve the Heart which was broken for me. Give efficacy to my desire nevermore to offend Thee: fortify my weakness; preserve me from occasions of sin; grant me the grace of steady perseverance in my good resolutions. O Strength of the weak! in proportion as I distrust myself, so do I firmly hope in Thee; grant me, then, Thy all‐powerful assistance, on which alone I rely. Prostrate at Thy feet, O my Saviour! with the penitent Magdalen, I implore this, as the greatest of all favors. O Father of mercies! I know that Thou art reluctant to destroy the vessel of clay Thy hands have formed; strengthen me, then, against future relapses. Holy Virgin, support me by thy powerful protection; all ye angels and saints, intercede for my conversion and sanctification.

Offering of the Penance Enjoined at Confession.

Before leaving the chapel offer your penance, or such portion as
you can, prefacing it with the following or some appropriate
prayer.

O God of sanctity! of myself I have no means of satisfying Thy rigorous justice, but I offer Thee an abundant satisfaction in the infinite merits of a God‐man. I present Thee, O my God! the Sacred Heart of Thy Son, filled with sadness and pierced with wounds for me, that Thy justice may thus be appeased. I unite my sufferings to the bitter pangs of my dying Saviour. May the abundance of His merits, and the immense charity of His Heart, supply for the imperfection and insufficiency of my works. O Lord! Who hast severed my chains, strengthen me with Thy grace, that I may never resume them; that I may conquer the bad habits which have been so long opposed to Thy spirit, and courageously resist the temptations to which I have hitherto so easily yielded. Amen.

Aspirations, Some Of Which May Be Used Advantageously Before Or After Confession.

My Lord and my God, I sincerely acknowledge myself a vile and wretched sinner, unworthy to appear in Thy presence; but do Thou have mercy on me, and save me.

Most loving Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee, and am unworthy to be called Thy child; make me as one of Thy servants, and may I for the future be ever faithful to Thee.

It truly grieves me, O my God, to have sinned, and so many times transgressed Thy law; but wash me now from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

I detest my sins, O Lord: I abhor my wickedness: I confess my ingratitude, and seek refuge in Thy mercy.

From this moment I purpose nevermore to offend Thee: oh, let me suffer all kinds of pain and infamy, nay, even death itself, rather than return to my former course of life, and live Thy enemy.

O loving Father, assist me by Thy grace, that I may bring forth worthy fruits of penance, and not suffer my sins to go unpunished.

Now, O Lord, I begin to live, not trusting in my own strength, or in the resolutions I make, but in the multitude of Thy mercies. Perfect, O God, the work which Thou hast begun in me. Thou hast given me peace and understanding; but, wretched sinner that I am, how ungratefully have I abused all Thy gifts! And yet now, with all the tenderness of a loving Father, Thou recallest me from sin, and rescuest me from hell and everlasting damnation.

Alas! my soul is full of anguish and confusion at the recollection of the many sins whereby I have offended Thee, my merciful Redeemer, made myself a slave to the devil, and provoked Thy anger.

Oh, that I had never transgressed Thy commandments, nor fallen into such an abyss of misery and calamity! Oh, that I had never sinned! Happy those souls who have preserved their innocence: oh, that I had been so happy!

But now I am resolved, with the help of Thy grace, to be more watchful over myself, to amend my failings, and fulfil Thy law. Look down on me with the eyes of mercy, O God, and blot out my sins.

Forgive me what is past, and, through Thine infinite goodness, secure me, by Thy grace, against all my wonted failings for the time to come.

My sins surpass in number the sands of the sea, and I confess myself, O Lord, unworthy of Thy mercy; but Thy goodness is above all my offences.

Thou hast declared, O Lord, that there is joy in heaven for the conversion of a sinner; grant me, then, the grace of true repentance, and let heaven rejoice at my amendment.

Thou willest not the death of a sinner, but that he be converted and live. Grant me, then, that spiritual life which I need; for behold, O Lord, I sincerely desire to live to Thee.

Thou didst come, O dear Redeemer, not to call the just, but sinners, to repentance; behold a miserable sinner here before Thee: oh, draw me powerfully to Thyself.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and, according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my iniquities. Sprinkle me with Thy precious blood, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Let not Thy precious blood, my dear Saviour, be shed for me in vain; but may it now bring forth in me the fruit of sincere repentance, and open to me the way to life everlasting.

How great is Thy goodness, O Lord, in having so long spared such a worthless servant, and waited with so much patience for his amendment! What return shall I make for Thy infinite mercies? Oh, let this mercy be added to the rest, that I may nevermore offend Thee: this single favor I earnestly beg of Thee, O Lord, viz., that I may for the future _renounce my own way to follow Thine_.

Help me, O Lord my God, and have compassion on my sinful soul. Amen.

Communion.

Before Communion.

A Prayer Which May Be Said Some Days Before Communion.

