Page:Complete ascetical works of St Alphonsus v6.djvu/42

40 times conjunctive, and that it is probable that it is here taken in this last sense according to St. Gregory, as we are told by Benedict XIV. Moreover, it must be observed that there is a great difference between sacrificing and offering: to the priest alone belongs the right to sacrifice, whilst all those who are present may offer the sacrifice. 2. Quorum tibi fides cognita est, et nota devotio ("Whose faith is known, and devotion apparent unto Thee"). By these words we are to understand that in order to participate in the fruit of the sacrifice we must have faith and devotion, which spring from charity. 3. Pro redemptione animarum suarum ("For the redemption of their souls"). The first effect of the sacrifice of the Cross, which is applied to us by the sacrifice of the altar, is to become free from the power of the devil. 4. Pro spe salutis et incolumitatis suæ ("For the hope of their safety and salvation"). These words comprise all the spiritual and temporal graces that God grants to us by virtue of this sacrifice, through which alone we can render to God the thanks that we owe him.

Communicantes et memoriam venerantes, etc. ("Communicating with the saints and honoring the memory, etc."). This prayer is said in order to enter into communion with the Church triumphant. Thereby we honor, in the first place, the memory of the Mother of God, then that of the apostles, then that of the martyrs and of all the other saints, through the merits and the intercession of whom we beg our Lord's protection in all our necessities. We who are travellers upon earth form only one body with the saints who are in heaven, and united with them in the same spirit, we offer to God the same sacrifice.

Hanc igitur oblationem, etc. ("We therefore beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation, etc."). The priest spreads his hands over the bread and the wine, and, through the merits of Jesus Christ, who re-