O Lord Jesus Christ! Whom I aspire to receive in a few days within the temple of my soul, I come to implore that Thou wilt Thyself prepare Thy destined abode, cleansing it from every stain, and enriching it with ornaments worthy of Thy presence. Grant me an increase of faith, hope, and charity; grant me true contrition, and profound humility; grant me to sigh with holy Simeon for Thy coming, and, like him, to centre in Thee alone the ardent affections and fervent desires of my heart. O Lord! Whose throne is surrounded by cherubim and seraphim! Whose presence is felt by all creation, Whose spotless sanctity the angels themselves contemplate with awe, I acknowledge my extreme unworthiness to receive Thee; but animated with lively confidence in Thy paternal goodness, I conjure Thee to prepare me Thyself, and to supply from the treasury of Thy abundant mercies for all my deficiencies. O Thou Who hast come on earth to save me, and Who by Thy sufferings hast opened heaven to receive me, grant me grace to profit by all Thou hast done and endured for my salvation!

Aspirations Which Should Be Used The Days Preceding Communion.

As the wearied hart pines for the refreshing water, so does my soul thirst for Thee, O Lord!

My soul sighs for the possession of God; when shall I come and appear before Him? Lord, I come to Thee; but how shall I prepare the way for Thee? I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.

How can I receive Thee into a heart so full of iniquities, and yet how can I abstain from the living Bread come down from heaven to give life to the world?

Have pity, I beseech Thee, on me, a sinner; and deign to prepare Thyself a dwelling in my heart; grant that from Thy adorable body may proceed a virtue to give strength and life to my soul.

Prepare me for Thyself, O Jesus! and render me worthy of Thy visit; look on me, O Lord! and inflame me with Thy love; that I may run after the odor of Thy perfumes.

Grant me humility of spirit, and pure charity, to render me worthy of participating in the blessed food of heaven.

I wish to attract Thee by my love, and to enjoy Thy presence in the centre of my soul. O my God! my life! my all! I beseech Thee to come into my heart, and to unite me to Thyself forever.

Act Of Faith.

“Behold, He cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping over the hills.”—Cant. ii. 8. Ah, my most amiable Saviour, over how many, what rough and craggy mountains, hast Thou had to pass in order to come and unite Thyself to me by the means of this Most Holy Sacrament! Thou, from being God, hadst to become man; from being immense, to become a babe; from being Lord, to become a servant. Thou hadst to pass from the bosom of Thy eternal Father to the womb of a Virgin; from heaven into a stable; from the throne of glory to the gibbet of a criminal. And on this very morning Thou wilt come from Thy seat in heaven to dwell in my bosom.

“Behold He standeth behind our wall, looking through the windows, looking through the lattices,” Cant. ii. 9. Behold, O my soul, thy loving Jesus, burning with the same love with which He loved thee when dying for thee on the cross, is now concealed in the Most Blessed Sacrament under the sacred species: and what doing? “Looking through the lattices.” As an ardent lover, desirous to see his love corresponded with, from the Host, as from within closed lattices, whence He sees without being seen, He is looking at you, who are this morning about to feed upon His divine flesh. He observes your thoughts, what it is that you love, what you desire, what you seek for, and what offerings you are about to make Him.

Awake, then, my soul, and prepare to meet thy Jesus; and, in the first place, by faith say to Him: So, then, my beloved Redeemer, in a few moments Thou art coming to me? O hidden God, unknown to the greater part of men, I believe, I confess, I adore Thee in the Most Holy Sacrament as my Lord and Saviour! And in acknowledgment of this truth I would willingly lay down my life. Thou comest to enrich me with Thy graces, and to unite Thyself all to me; how great, then, should be my confidence in this Thy so loving visit!

Act Of Confidence.

My soul, expand thy heart. Thy Jesus can do thee every good, and, indeed, loves thee. Hope thou for great things from this thy Lord, Who, urged by love, comes all love to thee. Yes, my dear Jesus, my hope, I trust in Thy goodness, that, in giving Thyself to me this morning, Thou wilt enkindle in my poor heart the beautiful flame of Thy pure love, and a real desire to please Thee; so that, from this day forward, I may never will anything but what Thou willest.

Act Of Love.

Ah, my God, my God, true and only love of my soul, and what more couldst Thou have done to be loved by me? To die for me was not enough for Thee, my Lord; Thou wast pleased to institute this great Sacrament in order to give Thyself all to me, and thus bind and unite Thyself heart to heart with so loathsome and ungrateful a creature as I am. And what is more, Thou Thyself invitest me to receive Thee, and desirest so much that I should do so! O boundless love! incomprehensible love! infinite love! a God would give Himself all to me!

My soul, believest thou this? And what doest thou? what sayest thou? O God, O God, O infinite amiability, only worthy object of all loves, I love Thee with my whole heart, I love Thee above all things, I love Thee more than myself, more than my life! Oh, could I but see Thee loved by all! Oh, could I but cause Thee to be loved by all hearts as much as Thou deservest! I love Thee, O most amiable God, and I unite my miserable heart in loving Thee, to the hearts of the seraphim, to the heart of the most blessed Virgin Mary, to the Heart of Jesus, Thy most loving and beloved Son. So that, O infinite good, I love Thee with the love with which the saints, with which Mary, with which Jesus love Thee. And I love Thee only because Thou art worthy of it, and to give Thee pleasure. Depart, all earthly affections, which are not for God, depart, from my heart. Mother of fair love, most holy Virgin Mary, help me to love that God Whom thou dost so ardently desire to see loved!

Act Of Humility.